The person helping me was welcoming and invited me to smell the leaves of so many different teas…read more There's a huge variety of uncaffeinated, green, and black teas as well as Yerba mate teas. There's also a handy tea menu to explain the components and flavor profiles of each tea. I was able to sample the scents of so many different teas and ended up choosing one black and one green tea. Swami Power (black) is so fruity and bright. I love this tea so much. The Lavender Fields (green) has a strong floral flavor. I definitely would get swami power again once I run out, but would pass on the Lavender Fields next time-- it's still good though! The teas cost a pretty penny, but I think it's worth it.

Tea Bazaar is located in Little Italy. We first saw them on the Market in little Italy every…read moreWednesday or Saturday. My wife bought some tea there and over the weekend my wife sent me to their actual store. So many good ones to choose from, I just picked whatever I think she may like the most, I got her the Jasmine Pearl. So if you are looking for a good tea, this is also a good spot to get it. The place is so organized and so clean, staff is nice, the parking is side street, but if you can't find one there's a paid parking lot only a few steps from their store.

Took a stroll through downtown and somehow ended up exactly where I needed to be--at Love Portion…read more I was on a mission for matcha, but not just any matcha... I wanted something a little extra, and this spot delivered. I ordered a custom lavender iced matcha with honey cold foam and wow... it was such a good call. The lavender wasn't overpowering, just light and calming, and paired so well with the earthy matcha. That honey cold foam on top? Chef's kiss. It added the perfect touch of sweetness without making the drink feel heavy. Every sip was smooth, balanced, and honestly kind of addicting. What really stood out though was the service. It was my first time and I had zero clue what to get, but the girl at the register was so sweet and patient. She took her time helping me figure out a combo I'd love and made the whole experience feel really welcoming instead of rushed. You can also customize your milk (coconut, etc.), which I always appreciate. The shop itself is adorable. Think soft pink, super cute, aesthetic vibes all around. There's even an upstairs area that's set up for tea parties, which is such a fun touch and makes it feel a little more special than your average coffee spot. They also have pastries and small bites, so it's not just drinks if you're feeling snacky. Overall, this place is such a vibe. Great drinks, genuinely kind service, and a space that makes you want to hang out a little longer. Definitely coming back to try more of their menu.

One of the happiest cafecito spots we've ever been to! So many pink flowers and butterflies and all…read morethe fun stuff! Thank you for hosting us! Everything was perfect. And thank you Ashley for your hospitality and giving us a brief history about your cafe! - The Cafecito Couple

A great brunch spot on a Wednesday afternoon after the Farmers Market in Little Italy. Great…read moreservice, fun and friendly atmosphere, with good food!

Didn't realize this was a chain at first, but the food and service still felt high quality and well…read moreexecuted. Located right in Little Italy, this spot was busy nonstop, but the staff kept things moving quickly and everyone seemed well taken care of. I ended up hanging out for a couple of hours before my flight home since it's conveniently close to the airport, and it was actually a great place to work from my laptop. Never felt rushed or like I was overstaying my welcome, which I always appreciate at a busy café. The food was genuinely delicious. I'll almost always order shakshuka if it's on a menu , and theirs did not disappoint. The tomato, spices, and cream were really well balanced. Also highly recommend the maple latte with oat milk.. slightly sweet & cozy.

First time having an affogato..... DELICIOUS!! Felt like I was visiting a little caffè in Italy…read more Service was great. They were very helpful and didn't rush us. The vibe inside was great. Nice & peaceful. #DiningWithTheAndersons #LittleItalySD #Italia #Affogato #Caffè

After a stroll from the Wednesday farmer's market in Little Italy, I had a craving for Italian as…read morethe establishments nearby caught my interest. I've worked in Little Italy in the past but have never tried Caffe Italia. I got their Italian sandwich, with the default bread being focaccia. Inside there were prosciutto, salami, ham, provolone, tomato, and house made balsamic vinaigrette. It had a good balance of deli meats, and the focaccia bread was thick to hold it all together. I thought it was tasty as well as their coffee, however my coffee wasn't filled up all the way. It is strong and their roast is bold! I liked it a lot, although a lunch meal can get costly so it would just be from time to time if I were to revisit. Not only that, but they also have a small selection of gelatos which look pretty authentic like Spumoni! Other desserts I saw were mousse, tiramisu, cannoli, cheesecake, carrot cake, and rugelach. The cafe is small and the service may take a bit if you are waiting for the food, but overall, I enjoyed my coffee and sandwich.

