San Diego’s small Little Italy neighborhood, in Downtown, has changed radically over the last decade, and I say this, or rather write it, as someone who watched that transformation happen.
Back in 2010 I left San Diego for Los Angeles, saying goodbye to one of the liveliest neighborhoods I had ever lived in. By the time I returned, it was ten times busier. New restaurants open every week along its narrow streets, and one of the most popular is Juniper and Ivy.
In 2014, the restaurant’s current owner, Michael Rosen, and celebrated chef Richard Blais turned an old Little Italy building into one of the neighborhood’s most sought-after tables. No matter what time you go, it’s always full, so I recommend making a reservation ahead of time.
Cocktails worth ordering
Juniper and Ivy’s atmosphere and décor are its greatest strengths, and its cocktails deliver an explosion of flavors. I went for the “Finding Nori,” a drink made with gin, wasabi, and miso that has a distinctly Japanese flavor. The other cocktail names are just as fun: “Brunch with the In-Laws” (vodka and ginger beer), “Tijuana Day Trip” (tequila and mezcal, as it should be) and “B-A-N-A-N-A-S” (an explosive mix of tropical flavors).
What to eat at Juniper and Ivy
This is one of those restaurants where you come to share with the rest of the table, because trying a single dish isn’t enough (even if some main courses will leave you full). For starters, I recommend the house specialties: the Spicy Tuna Handroll and the Baja Yellowtail.
From the “Shared Plates” section, don’t miss the strawberry salad (it will leave you wanting more), the beef carpaccio and the rigatoni.
You can’t leave without trying another of the kitchen’s most famous dishes: “Garden & Grain,” a vegetarian option that will leave you satisfied and with a great taste in your mouth. If you’re more of a meat person, order the steak, although the tuna steak is excellent too.
I first wrote about Juniper and Ivy in 2019. The menu changes with the seasons, so check the current menu before you go.
If you’re planning a getaway to San Diego, Juniper and Ivy should be on your list of places to eat. And if you’re heading up the coast afterward, check out our guide to the California Coastal Trail.
Location and price
Location: 2228 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Price: $$
