Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market

Farmers' market · San Diego

Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market

Farmers' market · San Diego

3

600 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101

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Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market by null

Highlights

Saturday market with 150+ vendors offering fresh produce, meat & eggs, plus crafts, plants & more.  

Featured in Eater
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600 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101 Get directions

sandiegomarkets.com
@littleitalymercato

$$

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600 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101 Get directions

+1 619 233 3901
sandiegomarkets.com
@littleitalymercato

$$

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Last updated

Mar 4, 2025

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"Located in San Diego, this market offers unique items like tropical-scented tallow lotion candles and fruit-forward loose leaf tea blends." - Giovanna Caravetta Giovanna Caravetta Giovanna Caravetta is a travel writer based in Southern California with a passion for embracing la dolce vita. She loves soaking up dreamy sunsets, wandering along new streets, and savoring del

Why I Always Visit Farmers Markets When I Travel
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@eater

"After another brief hiatus, the Little Italy Mercato Certified Farmers Market re-establishes operations this Saturday, April 4 under strict new guidelines. Still categorized by the state as an essential business, it will have a much smaller footprint according to San Diego Markets founder Catt Fields-White, who shared, 'Per City of San Diego requirements, the new layout will fit in just two blocks, with plenty of space between the farm stands. That means there’s no room for many of the grocery products that we consider essential. But farm fresh, perishable produce will be in abundance.' Open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the market will run along West Date Street from India to State Street. To maintain social distancing protocol, the market will be restricting the number of people allowed inside the market and monitoring to make sure that shoppers adhere to social distancing rules. Vendors will include 18 farmers and one fisherman, with 15 feet between each vendor stand, and shoppers will not be allowed to touch any produce prior to purchase. In accordance with new San Diego County regulations, market staff will be wearing face coverings and wash stations will be available on-site. Said Fields-White, 'We’re expecting everyone to cooperate, send a single person to shop, and be mindful of social distancing. If they don’t, the city has made it clear that our farmers’ markets could be suspended until further notice. If they do, we think we’ll be the safest, tastiest grocery shopping option in town.'" - Candice Woo

Farmers Market Returns to Little Italy Under New Guidelines - Eater San Diego
View Postcard for Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market
@eater

"The Little Italy Mercato, the neighborhoods weekly Saturday and Wednesday farmer’s markets, are being reactivated to the joy of its vendors and patrons. This Saturday’s Mercato in Little Italy will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., stretching three blocks on West Date Street." - Candice Woo

Little Italy Farmer’s Market Gets Green Light to Reopen - Eater San Diego
View Postcard for Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market

Kelly Lee

Google
Biggest farmer's market I've ever been. So many vendors selling a variety of items from fresh produce to handmade products. It gets very very packed. Almost impossible to walk around. But still very fun. Food trucks have really long line so I didn't even get try. Prices are obviously a bit higher than local markets, but it did look fresher. Only a few parkings I saw were street parking so it'll be the best idea not to bring a car.

M Pak

Google
Super super cool place! Don't miss the farmers' market, which is only open on weekends. You can enjoy the best flavor of coffee with crunchy fresh fruits and a beautiful bouquet of fragrant flowers. As well as. You must try the French breakfast sandwich, made with hot Swiss cheese melted on the spot. I studied in Italy a long time ago, and coming here felt like I was back in Italy. Little Italy is a San Diego specialty. I think I'll probably visit San Diego again because of Little Italy. This is a must-visit spot. I highly recommend Little Italy. Awesome!!!

