Asti Ristorante
728 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA, 92101
Asti Ristorante Menu
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Antipasti Caldi (Hot)
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Antipasti Freddi (Cold)
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Le Insalate
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Pizza
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Chef's Specials - Appetizers
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Chef's Specials - Pasta
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Chef's Specials - Entrees
Healthy Meal suggestions for Asti Ristorante
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Antipasti Caldi (Hot)
-
Antipasti Freddi (Cold)
-
Le Insalate
-
Pizza
-
Chef's Specials - Appetizers
-
Chef's Specials - Pasta
-
Chef's Specials - Entrees
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Address :
728 5th Avenue
San Diego, CA, 92101 - Phone (619) 232-8844
- Website https://www.astisandiego.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 11
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Romantic
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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Richard M.
Looking for italian close to our hotel Se San Diego - we found Asti on yelp and said WTH - let's give it a go. Not disappointed. Server helpful, attentive but not over bearing.
(4)Sandy C.
Wow....While visiting San Diego , we found this delightful spot while looking for an authentic italian lunch. Lovely tasteful outdoor seating . Our meal began with warm italian bread which we dipped in their smooth olive oil. Our server, Alessandro, was a gem he was sophisticated and knowledgeable about the wines as well as all of the delightful dishes. We selected the Zuppa di cozze E Vongole as our hot antipasti. (. It's a marvelous dish of fresh black mussels and Manila clams sautéed in an excellent garlic and white wine sauce that had us clamoring for more bread so as not to miss a drop! Alessandro found us the perfect wine pairing... A soft yet delicious chianti He described the 3 lunch specials with expertise. We decided on the Penne with an amazing and very unique pesto. We are only sorry that we both had no room for the delicious desserts Alessandro spoke of..including tiramisu and creme brûlée ! Highly recommended.. A perfect culinary experience!!
(5)Sabine M.
Great service, nice decor. had the fish soup, Cioppino and it was excellent. Great wine list too. I would definitely go back again
(4)Sasha R.
Upon returning to Asti I was very pleased! They have definitely stepped up their game! Good job!
(5)Nicole M.
Our server Jordan was the best!!! His recommendations were off the hook. Fantastic specials and appetizers. Ambiance was authentic. If you've ever eaten in Little Italy New York, you will right at home here. Our glasses were never empty, extremely attentive wait staff.
(5)Lynn K.
As lovers of Italian food, we were delightfully surprised to find several Italian restaurants along 5th Ave. in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. Of the two Italian restaurants that we tried, Asti was by far our favorite. We started with the Caprese Salad which was fresh and tasty. Then on to the Cavatelli Michelango (cavatelli topped with sun dried tomatoes and chicken in a marinara brandy sauce). Sinfully delicious! The service was excellent and the atmosphere was very enjoyable. Great experience from start to finish.
(4)The Critic ..
There has always been a plethora of Italian restaurants in San Diego, especially in the Gaslamp Quarter. Asti is with out a doubt one of the finest Italian restaurants in San Diego, their service is outstanding and the food is delectable. The Critic.
(4)Jeff C.
Went to dinner on a Sunday evening. Was able to get a nice table in the back. Halfway through the meal, a table for two, next to us, was turned into a table for four, leaving about 6" in between our tables. So we ended up with a table of 8 with four people we didn't know. One of our meals was good, one ok, but the lasagna was just terrible. Very dry, with no sauce on or in it. Just pasta and cheese. The worse I've ever had. Never saw our waiter after meal was served. Had to hail down the water kid to bring some sauce for the lasagna. A nice dinner turned into a terrible one. Won't be back.
