Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
oChef » Pastiamo – San Diego
Pastiamo - San Diego
Photo from Pastiamo
Pastiamo at a glance
San Diego Hillcrest
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 19 of the guests
#21 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#3 Italian Restaurant out of 19 in San Diego
Excellent
9.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
118
Reviews
96.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Homemade pasta
- Friendly service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Difficult parking
- Warm interior
The restaurant Pastiamo is a charming Italian restaurant located in San Diego’s vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or looking for convenient takeout, Pastiamo offers a delightful culinary experience that transports you straight to Italy.
Overview: Introducting Pastiamo
Pastiamo offers a delightful experience, particularly shining with its culinary offerings and the warmth of its team. Guests consistently praise the homemade pasta and the genuine passion of the friendly staff, making for a truly welcoming atmosphere.
While the overall experience is highly positive, a minor point of concern for some visitors has been the parking situation. This establishment focuses on delivering quality without unnecessary frills, creating a casual yet cozy vibe.
The owner, Manuel, is often highlighted for his personal touch and enthusiasm, contributing significantly to the restaurant’s charm. It’s a place where simple, good food and attentive service take center stage.
Excellent
9.1
out of 10
118
Reviews
96.6%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
114
positive
Pastiamo achieves an impressive overall score of 9.1 out of 10, reflecting a consistently high standard. Customer satisfaction is equally strong at 96.6%, indicating that nearly all guests leave pleased with their visit.
These figures are based on a substantial 118 customer opinions, with an overwhelming 114 positive remarks against only 4 negative ones. Breaking it down, the Food (9.5) is clearly a standout, receiving excellent marks for its quality and authenticity.
Service (8.9) also rates exceptionally well, with staff often described as friendly and knowledgeable. Value (8.7) is considered good, offering fair prices for the experience, while the Ambience (7.3) is generally good, though some minor issues like indoor temperature have been noted.
What people like
- Authentic homemade pasta
- Exceptional, friendly service
- Fair, affordable pricing
What people don't like
- Challenging parking situation
- Warm indoor temperature
If you’re seeking authentic, high-quality Italian pasta served with genuine hospitality, Pastiamo is a strong contender. The focus on fresh, homemade ingredients and a truly engaging service experience makes it a place worth visiting, especially given its impressive recommendation score of 9.2.
While finding a parking spot might require a bit of patience, it’s a small trade-off for the delicious food and warm welcome you’ll receive. Pastiamo delivers a satisfying and well-regarded dining experience that consistently earns high praise from its patrons.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pastiamo
Food (9.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, prepare for an absolute treat! This place truly shines, boasting an excellent score of 9.5 and a phenomenal 100% customer satisfaction. Based on 73 glowing opinions, diners consistently rave about the incredible homemade pasta, rich flavors, and authentic Italian dishes.
The fresh ingredients and delicious sauces, like their standout bolognese and pesto, are frequently praised. Interestingly, there isn't a single negative comment to be found regarding the food. It seems customers are universally delighted, with zero negative mentions across all feedback.
This suggests a remarkably consistent and high-quality culinary experience that leaves everyone satisfied.
Food
73
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Homemade fresh pasta
- Authentic Italian flavors
- Delicious, rich sauces
What people don't like
Often praised
- foodYou can taste that the pasta is fresh and homemade. Everything felt super simple, but in the best way: no fuss, just really good food. The staff was chill and friendly, and the vibe is casual but cozy.
- pastaThe rigatoni with white sauce was creamy and satisfying without being heavy, and the parmesan on top tied it all together. It’s the kind of pasta that makes you feel at home. Simple, affordable, and absolutely delicious.
- fresh pastaIt's a sweet, locally owned, and honest establishment. They serve great fresh pasta made to order. It's a great place to spend your money.
- FoodFood:5
- pestoThe pasta itself was perfectly chewy, savory, and subtle, embodying everything one desires in homemade pasta. The sauces were equally delicious; the pesto was bright and vibrant, while the bolognese was light and well-rounded. The burrata was fresh and creamy, complemented by crunchy, sweet cherry tomatoes.