Lucy Willder

Google
The Mercato Farmers’ Market in Little Italy is one of the best farmers’ markets I have ever had the good fortune to visit. It takes place on a Wednesday and a Saturday and is well worth a visit. There was an array of stalls with fresh produce, baked goods and hot food. After a good stroll around the Farmers’ Market in Little Italy, we finally purchased some pastries. First up was something called Kouign Amann, which was apparently one of a kind! It was sugary, flaky, buttery pastry filled with raspberry heart. When we took this out of the paper bag to eat, the pastry looked quite dry and crisp. It’s appearance was misleading. It was some of the best pastry, I have ever had the pleasure to experience. It was light and fluffy. The raspberry jam on the inside was just the right amount. The jam was so obviously home made as it had the a sweet pure fruit taste that you don’t get from a mass made jam. From a different stall on the market, we bought an apple pastry. This was a lovely tart with chunky slices of apple on a bed of vanilla custard and supper puffy pastry. It was extremely yummy. The pastries were washed down with a wonderful pineapple and mango juice.

Jessica Best

Google
A few blocks long, blocked off for pedestrian wandering. Beautiful view down the hill to the water. Variety of vendors from clothing and earrings to prepared foods, and some produce (oranges, berries) but more juices, honey, olive oil, etc.

Cristina

Google
Fantastic farmers market with a little bit of everything! Food is a tad overpriced but most farmers markets are. Rows and rows of fascinating good in beautiful weather. Also, as out of towners parking is a bit daunting for us in such a large city, but we found a parking garage 610 W Ash St that was safe clean and kept my paranoia at ease.

Tany McCaw

Google
My family and I are from out of town and we had a great time exploring this market. I found the cutest bandana for my dog at Barks & Crafts and some cute earrings. My mom got a french tablecloth that is going to go perfect with how she has redecorated her dining room. My sister and cousin all found books and jewelry pieces they liked. There is also a lot of good food and fun drinks, as well as flowers and fresh produce. It was a really fun way to see a lot of different local businesses in San Diego. I would definitely come again!

Paula Gadom

Google
I absolutely loved this farmers market! So many different stands with food, flowers, antiques and many more. Even thought it rained when we were there it was a great time! Such a cute farmers market!

Vy Le

Google
Cute and lively farmer’ market with a wide selection of vendors. Food was a bit too overpriced. Would only recommend if you’re there for the vibe and a little walk.

Cyn K.

Yelp
Overview: Huge farmers' market (6 blocks long!), great weekend activity, tough parking ---- Market Hours: - Saturday: 8 AM - 2 PM - Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM ---- Parking: - Hard to find street parking; other option is expensive paid lots - I reccomend taking the trolley to the County Center/Little Italy Station (just a 5 minute walk away). ---- The Little Italy Mercato is a farmers' market stretching 6-blocks with a large variety of vendors offering fresh produce, ready-to-eat food, unique crafts, and much more! Saturdays can get extremely crowded, full of both locals and tourists supporting these small businesses. With so many vendors, there's always something new to explore. My favorite things at this market are tamales and cookies located near the intersection of Union and West Date Street (they are right next to each other)! ---- The Tamale Fiesta: - $5 each, $55 for a dozen (12) - They aren't always ready to eat at the start of the market (8 AM) - Available to buy them frozen - Meat, vegetarian, and fruit tamales - Sweet Pineapple: A bit too sweet for me, and had a few pineapple chunks My favorites: - Beef in Red Sauce: Loaded with savory beef, moist masa, goes well with both the green (mild) and red (spicy) salsas - Sweet Corn: Great sweet corn flavor, small bits of actual corn, my favorite out of the "sweet" options Menu: - Beef in Red Sauce - Pork in Green Sauce - Chicken in Green Sauce - Vegetable - Monterrey Jack Cheese - Sweet Corn - Sweet Pineapple - Sweet Strawberry ---- CAKED: - $4 Cookie, $5 Brownie, $8 Monster Brownie, $10 Chocolate Dog - Weekly rotation of cookie flavors, offering everything from classics like Chocolate Chip and Snickerdoodle to creative options like Taro and Milk Tea. - There's a vegan and gluten free chocolate chip cookie, and sometimes a peanut butter one Brownie flavors: - Regular: Chocolate Fudge, Nutella-Stuffed, Turtle, Walnut, and Cookie Butter Blondie - Monster Brownie: Krispy Peanut Butter Marshmellow, Peanutbutter Chocolate, Slutty, and Snickers My favorites: - Butter Pecan Cookie: Subtley sweet, great buttery and nutty flavor - Pandan Coconut Mochi: Soft and chewy, texturally a mix between a cookie and mochi, pandan and cocunut flavors compliment each other well - Turtle Brownie: Fudgey brownie topped with pecans, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and caramel on the inside - Krispy Peanut Butter Marshmellow: Texture heaven! The crunch of the rice krispy cereal, with the soft marshmellow in the middle, on top of a fudgey brownie Menu deals: - Buy 6, get 1 free deal which you can mix-and-match with all of their items - Cookie Sampler Box: 10 cookies of your choice for $35 - Monster Brownie Deal: 4 Monster Brownies for $24 ---- Overall: Massive outdoor market (150+ vendors according to google), whether you're local or a tourist it's a great way to spend an hour or two, and fantastic way to support local businesses