(2)Callie R.
bacon wrapped shrimp and wine could make the entire meal. the caprese app was super good too. top notch proscuitto. Wines were good. as was the service. however.... their version of the cioppino was not good at all. I love seafood and I love cioppino and i eat it at EVERY. SINGLE. italian restaurant i go to. This one was not good. oily. scallops were overdone and i believe one was halved to make it seem like i got more on my plate. scant on the shellfish. the bowl was tiny compared to other versions I've had. (went to a place i coronado and i had a full metal pan FULL OF SEAFOOD brought out to me). At asti one bite of fish here actually made me gag. member of my party had the completely wrong cut of steak brought out to him. he was cool with it at first but then as he ate it, discovered it was cold. no acknowledgement from the management. despite the mishaps with the meal, we had a coupon from some magazine for 20% the meal. slipped it in the bill with our hefty bill (we spent a lot ) so not to make a scene, and they ended up making a scene. If you don't want to acknowledge your coupons, then don't put them out there. this is obviously an upscale eatery, but if you are going to put yourself out there with offers, please own up to them. We were discrete with your coupons, so please be discrete with your temper tantrums. another member of the party had the spaghetti...her meatballs didnt look too good. on the small side she was satisfied so im happy but still....
(3)Jesse S.
I had an excellent dining experience at this place. If you are looking for good Italian food in the gas lamp district, this place is your destination. Appetizers were awesome, service was quite fast and the fillet was the icing on the cake. Medium rare is the only way to go for a cut of beef that melts in your mouth.
(4)Jonathan L.
Mushroom Risotto was bland. Lamb shank risotto was tasty. Service was mediocre. I guess we didn't spend enough money to get adequate service. I always tip well for good service, not necessarily with respect to the value of the bill. 3 stars for $$$ doesn't really add up. Should have read the reviews before coming here.
(2)Blake H.
The whole experience was fantastic. We walked up and told the hostess we had reservations, she took us right in and sat us. We sat next to two older couples and had great conversation with them, the Cezar Salad was fantastic. my girlfriend asked them to make a dish off the menu and I ordered the Lobster Ravioli. The food was incredible! I couldn't get enough. Then came the desert tray! We each got one and they were delicious!!! To top the night off...At another table a guy proposed to his date. The restaurant exploded into cheer. Working at a hotel in the Gaslamp, I recommend people eat all over the city. I can't tell you how many people I've sent to Asti over the years. Every time people rave about the great time they had.
(5)Ongie C.
It was my first time in the Gaslamp Quarter and I was only in town for an overnight business trip. My colleague and I were starving and decided to just park and walk around. So, we discovered Asti Ristorante by accident. We originally wanted something seafood-related since we were in San Diego but didn't find anything in our price range. As we walked down 5th Ave, we noticed a lot of Italian restaurants. They all looked pretty empty... But then, we stopped in front of a place with patrons inside and outside on the patio and the prices looked decent! Who was it? ASTI RISTORANTE! We decided to sit inside since it was kind of a nippy night and were lead into a very cozy, semi-kitschy decorated dining room. Our waiter was very welcoming and suggested a variety of items to us. He was a tad chatty but I think it's because he found out we were in town for business and wanted to build a connection with the visiting customer. I have to give him some credit for that. My coworker actually ordered one of his suggested entrees, the Rigatoni Rugantino---a pasta dish with sliced filet mignon. I went with good ol' comforting lasagna (Lasagna alla Bolognese). We both got the minestrone to start. Ok, I RARELY want to order soup at a restaurant, especially something so "ordinary" as minestrone but man-oh-man, I definitely did not regret it! It was sooo good. If I had an Italian grandmother, I'm assuming that's what hers would've tasted like. It made me feel all warm & fuzzy inside. The veggies weren't soggy, the stock wasn't like drinking ocean water... I've never been so happy with a bowl of soup from a restaurant! When our dishes came out, I was impressed by the portions. Oh yea, the bread they gave us before our meal came out was delicious----warm, soft on the inside, slightly chewy on the outside and tasted good with or without butter. My coworker's pasta dish had more than a few slivers of filet mignon... *gasp* there were hearty chunks of quality beef! My lasagna came out piping out and drenched in this amazing cheesy, meaty tomato sauce. I wish I had more bread to sop it all up! We were able to have quality conversation during our meal because the noise level was perfect. We enjoyed our food and the atmosphere. The meal wasn't cheap but hey, this ain't no Olive Garden here! Quality Italian is worth the price we paid here. Stay classy, San Diego (by making sure Asti Ristorante never goes out of business!).