NONNA has me in a chokehold and I'm staying there forever!!!…read more Chicken Parmigiana is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE, and no one can convince me otherwise. Located in the heart of Little Italy, Nonna's is just one of those places you have to visit. The service is AMAZING, the food is DIVINE, and the energy is always so warm and welcoming. Parking can be a bit stressful, especially on busy evenings (which is pretty often), so be prepared to park a little farther away or pay for nearby parking around $25.

After grabbing small dinner in Little Italy , walked over to Zucchero's to grab a cannoli to-go…read more They had a ton of freshly made desserts and couldn't resist so I grabbed a fruit tart pastry as well. Both were delicious (~$6/ea). Prices are a little high for a single cannoli. Service was fast as well. The dessert/coffee bar is located inside Nonna's restaurant. They have seating inside and a few spots on the sidewalk. They also make coffee/tea, etc to go as well. Their gelato freezer was broken but they normally have a small selection as well. Parking in Little Italy sucks - not their fault.

A cute authentic Italian neighborhood cafe in Little Italy serving coffee, treats, gelato, and…read morepaninis. My friends and I were just looking to get a coffee in Little Italy, but when we walked in and saw all the delicious treats we had to try something else as well. I ordered a latte and neglected to tell them it was for here so I was given a paper cup, but they give real cups if you ask. The latte was good, and my friend bought a kitchen sink type cookie with chocolate, coconut, and macadamia nuts. It was warm and gooey good! Another friend tried the gelato and said it was very good. There are a few tables inside and tables out in front outside. We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful San Diego weather. The decor and tables definitely gives you an old school Italian neighborhood vibe with Italian markets right next door. If I am in the neighborhood again, I would definitely come back here to try the gelato and/or a piece of an excellent looking lemon pie bar I spotted.

If there is better gelato in San Diego, I have not tried it…read more They have more than gelato here but gelato is all we tried. It was later in the day so they were out of or running low on some flavors. Nevertheless, the two flavors we tried were incredibly rich and flavorful. A little goes a very long way. Parking is incredibly tough in Little Italy but it is worth it for gelato this good.

Solid coffee spot that came through when we needed it most. Huge plus that it was open at 3pm while…read moremost other coffee shops in Little Italy were already closing. The Americano was smooth and rich, and the vanilla latte with the cream top was honestly the standout. Super well balanced and just really enjoyable. Definitely a spot I would come back to.

A nice coffee shop in Little Italy with a cute ambiance. Just be prepared for big lines and long…read morewaits on weekends, especially on farmers market days. I wanted a classic matcha latte, but they only offered a mint‑mixed matcha. The employee said it was subtle and refreshing, so I gave it a try. The wait was long, but the drink was pretty -- it came with a mint leaf garnish, which was a nice touch. Flavor‑wise, it just wasn't for me, but it was refreshing and lightly minty, not overpowering. They have a great outdoor seating area and food options too, though I didn't try the food this time. I'd come back if I was already in the area and it wasn't so busy.

If the portal - in portal coffee - is passing through the threshold to a land where cortados are…read moremade with punchy, fruity, flavorful espresso beans, close the gate like demogorgons are about to break through and leave me here for the rest of my days. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay for long but would have loved to explore the dimensions of this coffee shop with a good book and possibly a second (or third) cup of espresso perfectly mixed with just a few ounces of steamed milk.

