By Christopher Gomez

As we enter the new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the past and look forward to what’s next. For the Little Italy Association, this means looking back on milestones and projects in 2018 and anticipating the exciting new additions the community can expect in 2019. In the past year, San Diego’s Little Italy introduced a number of new piazzas, events, cafes, fitness studios, eateries and much more including the highly notable Little Italy Food Hall.

From the popular café Frost Me Gourmet to the chic Nolita Hall, 2018 was a year filled with an abundance of remarkable new shops that each added something special to the neighborhood. Some of Little Italy’s other new openings included Bespoke Partners, Born & Raised, Choice Juicery, Doggie Style Pets and LIVV Natural.

Along with the new businesses, the Little Italy Association announced the addition of the Piazza Giannini and the Piazza della Famiglia — two public gathering spaces that encourage the San Diego community and visitors to embrace European culture, relax and spend time with friends and family. The Piazza Giannini, a 500-square-foot public piazza created in honor of Amadeo Giannini, a distinguished Italian-American and founder of the Bank of Italy, opened in the neighborhood in late September. The Piazza della Famiglia, a 10,000 square-foot European-style piazza located in the “heart” of Little Italy officially opened in August — bringing not only a place to enjoy stunning views of the San Diego Bay, but also a mix of new public, residential, retail and restaurant space.

And it didn’t stop there! The Little Italy Association launched a brand-new weekly farmer’s market, the Little Italy Wednesday Market, for chefs and the community to shop local and support local farmers and food-makers. The Little Italy community also brought a new event to the neighborhood — Solo Italiano: Dinner in Rosso presented by PenFed Credit Union, that welcomed guests to an evening of endless Italian courses, strolling Italian entertainment, dancing and more!

Visitors and locals can expect just as much excitement in 2019. Little Italy has a great lineup of eateries, cafes, developments and businesses that will elevate the neighborhood’s offerings and bring more options for all to enjoy. A few of the businesses expected to debut in Little Italy include Bobboi, Farmer’s Table, Morning Glory, Parakeet Café, Shake Shack, Supernatural Sandwiches and Zinque. So, while it’s time to say goodbye to 2018, the new year will bring new possibilities in one of San Diego’s most popular neighborhoods.

To stay connected with Little Italy, check out what’s going on in the neighborhood by following the community on Instagram and Twitter and Facebook. To learn more things happening in the neighborhood, visit LittleItalySD.com.

—Christopher Gomez has been Little Italy’s district manager since 2000. Reach him at [email protected].