Samantha S.

Yelp
An Amazing San Diego Gem with the Best Vendors! The Little Italy Mercato has become my absolute go-to since moving to San Diego. The atmosphere is unbeatable -- it's vibrant, welcoming, and always buzzing with excitement. The variety of vendors is remarkable; I've found unique, high-quality gifts for friends and family from so many incredible local businesses here. Recently, I picked up a gorgeous pair of pomegranate earrings from a jewelry booth that I know my aunt will love! Some of my favorites that I visit almost every weekend include the Brodino soup vendor, the Excite to Eat booth, and the Mulk company! Each offers something special, and they all make the market such a standout. I highly recommend checking it out and bringing a friend along. It's a perfect way to spend a weekend morning and support local small businesses!

Gillian A.

Yelp
Huge regrets for not catching the name of the fruit stand that I got blackberries from because those blackberries were some of the tastiest that I've had lol. In general highly recommend getting some blackberries here in the summer!! Anyway, a medium-size-ish farmers market. A balanced variety of stands (fruits, veggies, baked goods, knick-knacks, etc.). Biggest highlight is that the inclined street the farmers market is held at is perpendicular to the harbor so at the tippy top you can get a picturesque farmers market view with the water as part of the background. I visited on a Saturday and it was starting to get notably crowded fast at around 11 am. I probably spent a little over an hour total here taking two laps of the market at a decent pace.

Norma M.

Yelp
This is probably the best Farmers market we've ever been to. Such a wide variety/selection of vendors to choose from. I believe they do this every Wed and Sat.

Katie R.

Yelp
This is hands down the best and most elaborate farmer's market I've ever been to. From hot foods to specialty foods to fresh produce or craftsman's merchandise, this market has it all. There were about 6 blocks of different places to check out. It was very busy on an early Saturday afternoon but my husband and I fought our way through the crowds to try the fresh tamales, empanadas and juice/smoothie tents. Oh my goodness, those tamales were the best I ever had. The cheese and jalapeno was so moist and yummy, I will dream of those tamales forever. The empanadas were also good and I highly recommend taking home a bottle of the chimichurri sauce, it's so good! We found a mini amphitheater-like nook with steps for people to sit on and a talented man was singing some karaoke. A few people sitting next to us were eating sea urchins. Like I said, this farmer's market is special! I would definitely recommend adding this to your itinerary for a fun and yummy outing!

Nicole P.

Yelp
Now THIS is a farmer's market. Every other farmer's market that I've been to in SD is tiny in comparison. You can make a morning of it buying produce, eating and drinking from the vendors. Cons: It's pretty pricey, even having SF Bay Area as my basis for comparison. Parking is a whole thing; the reason I don't get to come as often as I would like.

Cindy B.

Yelp
I love this farmers market:) since I'm always looking for the freshest organic produce:). I love how many booths & food trucks there was. This is probably the biggest farmers markets I ever been to and everybody was so friendly . My favorite things are the exotic fruits, homemade pasta, fresh bread, and the pickles. I highly recommend getting there early so you can find a parking spot. Will definitely be going there again.10/10

Caitlin W.

