Always a sell-out, “Taste of Little Italy” is back this June. Some of the best restaurants in San Diego feature sample-size tastes at the annual event with ticket sale proceeds benefiting the community.

The Little Italy Association (LIA) will proudly present the event, showcasing traditional and eclectic eateries in the neighborhood. Held in the hip and historic downtown district, attendees get to stroll the streets while enjoying live music and tastes from favorite local hotspots.

Taste of Little Italy ticket holders will receive a passport that is validated by each restaurant in exchange for a taste of their featured menu item. Appetizers, desserts and specialty beverages are offered as visitors stroll through the district enjoying vignettes of live musical entertainment.

With many new restaurants to the Little Italy dining scene, this year’s annual event is anticipated to be another sell-out. Interested attendees are encouraged to purchase their tickets early.

The north route is West Cedar to West Kalmia Streets, and includes 98 Bottles, Bencotto, Buon Appetito/Sogno di Vino, Indigo Grill, La Villa, Landini’s Pizzeria, Mimmo’s Italian Village, Mona Lisa Italian Restaurant, Napizza, Po Pazzo, Puerto La Boca, Starbucks, The Waterfront Bar & Grill, Underbelly and Yogurtland. On the south route, (West B Street to West Fir Street), you will be able to enjoy Caffe Italia, Craft & Commerce, Davanti Enoteca, Enoteca Style, Fabrison’s, Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, Isola Pizza Bar, Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Kelvin at the W Hotel, Monello, Petrini’s, PrepKitchen, Queenstown Public House and Zia’s Bistro.

“Taste of Little Italy” will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 5:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m. The location is the Little Italy district in downtown San Diego with India Street serving as the main event thoroughfare. For directions, please visit: http://www.littleitalysd.com/OurLocation.asp.

Tickets are $28 for either the north or south route, or $42 for both. Tickets may be purchased online by visiting: http://www.tasteoflittleitalysd.com/tickets.php or by calling (619) 615-1092.