Piazza Basilone

An absolutely perfect place to sit and watch the world go by. Views to the bay and located on the street where you’ll find many fantastic restaurants from family style pizza to upscale dining. REAL Italians frequent the place and just listening to them speak Italian can transport you to your favorite Piazza in Italy. Let’s not forget the catalyst for the Piazza… to honor the «boys» of Little Italy who fought and died in WWII. Choosing an American hero, John Basilone, as the namesake just makes the memorial more special and touching. Special kudos to one of the «boys» in the neighborhood, Gaetano (Tommy) Avila, who spear headed the project and got the city to agree to build the memorial. GO… you won’t be disappointed!

The most charming piazza to sit and enjoy the Pacific view and the life passing by! I just noticed last night the name of this piazza and was curious to know more about who was Basilone. It is nice to see some people who made a difference honored. The cute red metal chairs have plates with an illustration of Basilone and you are able to use the QR app on your phone to learn more about the history in situ. The fountain with mosaics is nicely designed and creates instant good mood, together with all those cute shops from Fir street. This is a nice square to sit, read, have a mini picnic in one of the tables, chat with friends or simply do nothing. Perfect to get some sun rays on a Saturday morning after your shopping in the farmers market. It is a very cozy area in lovely Little Italy.

As a Marine myself I grew up in the Corps with Basilone as my hero. Long live Manilla-​John, God bless this true American hero. I am so proud that we have a monument to him in my neighborhood of little Italy.
I love this piazza, from the fountain, the tables and chairs and Romanesque sitting steps the whole thing ROCKS. Go here and pay homage to a great American, god bless him and all the men who paid the ultimate sacrifice.