Step Inside California’s Little Italy Where This Family-Run Market Has Kept Italian Traditions Alive Since 1973

A family business here once supplied Italian provisions to a working tuna fleet. That detail alone made me sit up. Fishermen stocking their boats with Italian goods sounds like the start of a great movie.

The same family still runs things today, now in its third generation.

The story actually starts back in 1956, when a grandfather named Stefano opened the first restaurant downtown. His grandchildren, Renata and Stefano, now help lead the way.

Today you get a full restaurant and a packed deli side by side. One door leads to lasagna and pizza. The other leads to mortadella, prosciutto, and shelves of imported treats.

I love that this California spot never picked just one lane.

A Family Story You Can Actually Taste

Grandfather Stefano Brunetto opened the first Mona Lisa Restaurant in downtown San Diego in 1956. Seventeen years later, the family moved the operation to Little Italy, and Mona Lisa Italian Foods was born.

That 1973 opening gave the neighborhood a restaurant and a deli under one family name. Not many businesses in California can claim that kind of staying power.

The early days looked a little different, though. Back then, the business worked as a wholesale importer of Italian provisions.

Customers included the local tuna fleet and other San Diego restaurants. So the family fed fishermen and fellow cooks long before tourists started wandering in for subs.

Fast forward to today, and the third generation is stepping up. Renata and Stefano Brunetto are moving into leadership as Domenic Brunetto transitions.

I like that the name Stefano shows up in both the first and newest chapters. It feels like the family history folded back on itself in the best way.

Knowing this backstory changes how a simple sandwich feels. You’re eating something shaped by decades of the same family making the same kind of choices.

That’s a pretty tasty kind of tradition. And it’s still going strong on India Street.

You Get Two Experiences Behind One Famous Name

Most places make you pick a mood. Here, the restaurant and deli sit side by side, so you can decide on the spot.

Craving a sit-down plate of pasta with all the trimmings? The restaurant side covers that with a full-service menu of classic Italian cooking.

Want something faster that travels well? The deli handles hot and cold sandwiches, plus a market stocked with Italian provisions.

The setting leans proudly old-school. The place describes itself with that classic Italian style, and it fits the family’s long history in the neighborhood.

The restaurant opens at 11 AM Monday through Saturday and noon on Sunday, closing at 9:30 PM most days and 10:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

The deli opens daily at 9 AM, closing at 10 PM Sunday through Thursday and 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

That gives you a wide window for an early sandwich run or a later dinner. You could honestly do both in one day without anyone judging you.

Groups with mixed tastes will appreciate this setup. One friend can linger over chicken piccata while another grabs a meatball sub to go.

Everyone wins, and nobody has to negotiate for twenty minutes on the sidewalk. That alone makes it worth remembering.

The Deli Counter Is Where Sandwich Dreams Get Serious

Mortadella, capicollo, Genoa salami, and imported prosciutto all wait behind the glass. That lineup reads like a roll call for an Italian sandwich all-star team.

The cold sandwich options keep going from there. You’ll also find Molinari salami, sopressata, smoked turkey, and roast beef on the menu.

Not into meat? A vegetarian Caprese sandwich brings fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil together in a simple, classic combo.

The hot side deserves equal attention. Choices include meatball, sausage, chicken parmigiana, veal parmigiana, and pastrami.

Picking just one might be the hardest decision of your afternoon. My advice is to bring a friend and split two different sandwiches.

Sandwiches here also make great beach-day fuel. San Diego’s coastline is close, and a wrapped sub is a solid travel buddy.

Ask for yours sliced in half if you plan to share or carry it somewhere. It makes eating on a picnic blanket much less messy.

Honestly, the deli could stand on its own as a destination. The fact that a whole restaurant sits next door feels like a bonus round.

Browse Shelves Packed With Imported Italian Goodies

Some shopping trips feel like chores. Wandering the market aisles at Mona Lisa Italian Foods feels more like a scavenger hunt.

The market carries authentic Italian provisions, which ties right back to the family’s importing roots. Think pasta, sauces, cheeses, and cured meats for your own kitchen.

Here’s a smart move while you wait for a deli order. Take a slow lap around the shelves and see what catches your eye.

You might leave with dinner ingredients you didn’t plan on buying. That’s the friendly danger of any good Italian market.

Home cooks get a real advantage here. Grabbing quality cured meats and cheeses makes building a snack board at home much easier.

It’s also a great spot for gifts. A bag of imported pasta and a jar of sauce makes a thoughtful present for any food lover.

The space reflects the history behind it. A family that once supplied fishing crews still stocks the goods people need for real Italian cooking.

Just plan your shopping bag space before you go. Self-control tends to fade somewhere near the cheese.