- saucesThey offer authentic Italian dishes without breaking the bank. All the pasta is homemade, including the sauces. I particularly enjoyed the delicious pesto.
- ingredientsMy experience at this restaurant was like being transported to Italy the moment I tried the pasta. The sauces were rich, flavorful, and made with real ingredients. I had the pappardelle with bolognese, and it was hands down the best I’ve had outside of Italy.
- pappardelle with bolognesepappardelle with bolognese, which tasted incredibly authentic
- white sauceThe white sauce is so good it's sinful.
- Bolognesethe Bolognese is so good
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre searching for truly exceptional Italian food, look no further. With its homemade pasta, authentic flavors, and universally praised dishes, this spot is definitely worth trying. Youre almost guaranteed a delicious and satisfying meal.
Service (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.9 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 96%, its clear guests are thrilled. Based on 24 positive remarks out of 25 total, people consistently praise the friendly gentleman and owner running the place, highlighting the staff for providing a great experience whether you Dine in or get Takeout.
However, its not entirely without a hitch. There was 1 negative mention among the 25, which pointed to an aggressive enforcement of towing. While this isnt directly about the in-restaurant service, its something to be aware of when planning your visit, as it could impact your overall experience before you even step inside.
Service
25
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, passionate staff
- Excellent customer experience
- Owner is very nice
What people don't like
- Aggressive towing enforcement
Often praised
- serviceThe pasta is homemade and perfectly cooked, and you can truly tell they prioritize quality. The staff was friendly, and the service was quick. Plus, the prices are totally fair for the excellent experience.
- ServiceService:5
- ownerManuel, the owner, is very nice and friendly
- staffThe staff was friendly
- Dine insi può mangiare al ristorante
- GuysBravi Ragazzi!
- ManuelI got to meet Manuel who is a fun, sweet angel from Milano. He was enthusiastic about sharing some culinary knowledge and providing a great experience.
- Takeoutoppure ordinare da asporto
- culinary knowledgeHe was enthusiastic about sharing some culinary knowledge and providing a great experience.
- gentlemangentleman was both friendly & clearly passionate
Frequently criticized
- enforcement of towingaggressive enforcement of towing
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly and enthusiastic staff, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of parking, as theres a slight concern about towing enforcement that could dampen an otherwise excellent service experience.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
The ambience here definitely leans towards the positive, with a solid score of 7.3 and a customer satisfaction of 78.6%, both landing squarely in the good category. Guests frequently praise the welcoming atmosphere and vibe , often noting its casual yet cozy. Many appreciate the parking space available, which is always a plus, based on 11 positive remarks out of 14 total.
However, its not entirely perfect. A few guests, 3 to be exact, mentioned that the temperature inside could be a bit warm. Interestingly, while some found ample parking space , others struggled, noting parking was near impossible or suggesting assigned spots.
This mixed feedback on parking is worth noting.
Ambience
14
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Casual vibe
What people don't like
- Warm temperature
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was rated 4/4.
- parking spacePlenty of parking
- restaurantManuel, the owner, is very nice and friendly. Wishing him lot of success with his newly opened restaurant!
- vibethe vibe is casual but cozy
Frequently criticized
- assigned parkinglandlord should look into assigned parking
- parkingparking is near impossible
- temperature insidethe temperature was a bit warm inside
Overall, the ambience offers a casual and cozy vibe that most customers enjoy, making it a pleasant spot to dine. While you might encounter a warm temperature inside or a bit of a hunt for parking , it's definitely worth checking out for its generally good atmosphere .
Value (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! Guests are consistently thrilled with how affordable everything is, often mentioning the great price per person and fair prices. With an outstanding 8.7 score and a perfect 100% customer satisfaction, its clear that diners feel theyre getting fantastic bang for their buck, based on 6 positive remarks.
Whats even better is that there isnt a single negative comment about the pricing or overall value. This means you can walk in without worrying about breaking the bank, as no one has found anything to complain about regarding the cost.