-- Some Places Serve Coffee. This Place Serves Community. I…read morewalked into Portal Café looking for nothing more than a simple, honest cup of coffee. What I got was that -- and a whole lot more. Hannah and Jessica were working, and from the moment I walked in, the vibe was just right. I'm a straightforward guy -- black coffee with a splash of cream, print newspaper, no frills. When I mentioned I was old school, Hannah gave me exactly the kind of response that makes you feel seen rather than teased. These two have a gift for reading their customers and making everyone feel like a regular, even on a first visit. I asked Hannah for just a splash of cream -- I told her I wanted it the color of my skin. She nailed it on the first try. That might sound like a small thing, but it isn't. It means she was actually listening. I mentioned I was still reading a print newspaper -- an increasingly rare habit, apparently -- and Jessica didn't miss a beat. She told me they needed more of that, and invited me to sit down and read the paper and tell them what was good in it. I had somewhere to be, so I took my coffee to go -- but I genuinely wanted to stay. That kind of warmth isn't something you can fake or train for. It's just who they are. When I tried to leave a tip on the way out, Jessica looked at me and said I had great energy. I took that with me along with my coffee. The coffee itself? Excellent. Clean, well-made, perfectly calibrated -- in more ways than one. I came back later in the day. They were closing up, short-staffed and winding down. I left a tip then too, and they told me I was "extra." I told them if that's extra, the world needs more of it. They laughed. I meant every word. Here's the real tip though -- and I'm leaving it for you, the reader: just go. Go in, order something simple, and pay attention. Hannah and Jessica are putting something genuinely good into the universe, one cup at a time. You'll feel it the moment you walk through the door. Don't walk past this place.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Memorial Day 2026 commenced with the most amazing dessert I'd never imagine ordering. Before the…read moredessert, the gentleman that rang me up, and the lady packing the desserts (apologies for not getting names) provided exceptional service. My name was spelled properly, a short conversation reassured my dessert choice, and as I walked up to retrieve my dessert, the lady met me halfway with a smile (thank you for wrapping so it didn't fall over). The smallest of gestures and niceties are what make leaving the house worth it. GIANDUIA. This cake is nothing you can be prepared for, yet everything you need without setting expectations. The boysenberry was the perfect separation for the waves of chocolate and the subtle crunch of the hazelnut toffee type of layer on the very top. The chocolate mousse was the exact mouth feel needed to separate the rich layers of chocolate cake. I saw, I conquered, and I was yet again impressed by what Extraordinary Desserts so purposefully and gracefully offered. Thank you for healing a bit of my soul I didn't realize was waiting to be healed.

We normally come here weekly after dinner with family for dessert, but after this last experience…read morewe will not be returning. Also just so everyone is aware they're also liars just to mention & stupid.. she tells us her name is Karen thinking we don't know the owners name lol .. She was at the register at 7:20pm and was extremely rude and dismissive after we placed our order, especially regarding a child's dietary restrictions and health concerns. We politely asked if it would be possible to purchase a small cup of fruit , even just a couple strawberries cut up, because one child in our group cannot have sweets due to very strict dietary restrictions . Instead of simply saying they were unable to accommodate the request or offering another option, we were told to "go somewhere else," despite already spending the amount we did . The complete lack of professionalism and basic customer service was honestly shocking. It's disappointing to be treated that way at a place we have supported so consistently. This place has been going downhill , management for this place needs to step up .

I'm a big tiramisu girl and frost me has THE BEST tiramisu slide I've ever had. On top of it all,…read moreit's a huge slide. Coming In for either their happy hour or Saturdays are the best people watching. SO many attractive people pass by.

Listen they don't need my 5 star review. Right in the heart of Little Italy. Inside outside…read moreseating. Lots and lots of foot traffic. But they are going to get it! First up the staff: Trinity took my order. So friendly and helpful. Efficient but welcoming. Never stopped moving the whole time I was there. I ordered the egg salad croissant. I have to say the best egg salad sandwich I've ever had. Texture but creamy. Eggy and briny from the capers. The croissant flaky but held up to being used to make a sandwich. I got the chips. I highly recommend the chips!! Peppery, crisp, salty. I also got the hazelnut croinut (sp). Flakey, buttery, not overly sweet To drink I got an iced dirty chai. Not overly spicy. I ate everything for there and it came out on real dishes which I love. Otho h worse than eating a beautiful meal on paper plates. The portions are large so when I needed a to go box they were quick to provide, with a bag. It's dog friendly and they provided treats for my two. Outside area has umbrellas for the full afternoon sun. It's little Italy so street metered parking or paid garage.