(4)Janice R.
Not the worst place, but certainly not worth the price we paid. My almost $40 sea bass was way overcooked and very rubbery. It had the texture of scallops not sea bass. A $25 kids meal for our 10 year old was a hug plate of pasta with a few shavings of filet mignon on top. For that price I wish we had the spent the $30 to get a whole filet. On the plus side, the tiramisu was excellent and the wait staff was prompt and efficient.
(2)Michael C.
I'm too lazy to do proper write up. But, we have been here 3 times and have always had such incredible food and service. It has been a unanimous 5 star experience each time.
(5)serina c.
Really good fresh and crisp Caesar salad. The pappardelle vodka sauce was delicious with freshly made pasta. The linguine alle vongole had fresh clams and big pieces of shrimp while the pasta was cooked perfectly al dente. Service was super fast and very efficient. I think the price for my meal was perfect. I read reviews about this place being over priced but come on your not at the olive garden. I would give this place 4 1/2 stars
(4)Sara K.
Last two times I dined at Asti I was very disappointed. I took my parents to Asti for dinner because I remembered a delicious spicy seafood pasta that I had there maybe 15 years ago. We were all less than impressed and I think that put a good ding in my restaurant selection credibility. Not that you need to be Italian to cook great Italian food, but I did notice the cooks were not Italian. I also noticed the restaurant and kitchen weren't very clean. You can see clearly into the kitchen when walking down the hallway to the restrooms. I would have left before ordering had my colleague not already ordered a pizza before I came back from washing my hands. Service was ok. But one of the worst tasting pizzas I've ever bit into.
(1)Tom C.
Wow - this place was incredible for dinner. I got the lamb shank - really done well, soft tender meat with risotto. Waiter was very good and we saw a lot of him. Wife had a cosmo, one of the best she's had. A nice place to go out to dinner in the gaslamp. Bring the cash, though, its $25-30 an entree
(4)Salena M.
Had better Italian restaurants in terms of food. Coming to San Diego, I only think of seafood, not Italian food. But, I want to check out the Gaslamp district and the restuarant was recommended by the concierge at the Hyatt Manchester. I do give double thumbs up for our server - he tried especially hard as I spoke my broken Italian to him and making sure the children's dishes came out first before ours. My husband did like their special lamb rigatoni with curry...it certainly was an original Italian dish...I would have put this dish as half Italian and half Indian. Dessert - skip this one....tiramisu was not creamy as I would expect from using mascarpone cheese in this dessert. I make it better especially when I kick it up a notch with Kahlua.
(3)Claudia O.
Service: used car salesman. Food: expensive.. crab cakes, really bad. Bread: only good thing. Went to Trattoria La Strada the next day... what a difference.. served us dinner at 11pm.. excellent food. Spaghetti Bolognese... Osso Bucco.. Insane.. haven't had it so good since NY. Service... professional, elegant, no B.S.
(1)BrashBabble W.
This is a nice looking restaurant in the heart of the Gaslamp district. Valet is $15. The food was average and nothing to rave about. The tables are tight so if you want intimacy this isn't the place. I had Chicken Marsala, which was good but not great. The chicken was very tender though. My girlfriend had Zuppa de Pesche, which she didn't care for, and she orders it often so she was a good barometer of the taste. The one great thing they served was the bread, it was delicious. The coffee was good too. Our waiter totally sucked and when we didn't order cocktails or appetizers he brushed us off. Certainly no way to treat 1st time guests. He brought the bill before asking if we wanted dessert or coffee, which we did. Our bill was $75 for two entrees, two ice teas, one coffee and a dessert. There are so many other restaurants to try; I would not go back here. Vicki
(3)Blu V.