Yelp
This may be the best farmer's market in the U.S. Water views, incredible selection, delicious samples, and flanked by incredible restaurants.

Daniella M.

Yelp
Best Mercado around town best Mercado in the US. They're not number one for no reason this is such a fun place!! A Saturday activity to not be missed. I am a regular here and I love it from fresh fresh tomatoes to fresh in season produce you can find so many unique items. It's really a fun day to spend with family and friends there's a ton of food coffee pastries unique gifts, people watching just overall a good time run don't walk to the Saturday Mercado and thank me later.

Victoria L.

Yelp
A Must-Visit Farmers Market Experience! This farmers market is absolutely incredible! Spanning four blocks, it's a bustling hub of activity with an impressive array of vendors--from farm-fresh produce to delicious food options and unique crafts. The variety is so extensive that we ended up making two trips in one day just to take it all in! The atmosphere is vibrant and inviting, making it a perfect outing for anyone looking to explore local flavors and artisanal products. Whether you're a foodie, a craft enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates the freshness of farm-to-table goods, there's something here for everyone. If you haven't visited yet, you're truly missing out. It's an absolute must-do for locals and visitors alike. Grab a tote and head over--you won't be disappointed!

Alana K.

Yelp
I stopped by here with my family on a Saturday morning. We got there around 10am, and it was packed. Very fun place to stroll around and try some samples. There was a good mix of artisan shops, food stalls, produce, and grocery items.

Sam F.

Yelp
Every time I visit San Diego, this is a must stop. From people watching to quality products you can find it all. Save your money throughout the week and buy flowers and plants here. The fruit is so fresh and fragrant the scent of anything in season wafts at you and beckons you to come into their little tent. Ready to eat food is a plenty. Not a ton of samples, but that owners or employees of the tents are ready to help.

Alexis F.

Yelp
Great farmers market, huge selection of vendors! I love how it's in the heart of little Italy. Parking was not hard to find either.

Kaitlyn P.

Yelp
This is one of my favorite farmers markets in San Diego! All of the Vendors and guest are super friendly! They have a great selection of food, fresh produce, flowers, as well as small businesses! Make sure you get there early because some food vendors tend to sell out of their items. The ambience is amazing! This picture of my cousin that I posted was actually featured on their instagram

Clythie C.

Yelp
It's packed with people and everything people need in life. Salty lemonade? We got you. Fresh bread? Yep. Jewelry? Plenty. Dog bandanas? Yes! Come for a blast of energy and lots of fruits, vegetables, and a wild assortment of everything else you need on earth. And you'll get your steps in too! This market is huge.

Nicole I.

Yelp
If you're visiting San Diego, I highlight this market. Are usually go Saturday mornings and I absolutely love it. There is always something for you to try and the vendors are exceptional each and every time. I've tried various foods from there, from the avocado toast to the tamales, or the Indian food! Whatever you get, you can expect it to be delicious. Everyone is kind and so welcoming. It is such a great vibe to go with friends and family. A must do!

Tawny V.

Yelp
This is the second time I've been to the farmers market in Little Italy. I am impressed by the selection of vendors. From what I remember the last time we were here, we showed up later in the day so a lot of them had packed up but this time there must've been over 30 vendors. The Mercato is open on Saturday 8am-2pm and Wednesday 930am-130pm Some of my fav vendors were; Candles, Honey, fruits from Fresno (great free samples), Tumeric tea and shortbread cookies, Nuvo olive oil, variety of teas and just because my partner loves N.Y style bagels we had to give Marigolds a try and they were scrumptious, Tamales and Asian Food. Give them a visit if you are in the area!

Jon A.

Yelp
Amazing Selection of farm fresh produce to food cooked and ready to eat as well a craft goods . Pleasant atmosphere for just a stroll Located in Little Italy.

Allie G.

