Little Italy Mercato
A vibrant San Diego farmers market with 150+ vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and delicious prepared foods.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best selection & vibrant atmosphere
Little Italy Mercato
Best Time
Best selection & vibrant atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant San Diego farmers market with 150+ vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and delicious prepared foods.
"This is an excellent market! If you don't like it, you may just be weird."
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Buys
Beat the crowds and get the freshest produce by arriving right when the market opens!
🅿️ Trolley is Your Friend
Skip parking stress! Take the trolley, especially on weekends when kids ride free.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Farm-Fresh Produce
Throughout the market
Discover vibrant fruits, vegetables, and artisanal goods from local farmers. A true taste of California's bounty.

Gourmet Food Stalls
Throughout the market
Indulge in delicious prepared foods, from onigiri to gourmet sandwiches and freshly brewed coffee.

Artisan Crafts & Goods
Throughout the market
Browse unique handmade crafts, plants, honey, and other local treasures. Perfect for souvenirs!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Parking & Transit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Buys
Beat the crowds and get the freshest produce by arriving right when the market opens!
🅿️ Trolley is Your Friend
Skip parking stress! Take the trolley, especially on weekends when kids ride free.
💰 EBT/SNAP Accepted
Some vendors accept EBT/SNAP and offer extra funds for veggies/fruit. Great for budget travelers!
☕ Grab a Coffee Fix
Fuel your market exploration with a latte from Seven Seas Coffee or other local roasters.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Buys
Beat the crowds and get the freshest produce by arriving right when the market opens!
🅿️ Trolley is Your Friend
Skip parking stress! Take the trolley, especially on weekends when kids ride free.
💰 EBT/SNAP Accepted
Some vendors accept EBT/SNAP and offer extra funds for veggies/fruit. Great for budget travelers!
☕ Grab a Coffee Fix
Fuel your market exploration with a latte from Seven Seas Coffee or other local roasters.
🛍️ Bring Your Own Bags
Be eco-friendly and carry your finds easily by bringing reusable shopping bags.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Little Italy Mercato for its vast selection of fresh produce, diverse food vendors, and vibrant atmosphere. It's a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a true taste of San Diego. Some find parking challenging and prices can vary, but the overall experience is highly recommended.
"One of our favorite things to do in San Diego is visit the Little Italy Mercato farmers market on Saturday morning. They have 6 blocks of continuous fresh produce, breads, teas, coffee, juices, honey, cooked foods, plants, artisan goods, more. We also visit the Miso Hungry stand for their handmade onigiri (rice balls) and Seven Seas Coffee for our latte fix. This is a great way to spend your morning browsing for handmade gifts or grocery shopping for the week. Highly recommend this farmers market!"
Florence Wen
"Love this farmers’ market! Our first time here. They are open every Saturday.
It’s huge (I think it is), it is 4 or 5 blocks of vendors at both sides of the street. So much food and so many different options.
Grab a snack, do groceries, buy some souvenirs, listen to music, and just enjoy the vibe.
Prices are ok. Some things are actually a really good deal. Some others not so much.
Parking is as you can expect seating here pretty much in downtown San Diego. Lots of ACE paid parking little lots around the area.
The market, little Italy, DT San Diego, Midway Museum, and the coastline are all within walking distance, depending on how much you like to walk!"
J G
"I’m from out of town and randomly came across this cute market. I thought I had gone through the market until I saw another section! Great vendors and selection of fresh fruit, juices, peanut butter, plants, granola, tea, food, etc. I wish I had more money to buy more stuff lol. They offer ebt tickets and gave us an additional $10 to spend on veggies/ fruit ! I would come back next time I’m in town"
Natalie Davila
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Little Italy Mercato is easily accessible by car, but parking can be difficult and expensive. Many visitors opt for the San Diego Trolley, which stops conveniently in Little Italy. Kids 12 and under ride free on weekends, making it a great option for families.
Parking in downtown San Diego can be challenging. While there are paid parking garages nearby, taking the trolley is often recommended to avoid the hassle and cost.
Yes, the San Diego Trolley is a convenient way to reach the Little Italy Mercato. The Little Italy station is within walking distance of the market.
Depending on your walking tolerance, the market is within walking distance of other downtown San Diego attractions like the Midway Museum and the coastline.
