Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Little Italy

"Balboa Park is where the arts, culture and history of San Diego come together to create a 1,200 acre wonderland filled with unforgettable experiences for people of every age. Thriving botanical beauty flourishes throughout and surrounds 15 museums, a variety of performing arts and musical theaters, exotic gardens, fabulous restaurants, upscale shopping, the San Diego Zoo and exquisite Spanish Moor architecture. Known as America’s largest urban cultural park, more than 500,000 visitors come each year to delight in the beauty and amazing attractions of Balboa Park."

"With over 85 cultural and recreational facilities, Balboa Park is a must-see. It's probably best to start at the Visitor's Center for a map and events calendar, and to purchase a Balboa Park Explorer Pass, which provides entrance to most of park's attractions. The zoo is a big attraction, but there are also 16 museums, cultural centers, lawn bowling, a carousel, and a miniature railroad ride."

"Balboa Park is the cultural heart of San Diego, filled with world-class museums, restaurants, and beautiful greenery. The lush, 1,200-acre urban oasis is also home to nearly 30 museums and cultural centers, plus the world-famous San Diego Zoo. There are more than a dozen attractions in the park, each with its own events and special exhibitions."

"We know we said we love the salads in California, but sometimes you crave a succulent meaty burger – if you get that feeling while exploring Little Italy, then this New Zealand restaurant in a historic craftsman house. They’ve updated this old house in a pretty quirky way, with grazing sheep on the ceiling and sleek furnishings, not to mention the bar!. Sure it’s not quite as good as a trip to Queenstown or a day out in the NZ wineries – but it also doesn’t require a 12-hour flight…"

"This charming house-turned-restaurant looks like it was designed by Little Red Riding Hood after puffing on some Cali bud (example: there are sheep grazing on the ceiling of the dining room, for some reason). The semi-covered side patio and umbrella covered yard tables are perfect for a mid-afternoon sangria or a beer. If you choose to sit out a round, try the sun tea that’s brewed right on the porch."

"Address: 1557 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101Phone: (619) 546-0444Website. Queenstown Pub in Little Italy has one of the most charming outdoor patios in downtown. The shabby chic farmhouse decor makes you want to choose their patio year round."

"The Red Lobster restaurant in San Diego is a part of a lively restaurant chain offering American seafood standards with a lovely New-England theme for each restaurant. Some seafood lovers prefer Red Lobster because of the similar themes found throughout all locations throughout the United States. It offers familiarity and a standardized menu so it’s easy for patrons to find their favorite dishes in any town."

"The Cabrillo Bridge is a historic pedestrian and automobile bridge providing access between Balboa Park and Uptown San Diego. It's a great place to capture moody images at dawn. In general, Balboa Park is a great place to capture cool images."

"Partake in the traditional Churrasco without boarding a plane to Brazil. Skewers of meat are slow-roasted over a mesquite flame after being marinated in simple seasonings. The meat waiter will slice it freshly off the skewer until you throw in the towel."

"With three locations across San Diego, Fig Tree Cafe is the place to go for a creative breakfast when you’re tired of the same old waffles and OJ. They serve everything from omelets (like the Windansea Omelet, named after the local beach) to delicious takes on Eggs Benedict, pancakes and other breakfast dishes (like Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Sauteed Apples French Toast)."

"Fig Tree Cafe is an unassuming house turned popular breakfast spot in the beach community of Pacific Beach. Ingredients are locally sourced or even home-grown and transformed into authentic California cuisine at a reasonable price. Try french toast stuffed with marscarpone cheese, mangos and strawberries, house-made granola and yogurt, or a shrimp frittata."

"I like this cute little rustic restaurant, they have an extensive menu with all of the breakfast favorites, and a few unique items, too. Man candy bacon is a must-try, as well as a flight of coffees or the antioxidant shots, they’re really good!. Three locations, Liberty Station, Pacific Beach, Hillcrest."

"The husband and wife duo that operates Copa Vida originally began their entrepreneurial journey with a lone noodle shop, following the sale of their first business, they looked forward to bringing about a community-oriented cafe experience where everyone could feel welcome to gather. A peek inside the La Jolla location reveals just that: a creamy white, gold-accented coffee bar set in front of decadent honeycomb tile walls along with an ample array of comfortable seating arrangements – more pointedly, luxurious style meets cozily procured grace in a splendid crossover that devoted java farers and virtual, wifi-enabled operatives alike can appreciate. When it comes to coffee, Copa Vida brilliantly partners with multiple roasters in an effort to consistently showcase a variety of flavors and tastes that are savored by a myriad of palettes daily."

"Clearly they’re Very Good at everything they bake here since it’s a 3rd generation run bakery. Recipes and their old-fashioned baking style have been passed down for so long; which is why they’re here to stay. Of course they have the classic cookie flavors (choc chip, peanut butter, oatmeal and others), but they’re famous for their daily smiley face and surfing cookies."

"Famous for making old-fashioned doughnuts, this bakery is a hit with the locals. They also recommend the banana nut bread as well as coffee cakes. You can choose from a wide range of flavors with the coffee cakes, such a strawberry cream cheese to satisfy any sweet tooth."

"Monday – Saturday: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm Sunday: 5:00 am – 7:00 pm. Specializing in the “old style of baking”, V.G. Donut & Bakery whips up tantalizing donuts, pastries, cookies, cakes, and more daily."