Yelp
Wandering around Little Italy Mercato was such a great way to spend a Saturday! The market was pretty crowded and lively, and the vibes were excellent. We scoped out our options for a while, and then bought some berries from a fruit stand, which were fresh and fantastic. Next, we stopped at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, which had the cutest setup with a stand that looked like a little Volkswagen bus. I ordered a Cold Brew with salted caramel, which was just average. After this, we got some Chicken Empanadas, which were delicious and came with a great Chimicurri sauce. My boyfriend also got a tamale, which was probably the best I've tasted in my life. Our last stop was the Captain Jack's Shellfish Co for some Grilled Oysters. These took a long time to come out, but were totally worth the wait. Overall, a great way to explore and try a little bit of everything!

Brenda S.

Yelp
Tons of vendors! Great options to choose from. The produce looks amazing! They also have good food vendors.

Robert H.

Yelp
This is hands down the best farmers market I have ever been to. The food, the crowds, and the vendors. I have found my favorite spots in the form of avocado toast, oysters, and vegan cookies. If you've never been you have to check it out. Saturdays are far larger than the Wednesday market, but that's to be expected. I recommend the trolley or a ride share. Parking will be a challenge.

Kathleen Y.

Yelp
Walked around this farmer's market after having breakfast at Morning Glory one Wednesday morning. The whole market spans about 3 blocks or so, and they had a variety of vendors selling food, fresh produce, local goods, clothing, and so much more. I was absolutely amazed! Such a lovely little market to wander and peruse, and in the prime location of Little Italy. We ended up purchasing a couple books from one vendor, and then tea from the Tea Bazaar. Exploring this nook of San Diego is already worth it all on it's own, considering the many businesses in the area. So glad to have stumbled on the Little Italy Mercato when we did!

Skylar W.

Yelp
Had so much fun at this market! After breakfast at Morning Glory, we walked up and down all of the vendors. There's a great variety and if I lived here, I'd definitely do some shopping here periodically. The strawberries looked exceptional. I purchased some cookies from a local baker and they were delicious.

Elisa G.

Yelp
I love this farmers market and it's worth looking for a parking spot just to come here for awhile. So many vendors and everyone is so happy and friendly!! I was super excited that we saw handsome Lowell and bought 2 bags of popcorn then I bought a tiny perfume at a cool vendor who had a few different fragrances. It was a beautiful day today and I love San Diego!!

Tiana N.

Yelp
Very cute and large farmers market! There's a large variety of food, plants, and handmade items to explore. The market spanned across 4-5 blocks! I love the plants displayed, and some were on the cheaper side ($3 for large succulent). The food selection was also great, there were bakeries, samosas, coffee, and even oysters. There were also some artists singing and playing violin across the blocks. Absolutely loved the environment! Highly recommend checking out the Little Italy Farmers Market!

Gregg S.

Yelp
I was recently on vacation in San Diego for the 4th of July with the boyfriend. My nephew invited us to the farmers market in little Italy; the parking is nonexistent, so take my advice and Uber or Lyft! It was a warm day, but you could see the beach on the horizon The market itself is decent sized, but there's also lots to explore in downtown while you're there (coffee shops, restaurants, wine bars) all within walking distance. The market was pricey, but there's unique wares, food, baked goods, produce, art, and more..

Peter M.

Yelp
Since I had a few hours to kill in San Diego before my Amtrak train to the SFV, I decided to hang out in Little Italy. When I got here, and since it was a Wednesday, they had their farmers market spread over several blocks of the area. A so inviting sight, that I walked through all the areas, mainly looking for food stalls. While Farmers Markets are generally focused on fresh produce from the area, and agree, I was surprised that there were only few food vendors. No complaints here, because there was a Tamale place and there was a Dumpling place, and I decided to eat at the latter. The name of the dumpling vendor is Aro Chili Dumplin', a pop up, coming all the way from OC, run and managed by a couple originally from London, in the UK. I chose their mix and match six dumplings for $10. They had only five choices so I doubled on the Korean Barbecued Beef. Other 4 selections were Chipotle Chicken, Chicken and Mushroom, Samosa and Cumin Chickpea. So how were they? Well, I think that it would've been better if all the dumplings were steamed instead of pan fry and you may ask me why? Because some of the outer coats were too tough ...and then what about the fillings? They were all good and then on top, I asked for added chili paste oil, cilantro, chopped scallions and as you can see in my pictures, it is an attractive and colorful combination. The other vendor that was attractive was the Tamale stall. I will have to go there the next time.