The Little Italy Mercato is open on Wednesdays from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM and Saturdays from 8 AM to 2 PM.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Little Italy Mercato is free. You only pay for the items you purchase from the vendors.
The market operates on Wednesdays from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM and Saturdays from 8 AM to 2 PM.
There is no admission fee to enter the Little Italy Mercato. It's a public market where you can browse and shop freely.
Yes, some vendors at the Little Italy Mercato accept EBT/SNAP and may even offer additional benefits for purchasing fruits and vegetables.
For a less crowded experience, consider visiting on a Wednesday morning. Saturday mornings are the busiest but offer the full market experience.
🎫 🛍️ Onsite Experience
You'll find over 150 vendors offering fresh produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, coffee, juices, honey, artisan crafts, plants, and a wide variety of prepared foods.
Popular choices include handmade onigiri from Miso Hungry, lattes from Seven Seas Coffee, and various gourmet sandwiches and snacks from diverse food stalls.
Yes, live musicians often perform at the Little Italy Mercato, adding to the vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere.
While there aren't specific organized kids' activities, the lively atmosphere, diverse sights, and sounds, and the opportunity to try new foods can be very engaging for children.
It's recommended to bring reusable shopping bags, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat, as you'll be doing a lot of walking and it can get sunny.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The market boasts a wide array of food vendors offering everything from fresh produce and baked goods to gourmet sandwiches, onigiri, coffee, juices, and international cuisine.
Yes, with the diverse range of vendors, you can typically find vegetarian and vegan options, especially among the fresh produce and prepared food stalls.
Absolutely! The market is a perfect spot for breakfast or lunch, with numerous vendors serving hot meals, coffee, and pastries.
Visitors often rave about Miso Hungry for their onigiri and Seven Seas Coffee for their brews. Many other artisan food stalls offer unique and delicious treats.
Prices can vary, with some items being a great deal and others on the higher side. Overall, they are considered reasonable for the quality and variety offered.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture vibrant shots of colorful produce displays, unique artisan crafts, bustling crowds, and the lively atmosphere. The variety of vendors offers endless visual interest.
Generally, it's polite to ask vendors before taking close-up photos of their products or them. Most are happy to oblige, especially if you're a customer.
Morning light is often ideal for photography, providing soft, natural illumination. Early morning also means fewer crowds, making it easier to frame your shots.
While the market itself is the main attraction, look for colorful flower displays, unique food presentations, and the general buzz of activity for compelling photo subjects.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide market scenes and details. A smartphone camera is also excellent for quick snaps and social media content.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage your children to explore different fruits and vegetables, and let them pick out a special treat. Bringing reusable bags will make carrying your market finds easier for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
Instead of buying multiple prepared meals, consider purchasing ingredients to make your own picnic or snacks. Bringing your own water bottle and refilling it can also save money.
🚶 Day-Trippers
To maximize your time, plan your visit for Saturday morning to experience the full market buzz. Consider using ride-sharing services or the trolley to easily get to and from the market without worrying about parking.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Little Italy Mercato
Visitors often describe the market as huge and packed with vendors on both sides of the street. It's a fantastic place to spend a Saturday morning, whether you're stocking up for the week, grabbing a delicious bite to eat, or searching for unique gifts. The lively atmosphere, often enhanced by live music, makes it an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Key takeaway: The Mercato is more than just a market; it's a San Diego experience. Come with an appetite and an open mind to discover local flavors and crafts.
Culinary Delights at the Mercato
Popular recommendations include the handmade onigiri from Miso Hungry and the expertly brewed coffee from Seven Seas Roasting Company. You can also find gourmet sandwiches, international cuisine, fresh juices, and sweet treats. The market is a great place to sample local flavors and discover new culinary favorites.
Pro-tip: Don't be afraid to try samples if offered, and consider bringing a cooler bag if you plan on purchasing perishable items to take home.
Community and Local Vibe
Many vendors have been part of the Little Italy community for years, fostering a sense of familiarity and trust. The market's vibrant atmosphere, often filled with the sounds of live music and the chatter of happy shoppers, contributes to its welcoming and authentic feel.
Why it matters: Supporting these local vendors not only provides you with high-quality goods but also contributes to the economic vitality of San Diego's Little Italy.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit