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Little Italy · $38–65 · Ranked in 2 lists
Last updated
Herb & Wood is a Little Italy spot ranked #4 of 12 in our Best Restaurants in San Diego list, scoring 90/100. Order the wood-fired octopus and the squid ink garganelli. The most reliable special-occasion dinner downtown, with a patio that still feels like an event.
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Score 90/100 · Order: Wood-fired octopus and the squid ink garganelli · $$$ ($60–100 per person)
Brian Malarkey's flagship built the modern Little Italy dining scene. Everything comes off the wood-fired hearth and the room handles a big group as well as a date.
Local tip: Sit on the front patio at sunset, or at the bar if you want to walk in.
Score 86/100 · Order: Wood-fired pizza, roasted duck · $38–65
Brian Malarkey's flagship pairs wood-fired cooking with one of the county's most photographed interiors. The food is consistently good rather than surprising, and the patio is the reason to book.
Local tip: Request the outdoor fireplace section when booking.
Scored with our ranking methodology — restaurants, date-night-restaurants.
Written and fact-checked by the Sandi Spots Editorial team — San Diego residents publishing under Sleep Coast LLC. Every place we recommend has been visited in person or verified against an official source, and no business can pay for inclusion or a higher ranking. Last updated .