Kelly L.

Yelp
Always love coming to this farmers market whenever I'm in San Diego. So many options from hot foods, pastries, flowers, fruits and veggies, non food items and more! Probably my favorite farmers market

Sara M.

Yelp
I REALLY loved this farmers market. It was crowded and parking was crazy but they had tons of vendors. Fruits, vegetables, meats, crafts, beautiful flowers. I would come here weekly if I lived close by. It was HUGE so definitely something for everyone. I would love to visit again!

Danny Y.

Yelp
This is a large farmers market. It's set on a hill, so be prepared to walk with a lot of crowds. Parking is not fun, so plan to get a little frustrated trying to find a spot. But there are a few different public lots available which are helpful. There are a ton of vendors here with all sorts of things to buy. Mostly small retail and prepared food, but a little bit of true farmer direct items. Vendors are diverse and mainly friendly, but some can get a little frazzled with the crowd. Fun experience and music/entertainment throughout!

Kyle T.

Yelp
I don't know about you, but I love starting my Saturday mornings with a trip to the Little Italy farmers market. It's like a little slice of heaven in San Diego. Golden raspberries, fresh fruit, and pretty flowers are all a must-have, but let's not forget about the real star of the show - the bitchin' sauce. I mean, who knew sauce could be so bitchin'? And the orange truck that serves up killer Vanilla Lattes. It's like they sprinkle magic beans in there or something. Plus, the hash breakfast sandwich was decent enough to satisfy my hunger. The view of the harbor is just the cherry on top of this already awesome farmers market. It's definitely my go-to spot in San Diego.

Arleen A.

Yelp
The Little Italy farmers market is one of the finest things to do in San Diego. I come here frequently for the amazing food vendors, but I recently brought my coworkers and friend from Boston. We ate grilled oysters, empanadas, coffee, pazole, vegan cookies, salty lemonade, pastries, and I'm sure there was more, but I can't recall what I ate. Aside from eating, I purchased a cowboy hat and a leather handbag, both of which I am obsessed with. If you want to experience San Diego, support local businesses, and are a Foodie, this is the place to go. Visit this farmers market.

Alex W.

Yelp
August Stop 10 Came here this past Saturday and was blown away by the number of stalls and options here! A wide variety of fresh vegetables/fruit, cooked food, plants, artisanal goods, and even greeting cards! It is very popular and we had to park a few blocks away even at 8:15AM. We ended up browsing through a lot of stalls, and ended up with a solid pork and green chili tamale, some lettuce for our upcoming trip, and one of the most uniquely sweet plums I have had in a while. Even when leaving we were planning our next visit to buy more fresh foods for our home! Very fun and lots to see!

Fia R.

Yelp
Truckloads of Cali-grown veggies and fruits under the canopies? Check. A variety of food for visitors of all kinds -- from vegan food, seafood, and even pet food? Check. Caffeine vendors? Check. Beautiful flowers and plants of all sizes -- even the giant ones?! Check. Local artwork and jewelry? You bet! Pet-friendly? Super check! Crossing guards because this farmer's market crosses 3 streets so that pedestrians and drivers don't curse at each other? Yep, that's a check. Only sucky parts? The amount of crowds for the narrow walkways alongside said vendors and both metered and public parking.

Alisa B.

Yelp
My 1000th review on Yelp ! ! ! This is definitely more of a marketplace than a farmers market! So if you're looking for fresh produce, there isn't a ton... but there are a few local farms that come! If you are looking for a lunch spot or want to support local businesses, this is the place to go. There are SO MANY vendors!! I recommend trying out these businesses: Captain Jack's, Melanade, Fromagerie & Cie, and Baba Foods! There are also tons of flower stands with many different species of sunflowers, eucalyptus, etc. Since street parking is a pain, I parked at the Kettner/Cedar Garage. It was $4 an hour. Very closeby and walking distance.

