Little Italy has always been a neat ethnic enclave within downtown, but only in the past year or so has it become a bonafide "cool" neighborhood, thanks to the addition of new condo highrises. Plus, the business district has been refurbished, including it's own nifty street-spanning neighborhood sign.

Little Italy was a stable ethnic business and residential community since the 1920s, and today represents downtown San Diego’s oldest continuous neighborhood business district. At one time, more than 6,000 Italian families lived in Little Italy and toiled to build San Diego into the center of the world tuna industry. With the decline of the tuna industry on the West Coast and the destruction of 35% of Little Italy due to the construction of Interstate 5 in the 1960s, Little Italy suffered nearly thirty years of decline. What makes it so special?:San Diego has a few longtime ethnic neighborhoods, but Little Italy has always had a proud tradition. Even during its years as an afterthought as a downtown interest, the neighborhood was always made up of mom and pop businesses. And now, thanks to redevelopment, the neighborhood has a spiffy new gleam, with new eateries, shops and nightspots.What defines Little Italy?:Food. It's Little Italy, isn't it? For years, you went to the neighborhood for pizza at Filippi's or baked goods and sandwiches at Solunto Bakery. And now, it's a great spot away from the bustle of the Gaslamp and the rest of downtown to just spend the day strolling and chilling.