Pasta Lovers Should Clear Their Schedule

Lasagna comes two ways on the restaurant menu, with meat or marinara. Choosing between them is a pleasant problem to have.

The pasta list runs deep from there. Spaghetti with meatballs, meat or cheese ravioli, and fettuccine Alfredo all hold down the classics.

Feeling a little more adventurous? Try gnocchi alla vodka, penne rosa al forno with chicken, or pesto alla Genovese.

Linguine al pomodoro keeps things simple and bright. Sometimes a basic tomato sauce is exactly what a long day needs.

Each entree comes with a choice of soup or salad. That makes the meal feel complete before your main plate even arrives.

The minestrone soup gets plenty of attention from diners. It’s a smart pick if you want something warm and loaded with vegetables to start.

Planning tip for families: pasta is usually the easiest win with picky kids.

I can’t imagine walking past this list without at least one strong craving. Go ahead and loosen your belt a notch before you order.

Thirteen Inches Of Pizza Decisions Await

Every pizza here starts with house-made sauce and dough. That’s a good sign before you even think about toppings.

The pies measure 13 inches, which makes them easy to share. Bring a hungry friend, or bring home leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.

Topping options cover the classics and a few fun extras. Mozzarella, pepperoni, and Italian sausage all hold steady for traditionalists.

Want more going on? “The Works” and the “Spicy Special” bring bigger flavor for those who like a loaded slice.

Fans of simpler pies have choices too. Margherita, Quattro Formaggi, and Bianca keep the spotlight on cheese and dough.

And yes, Hawaiian is on the list. The pineapple debate lives on, even in Little Italy.

Crust is up to you as well. Pick standard, thin, or double crust depending on how much chew you want.

Families can order a pizza alongside subs from the deli for a crowd-pleasing pickup. It’s an easy way to feed everyone without a long debate.

Thin crust or double crust, though? That one might start a friendly argument at your table.

Seafood Fits Right In With This Harbor Town’s History

Shrimp scampi, linguine with clam sauce, and frutti de mare all appear on the menu. Given the family’s tuna fleet history, seafood here feels right at home.

Little Italy grew up with strong ties to San Diego’s fishing community. A menu with plenty of seafood keeps a nod to that past.

Shrimp diavolo brings some heat for spice lovers. If mild food bores you, this one might be your match.

Meat dishes get their own spotlight too. Chicken piccata, chicken marsala, and veal piccata round out the entree list nicely.

Piccata dishes usually lean bright and tangy. Marsala tends to feel a little richer, which helps if you want something cozy.

Not sure which way to go? Order one seafood plate and one meat plate, then trade bites halfway through.

Remember that entrees include soup or salad on the side. That means even a seafood-focused dinner starts with something hearty.

Fresh ocean air is just a short trip away from this California neighborhood. It feels fitting to enjoy a plate of shrimp so close to the bay.

Save Room Because Dessert Plays Old-School Too

Cannoli here get filled with ricotta cream and chocolate chips. That’s the classic version, and classics stick around for good reason.

Spumoni pie is the other star on the dessert menu. Spumoni usually layers several flavors, so it’s a fun pick for anyone who can’t choose just one.

Dessert can be tricky after a big Italian dinner. Pasta portions add up fast, and suddenly sweets feel impossible.

A smart plan is to share your entree or take half home. That leaves space for a cannoli without regrets.

Cannoli also travel pretty well. Grab one for later if you’re heading out to explore more of San Diego.

Kids usually love the chocolate chip surprise inside. It’s an easy treat that feels special without being fancy.

I like how these desserts match the rest of the place. Nothing trendy, just familiar sweets that fit a family business with deep roots.

Ending a meal with spumoni pie feels a bit like a birthday party. Maybe that’s reason enough to celebrate any ordinary Tuesday.

Plan Your Little Italy Visit And Party Trays Here

Hosting a party soon? Mona Lisa Italian Foods prepares deli party trays and offers catering, so the hard work gets handled for you.

Tray options include the Classic Deli Tray, Cured Meat Deli Tray, and Caprese Deli Tray. Custom sandwich trays are available too.

Those trays work great for office lunches, birthdays, or game days. Everyone gets a taste of the deli without a long line.

Finding the place is easy once you’re in the neighborhood. The address is 2061 India St, San Diego, CA 92101.

India Street runs right through the heart of Little Italy. Plan some extra time to stroll the area before or after you eat.

Parking can be tight in this busy part of California. A few spaces exist, but rideshare or walking may save you some stress.

Outdoor seating is available for sunny days. San Diego weather makes that a pretty tempting option most of the year.

Fifty years in one neighborhood says a lot about a family business. Stop by, grab a sandwich, and become part of the story yourself.