Han L.

Yelp
So many vendors. They did a great job setting this up here! Come on saturday, they have everything.

Aiko M.

Yelp
I have been coming here since 2016; while I usually hit up the Saturday farmer's market, I came specifically for Nuvo Oil (they're here Wednesdays). When I went to the tasting event, they ran out of a few things so I picked them up here: raspberry balsamic, a new harvest, and I got a bigger late harvest olive oil. I learned new things about tasting notes! In the past, I've gotten Nibble chocolate (which has a store front around the corner that I'm waiting on to open today), flowers, produce, beef jerky, a whole coconut to eat and drink, fresh pasta, and various desserts. The Wednesday market is very tiny compared to the Saturday one, but I found what I came for. Pros: - lots of vendors (Saturdays!) - vibe - cute date idea and area Cons: - not a farmers market in a classic sense; very much a craft show - parking sucks (take the train or trolley in!)

Trung N.

Yelp
Hands down one of the best farmer's markets Ive been to. It's HUGE and stretches for several blocks. There are a shit ton of vendors: produce, artisanal fare - breads, cheeses, oils - handmade goods, and plenty of hot food booths grinding away. In fact, I recommend making a whole morning of it - you can shop, eat (plenty of seating on public benches etc.), and pick up that birthday gift you need. If you find yourself staying in Little Italy, I highly recommend stopping by - it's a fun and easy way to spend a Saturday morning.

Katie G.

Yelp
Honestly would be a 5! But the only obvious downfall of this market is the blessing and a curse of the downtown and prime little Italy location (parking and the crowd, but it is the downtown San Diego experience!) This market is probably one of the most lively of the farmers markets in San Diego and is a recommendation if you are visiting from out of town and want your farmers market fix. A lot of vendors, food, and small businesses but a lot of people. Come for the vibes! (Or to get your steps in)

John C.

Yelp
Another awesome farmer's market with inexorable horrible parking. :-) Lots and lots of booths selling foods, beverages, frozen meats & seafood, and beautiful artwork and jewelry. Love walking up and down the hill to see the vast amount of vendors on both sides. One of my regular Saturday go-to farmer's markets as well as the one in Hillcrest, Poway, and Pacific beach.

Susie M.

Yelp
This Farmers Market is one of my favorites! The delicious food, beautiful flowers, the Art, and the opportunity to watch all the adorable dogs make it an unforgettable experience. Located in a prime area, you can enjoy a leisurely Saturday by strolling the market and stopping at a restaurant for a cup of coffee or perhaps a refreshing mimosa!

Cindy R.

Yelp
Little Italy Mercado is always a good time. We enjoy all the food options and organic produce. The service is excellent, and everyone is so welcoming. We appreciate the relaxing ambiance of the farmer's market, especially when we get there early before the crowd.

Stevo O.

Yelp
What a nice location for Farmer's Market on a beautiful day in Little Italy. This is one of the larger Farmer Markets taking up three blocks of vendors on this Wednesday morning, ending at 1:30. I was smitten by a Japanese Musubi vendor and wished I had come a tad earlier to enjoy the rice balls and other Japanese foods I'm fond of. Other booths included farm to table foods, jewelry, clothing, art and many other items. If you do miss the mid-week event, come on a Saturday and dine on the fresh local foods with Lunch in Little Italy.

David A.

Yelp
This is by far the best Farmers Market I've been to. It extends for 5 blocks along Date Street in Little Italy and, for the most part, is a double line of vendors. Selection is immense and even though I made 2 trips through in opposite directions and bought a lot of unique items, I still feel like I may have missed some perfect gifts. Food selection is top notch as well, with an eclectic blend of cuisine. Many different bakery vendors (my selection today was a raspberry Kouign Aman from BreadBar) and dishes to try (today was pozole, though I almost opted for the stuffed hashbrowns) that it makes it difficult to decide. Still haven't figured out how to deal with parking, but did find some a bit away and hoofed it. Highly recommend checking it out, particularly during a holiday season.

