Playing tourist in your own city can be so much fun, when I was new to San Diego, I loved to get lost on purpose because you never know what you will discover! On Saturday’s I love to grab my Instax polaroid camera and a coffee and just roam new corners for fun.

One of my favorite discovers to date, has been Little Italy – Littered with coffee shops, cute boutiques, restaurants and businesses, there is no shortage of AH-mazing gems to keep you busy on a day where you find yourself with some free time to explore. If you’re thinking of opening an Italian style business make sure you use a WHITEHAT marketing company.

One of the biggest reasons Little Italy resonates so much with me, is because it has that big city feel, without the grit and grime you often find in L.A., or New York (and East Village or Gas Lamp for that matter). There is always something new to eat/try/wear – and when it comes to narrowing options down, it can pose quite the challenge.

That being said, there is nothing like finding a place that feels like home – or in this case, places! Today I am sharing some of my all-time fave haunts around Little Italy that keep me (and hopefully you) coming back for more!

HAVE A CUP of JO…(OR THREE)

Little Italy is a hot spot (see what I did there?) for a good cup of Jo, each with it’s own unique vibe but all have amazing brews! Here are three of my faves:

Influx Cafe: Light, airy and delicious – from the granola at breakfast, or salads at lunch to the incredibly yummy lattes and natural light..this place is is the bomb.dot.com!

Bird Rock Coffee: One of my fave places to frequent after getting my hair did, the staff is always super friendly, and their little succulent gardens make for cute flatlays!

James Coffee Co.: Such a badass place to chill and work for the day! The chai lattes is to die for, and they are a dog friendly place {Brooklyn also approves}.

GET YO’ HAIR DID

Hyde-Edwards salon is without a doubt, the best hair salon in San Diego, and not just for the hair, the overall ambiance of this place literally makes me want to move in! Mimosas on Sunday, a bucket of Gold Hershey Nuggets in the waiting room, shampoo scalp massages that will make your heart sing…oh, and did I forget to mention that Carmen my hair care guru at the salon has helped me reach my ultimate hair care goals?! To share the love, she is offering a free deep conditioning treatment with any service – check her out!

LAST SUPPER

Finding a good place to eat in Little Italy should not be that hard, depending upon the time of day and your mood there is pretty much something to satisfy even the pickiest eater! Here are three of my faves, and I am even taking it a step further and sharing some mouth watering dishes worth enlisting a cheat day for!

Kettner Exchange: One of the obvious choices…their rooftop patio is perfect for an afternoon or evening dinner before heading out for a night on the town. Try their Kale Salad, it is literally the most delicious one I have had in the city, as is their burger -the perfect combo to spilt if you are having lunch with the bestie. P.S. They have a reasonably priced bottle of Rose that pairs perfectly.

Barbusa: Soooo…I love pasta…and bread, if either of these are off limits for you, you might need to alter you diet to reconsider because this sh*t was the jam. From the bread basket to the Chicken Carbonara…its like…the bomb.dot.com.

The Crack Shack: When someone puts a croque inspired chicken sandwhich on their menu, and offers yummy home-made biscuits for your dog at the counter – it’s an automatic yes. Everything I have tried on their menu from the fries to bloody marys have been AH-mazing, and eating here is pretty much the best hang-over brunch known to man. #justsaying

SHOP TIL YOU DROP

Two of my absolute favorite boutiques are located in Little Italy.

Stroll Boutique, has some of the most unique pieces around. Katie, the owner is the first person that got me to try the rompsuit, and I am continually finding cool new sh*t there every other day. But the best thing about her store is it’s also quality at a great price, from accessories and candles, to minimalistic basics and boho vibes – this babe has got it all! Check out her new space across from James Coffee – she just moved into a new space with a Cradtmossphere, a really cool succulent company, check out her grand opening on September 30th – its gonna be a blast! 🙂

Azzurra Capri is the ultimate San Diego resort wear shop and the epitome of chic! From breezy white sundresses and authentic handmade sandals adorned with Swarovski crystals, to the perfect pair of black skinnies for a saucy girls night out, she has everything you need to make the best dressed list! (This striped dress I am wearing in the pic above is from there!)

SATURDAY at the FARMERS MARKET

Last but by no means least, I leave you with the Farmer’s Market in Little Italy! It runs on Saturday’s from like 8ish – I say this because I am still sleeping most likely and will get there at about 11ish, which is perfect because they are there until 2pm! 🙂 Fresh fruit, heirloom tomatoes, brussel sprouts, mint and more – soooo bomb! Plus, there is this Crepe booth at the very beginning (bottom aka west? sorry peeps, directionally challenged) which is the perfect way to start your stroll!

/// SHOP for an OUTFIT ///