Mother’s Day is coming quickly so if you’re still looking for a way to celebrate the special women in your life, look no further!

Little Italy has the perfect itinerary for Mother’s Day weekend in San Diego.

Celebrate early

Now that the weather is warming up, the Little Italy Mercato is the perfect place to kick off Mother’s Day weekend. Take a stroll down through Little Italy’s beloved farmers’ market from west of Kettner Blvd. to Front Street. Spend Saturday morning at Little Italy Mercato to shop farm fresh produce find unique gifts from local artisans, and choose a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers that are sure to bring a smile to your mom’s face..

Need an energy boost before shopping at the Little Italy Mercato? Stop by Frost Me Café & Bakery, located in the beautiful Piazza della Famiglia, for a casual breakfast featuring an assortment of healthy dining options. From a Matcha Chai Latte to refreshing Hibiscus Lemonade, you’ll find the perfect beverage that’ll prepare you for an outdoor walk in Little Italy.

Day of festivities

Start the morning at one of Little Italy’s hidden gems, Above Ash Social, located on the rooftop of the Carte Hotel. Their indulgent brunch menu and limited-time Mother’s Day specials make it the perfect way to treat her to something memorable.

After breakfast or brunch, walk around Little Italy to spoil mom on her special day! Shop local businesses such as Stroll, Bluza Boutique, Irelia Fine Jewelry for an assortment of items including clothing and accessories. You can also find top tier self-care options in the neighborhood including Italy Nails & Spa, Lena Nails, Bella Paris Nails, and Theory Hair Studio to treat your mom to a fresh mani-pedi and blowout to celebrate her day!

Little Italy is known for its wide variety of restaurants, and their selection of lunch spots is no exception. Want a refreshing lunch after being out in the warm weather? Crudo Cevicheria & Oyster Bar has an assortment of fresh seafood to choose from. If you’re looking for fresh lunch options to reenergize after shopping around Little Italy, this is the place to visit.

Lead a DIY wine tasting tour through Little Italy, all while sipping in the sunshine! Start at Pali Wine Co.,where you can enjoy a glass or two on their outdoor patio. Make your way to Vino Carta to sample natural wines and peruse their extensive selection for a bottle to take home! Finally, unwind at M Winehouse, offering an intimate, cozy atmosphere and a selection of wines perfect for toasting to Mom.

End the day at Bencotto Italian Kitchen to satisfy your pasta cravings. From their elegant and inviting ambiance to their prime location on Fir Street, Bencotto is a great place for a celebratory dinner. Order a plate of Calamari Fritti as you wait for your Squid Ink Gnocchi or Ricotta Ravioli to arrive at your table. Still have room for dessert? You can never go wrong with the tiramisu, gelato, or set of cannoli!

Not looking to plan a whole day on your own? Treat Mom to a flavorful adventure with Little Italy Tours & Experiences by So Diego. These curated walking tours offer wine and food tastings at some of the neighborhood’s most beloved spots—perfect for making memories together. It’s a fun, relaxed way to explore Little Italy while supporting local small businesses.

A look ahead

Looking for more excuses to try all the dining options Little Italy has to offer? Now you can! Taste of Little Italy, the beloved two-day culinary event, is back in June! From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18 and Wednesday, June 19, you can enjoy some of the best bites and sips Little Italy has to offer across the 48-square blocks. Check-in at the Piazza della Famiglia and take your Taste Passport to all participating restaurants for a bite of their best dishes. You won’t want to miss one of the most popular foodie events in San Diego!

For more information on the happenings of Little Italy, please visit us at LittleItalySD.com or follow us on Instagram @LittleItalySD, X @LittleItalySD and Facebook @LittleItalySD.