Sydney M.

Yelp
When I first moved to San Diego in the bankers hill area, I didn't think the community had too much to offer. But every Saturday morning, a short walk across the 5 freeway brings me to the best farmers market I've ever attended. So far, I've gotten honey from this natural honey spot, organic green tea, and candles. They also have a book store pop up where you can get 4 books for $20 (dangerous for book lovers like me). My favorite spot in the five-ish blocks to get lunch is the Thai fusion spot where they sell this amazing Thai fried rice. It's a really nice way to spend your morning or early afternoon. I take anyone who ever visits me to this place.

Michelle N.

Yelp
Lived in San Diego for over 7 years and I finally set aside time to go to the Little Italy Farmers Market - I'm beating myself up for not going sooner!!! - PARKING - I've come to Little Italy for brunch during the peak hours of the Farmers Market and parking is always a challenge. Be ready to circle around a few times or park further away because everyone is up bright and early! - SERVICE/ENVIRONMENT - Starts at the early hour of 8am and goes until 2pm. There were so many people walking around, but everyone is friendly and they don't shove you around, no matter how crowded it can get. Vendors are calling out to you, enticing you in with those samples... I definitely got suckered in at multiple spots. Love the high-energy, fun and bright attitudes of all the vendors here! I would definitely recommend bringing a tote bag or cooler bag if you plan to walk around long or have things to do around the area to keep all your goodies. - EXPERIENCE - I was honestly very pleasantly surprised by the costs of goods here - many Farmers Markets I've been to in the past have crazy prices that just dissuade me. Here, there's a couple of items that I would gladly pay the premium for due to their uniqueness (Salty Lemonade, I'm talking about you!) I love that there's a huge variety of vendors too, whereas other markets have solely produce items or solely plant items. Here, you can find bites and drinks to have while you walk around, silks and clothes, art, and other fun things! - OVERALL - Don't be a fool like me and wait so many years to experience this Farmers Market. It's definitely worth coming to at least once, but you may be enticed to come back again like I am!

Jennifer V.

Yelp
Hands down my favorite farmer's market here in San Diego. Great place to bring the whole family. There is something here to please everyone. Goods and food sold range from crepes to smoothies to chip dip to small-business clothing. We mostly see the same vendors every time we come, but there are a scattered number of newbies around. Vendors are super friendly and interactive. Some vendors also give free samples so you can figure out what flavor or spiciness level you want to buy. You can't get that kind of service in a regular grocery store! Parking can definitely be a pain! It is downtown so metered street parking is available or pay to park in a lot (this can be pricey!). We usually make sure to get there right when the market opens so more chance of finding a decent parking spot. I come here for the excitement and delicious food. Always a good time no matter who decides to come with me.

Carly M.

Yelp
This was my 2nd time attending this farmer's market so I pretty much knew what to expect. It's pretty tough finding parking close by. Since we were going to the Padres game we used spothero to prepay for our parking. It was $8 for the entire day. We parked about .5 miles away. I got dropped off at the market while my husband parked. There's such a large variety of food, drink and craft vendors. The farmer's markets I usually go to focus mainly on fruits and vegetables. I saw smaller farms here with fruits and vegetables but not the large quantities that I'm used to seeing. I guess they also cater to tourists as well. I found a really cute smaller Korean farmer that had fruits and vegetables that you can't get in grocery stores. I would highly recommend coming here especially if you are in the hunt for some exotic foods and vegetables. They also had gorgeous flowers you can purchase. Fun and wholesome event for families.

Stacey M.

Yelp
Whether you're a San Diego resident or a tourist, the Little Italy Mercato is the perfect Saturday activity. With a wide range of vendors - there's something for everyone! Great place to pick up local produce for the week! P.S - if MyPozole is there, try the pork pozole! Perfect for a brisk winter morning at the market!!