Do I need a reservation, or can I just walk in?

Make a reservation—especially for weekends, date nights, or groups. The spot books up regularly, and walk-ins can face long waits or get turned away. You can reserve ahead and mention special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries) so the team can make it memorable.

What's the parking situation in Little Italy?

Street parking in Little Italy can be tight, so arrive early or use the nearby paid lots on Kettner or India Street. It's worth planning 10 extra minutes for parking—don't let it be a last-minute scramble on a date night or special occasion.

What should I order first?

Start with the gem lettuce salad (light, crisp, and fresh) and hamachi (tangy, delicious). The lobster pasta and filet mignon are standouts—both expertly executed—so pace yourself. Ask your server for drink pairings; they're genuinely thoughtful here.

Is this place good for kids?

Yes, it's kid-friendly, though the vibe skews toward date nights and business dinners. The modern space and patio are both welcoming for families during earlier hours; just know it can get loud and lively as the evening goes on.

Do you have vegetarian options?

Absolutely. The menu has solid vegetarian dishes alongside the meat-heavy mains. The gem lettuce salad and other veggie-forward plates are thoughtfully prepared and not afterthoughts—ask your server for specifics.

Is there outdoor seating?

Yes, there's a patio with warm lighting—it's a great spot if you're not a fan of the main dining room's moody darkness. If ambiance matters for your occasion, request patio seating when you reserve.

When should I visit to avoid a long wait?

Weekday early evenings (before 7 PM) tend to be quieter. Weekends and Friday nights fill up fast. If you have flexibility, a casual Tuesday or Wednesday dinner reservation will give you a more relaxed experience without the noise and rush.

What's the dress code?

No strict dress code, but the modern vibe and price point lean toward smart casual or business casual. You'll fit right in with nice jeans and a button-up, but dressier is always welcome for date nights or special occasions.

Herb & Wood — Mediterranean in Little Italy, San Diego

“Herb & Wood is Little Italy's wood-fired counterpoint to red-sauce tradition—California Mediterranean techniques meet serious cocktails in a sprawling, noise-embracing room.”

While Buon Appetito perfects marinara and Ironside shucks oysters in nautical digs, Herb & Wood occupies different territory entirely: the neighborhood's upscale answer when you want vegetables treated like headliners and proteins cooked over actual flame. This isn't pasta-centric Little Italy dining—it's the Cal-Med playbook executed with precision, where gem lettuce gets as much attention as the filet, and lobster pasta earns "unforgettable" mentions not because it's drowning in cream but because the technique holds.

The space runs loud and modern—reviewers consistently flag the noise and dramatic darkness, so if you're expecting intimate conversation, you're in the wrong room. The patio offers acoustic relief and heaters when the marine layer rolls in, but the real draw here is committing to the chaos: order the hamachi that regulars call "tangy and delicious," the crispy potatoes that appear across glowing reviews, and whatever wood-fired special anchors the menu that week. The cucumber dish gets specific shoutouts, which tells you vegetables aren't afterthoughts.

Parking on Kettner runs tight—arrive early or resign yourself to circling India Street's blocks. Reservations matter here (mention birthdays or occasions; they'll sometimes acknowledge it, though execution varies). The cocktail program skews old-school rather than craft-trendy, which fits the rustic wood-fire aesthetic better than you'd expect.

Downsides: when they're slammed, that sprawling room doesn't guarantee attentive service, and the Very Expensive price tag means you're paying Cal-Med rates in a neighborhood where you could eat spectacular pasta for half the check. But if you want wood-fired technique and a menu that doesn't lean on Little Italy nostalgia, this is the move—just embrace the noise.

Herb & Wood

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