Signature Cocktail
Fra Diavola
House espresso blend, vanilla, smooth and bold.
Trattoria Don Pietro
Sicilian coastal flavors · Old Town
Sicilian-summer nights in the heart of Old Town San Diego.
Handmade pastas, bright coastal flavors, spritzes, and late-night Italian energy just off San Diego Avenue.
Sunday: 11:30am - 10:30pm
Open nowSteps from the heart of Old Town at 2415 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110. Perfect before or after exploring Old Town’s historic plazas.
— From the Kitchen —
Highlights from Don Pietro
A tight, chef-driven menu of antipasti, handmade pastas, and wood-fired pizzas, inspired by Sicily and the energy of Old Town.
The Don Pietro Story
Little Italy roots, Old Town soul.
Trattoria Don Pietro was created by brothers Pietro and Joseph Busalacchi, whose family has helped shape San Diego's Italian dining scene for decades. In 2020, they brought their Sicilian coastal flavors, cocktails, and high-energy hospitality to Old Town with an all–al fresco trattoria that feels like a summer night in Southern Italy.
Today, Don Pietro is at the center of a new wave of dining in Old Town—celebrated for its wisteria-covered patio, lively bar, and vibrant Italian menu.
Read our full storySince 2020
Opened in the midst of the 2020 shutdowns, Don Pietro has quickly become a staple gathering place in Old Town, San Diego.
Recognized in San Diego
Honored by local media for its atmosphere, patio, and vibrant Italian food, Don Pietro continues to raise the bar in the neighborhood.
Late Night at Don Pietro
Spritzes, pasta, and Sicilian nights in Old Town.
As the sun drops behind Presidio and the lanterns glow over San Diego Avenue, Don Pietro turns up the energy. Aperitivo spritzes, Negronis, late-night plates, and a soundtrack that feels like a summer night in Southern Italy.
Tonight's hours: Sunday: 11:30am - 10:30pmOpen now
Aperitivo & Cocktails
Spritzes, Italian wines, and cocktails built for lingering under the wisteria and fire pits.
Late-night bites
Handmade pastas, pizzas, and coastal-inspired specials that keep the table going long after sunset.
Walk-ins welcome; reservations encouraged for weekends and larger groups.
Night at Don Pietro
A few scenes from the patio.
Swipe through to get a feel for the spritzes, plates, and late-night energy that define Don Pietro in Old Town.
Guest Impressions
“Feels like a night in Sicily.”
A few words from guests who joined us for dinner, drinks, and late-night energy in Old Town.
“The patio is stunning and the vibe is unforgettable. The spritz, the pasta, the service — everything felt like being transported to Sicily.”
Alexandra R.•Google
“One of the best dinners we’ve had in San Diego. Handmade pasta, great cocktails, and a super fun atmosphere in Old Town.”
Michael S.•Yelp
“Perfect spot for a date night. We loved the outdoor seating, the music, and the service was spot on all night.”
Daniela P.•OpenTable
“The patio is stunning and the vibe is unforgettable. The spritz, the pasta, the service — everything felt like being transported to Sicily.”
Alexandra R.•Google
“One of the best dinners we’ve had in San Diego. Handmade pasta, great cocktails, and a super fun atmosphere in Old Town.”
Michael S.•Yelp
“Perfect spot for a date night. We loved the outdoor seating, the music, and the service was spot on all night.”
Daniela P.•OpenTable
Contact Don Pietro
Questions, celebrations, or special requests?
Reach out for birthdays, anniversaries, private events, or any special touches you want to add to your night at Don Pietro.
Please allow a little time for responses during busy service hours. For same-day time-sensitive requests, calling the restaurant is best.
Find Trattoria Don Pietro on the map, or visit the full location page for more details.
Plan Your Old Town Night
Old Town guides, the Don Pietro way.
Use these short guides to plan dinner, drinks, and walks through Old Town, Mission Hills, and Presidio Park—starting and ending at Don Pietro.
Guide
Best Restaurants in Old Town
A curated look at the most memorable places to eat in Old Town, from patios to pastas.
Guide
Best Brunch in Old Town
Where to linger over late mornings, mimosas, and long, sunny meals.
Guide
Family-Friendly Restaurants
Patios, shareable plates, and relaxed spots that work for every generation.
Guide
Margaritas in Old Town
Classic lime, frozen, and modern twists in one of San Diego’s most walkable districts.
Best Of Old Town
Ranked lists, written from the table.
These pages are built for searchers looking for the “best” of Old Town—Italian, happy hour, date nights, and more—with Don Pietro as a central recommendation.
Best Of
Best Italian in Old Town
Where to find handmade pastas, spritzes, and Italian energy in Old Town San Diego.
Best Of
Old Town Date Night
Ideas for a full night out, from cocktails and dinner to after-dinner walks.
Best Of
Old Town Happy Hour
Patios, drinks, and snacks to start the evening without over-planning it.
Best Of
Outdoor Dining in Old Town
Open-air patios, heat lamps, and al fresco spots for every season.