Value
6
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable dining
- Fair prices
- Great value
What people don't like
Often praised
- affordableIt’s the kind of pasta that makes you feel at home. Simple, affordable, and absolutely delicious.
- Price per personprice per person:$10–20
- priceMy experience at this new restaurant in the heart of Hillcrest's gayborhood was fantastic! They offer authentic Italian dishes without breaking the bank. All the pasta is homemade, including the sauces.
- pricesthe prices are totally fair
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place that offers excellent quality without emptying your wallet, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. You can expect a delightful experience where affordability meets deliciousness, making it a smart choice for any diner.
How are the prices at Pastiamo?
You’re looking at roughly 18 $ per person – reported by 19 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests stick to this sweet spot, with 16 out of 19 reviews falling right into the $11–$20 range. Only a few ventured into slightly higher price points.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 19 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
For an Italian restaurant, especially in San Diego, we think this pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance for a casual meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pastiamo
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Exceptional Pasta and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was truly outstanding. I told the staff that the pasta tasted even better than my Italian grandma's cooking, and their bolognese with mushrooms is a culinary staple, boasting rich and savory flavors. I enjoyed the food so much that I ate here twice during my visit to the city!
Beyond the delicious food, I had the pleasure of meeting Manuel, who was a fun, sweet angel from Milano. He was enthusiastic about sharing culinary knowledge and ensuring a great experience. I highly recommend giving this place a try.
- pasta10
- bolognese with mushrooms10
- flavors9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Incredibly Delicious and Amazing Experience!
I was just there 10 minutes ago and found the food to be very delicious 😋. It was nicely and well made with passion, and I am very pleased by it. The food was very incredibly delicious and amazing.
I highly recommend giving this place a try; you won’t regret it at all.
- food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Fresh Pasta Perfection!
My experience at this restaurant was a delightful surprise. It's rare to find a place that makes fresh pasta every day and keeps the ingredients simple & delicious. On a Friday night, I was surprised it wasn't more popular.
The spaghetti carbonara was flavorful, and the meatballs in red sauce were fantastic. The gentleman serving us was both friendly & clearly passionate about his work. I definitely recommend this place!
- fresh pasta10
- ingredients9
- spaghetti carbonara9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
7
Great Pasta, Parking Nightmare
My experience at this restaurant was marked by great pasta, with one of the best pasta textures I've had in San Diego. The food was rated a 5, and the white sauce was a recommended dish. The atmosphere and service also received perfect scores of 5.
However, the dining experience was significantly marred by the parking situation. The landlord needs to address assigned parking and enforce towing more aggressively, as parking is nearly impossible. I suspect the free parking is being abused, as there don't seem to be enough cars to fill the plaza.
- pasta texture10
- white sauce10
- food10
- assigned parking2
- enforcement of towing2
- parking2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Phenomenal Italian, Warm Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with phenomenal pasta and a white sauce that was "so good it's sinful. " The service was fantastic and so friendly, and I found the entire meal to be surprisingly affordable. I think I've found my new favorite Italian spot!
However, the temperature inside was a bit warm, reading "82" in the back of the restaurant.
- pasta10
- white sauce10
- service10
- temperature inside3
What Pastiamo offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Dining options
- Dinner
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Pastiamo?
At Pastiamo, you can enjoy dinner in a casual setting. They offer both dine-in and convenient takeout services for your meal.
What are the parking and accessibility options at Pastiamo?
Pastiamo provides a free parking lot, though finding a space can sometimes be challenging. The restaurant also features a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot.
How does Pastiamo rate overall?
Pastiamo holds an excellent overall score of 9.1 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 96.6%. Its Food (9.5) and Service (8.9) are particularly strong, followed by good Value (8.7) and Ambience (7.3).
What makes Pastiamo's food special?
Customers consistently highlight the fresh, homemade pasta and authentic sauces, with terms like ‘pesto’ and ‘bolognese’ frequently praised for their vibrant flavors and quality ingredients.
Is parking easy to find at Pastiamo?
Some customers have noted that parking can be challenging, describing it as ‘near impossible’ at times, suggesting it might require extra effort to find a spot.