On the pricey end, but I quite enjoyed our experience. We couldn't get a table in their small sidewalk patio so we settled for a table inside. The dining room is not huge, but suitable for moderate sized groups. The table setting was beautiful as were the mural and the interior decor, not overly ornate. Laughter and the clinking of wine glasses and dinnerware accentuated the cozy ambiance. The server recommended an excellent wine, we bought the bottle. The pastas were the best I had since I came to town, flavorful and tasted fine even when cooled. The small disappointment was the tiramisu. I have made better. I will admit I won't be coming here too often, but when I have friends in town looking for something better than pedestrian Asti will be on my list.
(4)Tania T.
I hardly dine in San Diego without some sort of deal or coupon attached to the place (and good reviews, of course). Restaurant.com thats how I found Asti, and I am very happy I did, yes a small place with great service and very good food, I had a pasta dish and hubbie had Salmon. no alcohol. We were told that the certificate is only good for dinner (we had lunch) but because they did not infomr us at the beginning that they would accept it this time, whatever, give me my discount =)
(4)Kathy O.
Asti is pricey for what you get, but the location and quality of food are stellar. They do not have eggplant parmesan on the menu, but will prepare it for you (quite tastily I might add) if you ask for it. I had a spinach salad which was described as having porcini mushrooms and prosciutto. It was still tasty despite having no prosciutto whatsoever as far as I could discern. My risotto was also quite good, and filling. didn't need a reservation at 7:00 on a Monday night.
(4)Scott L.
On a reccomendation from the concierge a colleague and I went here for dinner during a recent convention. From the minute to stepping to the host station through our meal the service was outstanding. To add to the exceptional service, the food was intense. The reason for missing one star was that the tables were really small.
(4)Francine W.
Went to dinner here last night. The chef's special menu has no prices listed. BEWARE! We had lamb chops with veggies that looked so so. The roasted potatoes weren't bad. I had a cup of coffee. The bill was $95.+
(3)Tridal P.
We just finished a meal here and was surprised at the poor service since the Manchester Hyatt recommended it. They seated us on a cramped spot next to another couple when they could have given us an open table in a clear area (they said it was reserved although no one showed up for an hour)... then the candle on our table wouldn't light so they had to replace it...then the food came late ...my tiny (gourmet) lasagna was so hot the top layer of cheese had been burnt black...yes, $17 worth of burnt lasagna...at this point we just wanted to hurry up and get out...
(2)Vikky D.
Food: DECENT Service: SUCKED ASS Examples... **Tables are not bussed as soon as patrons leave. They get bussed when they are needed. I don't know about you but I think that is so tacky and unprofessional. (They were not busy, BTW) **Our waiter couldn't remember our drink order. How hard is it to remember 2 ice teas? **We had to ask for bread. Then we had to ask for oil and balsamic vinegar. **They gave us someone else's bill and credit card. I'm sorry but is that not the ultimate service faux pas?! It was a corporate AMEX card. I could have been at the Carlsbad outlet buying myself something pretty before they even realized what happened. Morons. We will not be returning. With so many restaurants in the Gaslamp area that have both good food and good service, there's no reason to give this place a second chance.
(2)Michael M.
Was looking for a good restaurant in the Gas lamp District, with a large party of six took the safe route and went with Italian. Let me tell you this was a great find. The food was fantastic with generous portions. To have all six members of my party rave about the food, is no small feat. There was a lot of cross tasting of foods, and all were excellent as well as no one left hungry. My only negative is that we did not leave room for dessert. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and prompt.
(5)H L.
Overall the food was great. The some of us had soup and I tasted two different kinds and they were both delicious. The dressing on the cesar salad was just right - not too creamy and just the right amount. I had salmon which was nicely done. The cheese ravioli was deliciously homemade (6 huge pieces - still very filling) with a very fresh and savory sauce. The steak was nicely done, too. The service was great, as our waitstaff was very attentive to our table. Overall it was a pleasant experience.
(4)James R.
My girlfriend and I came here on a busy Saturday night but were promptly seated on the patio. It had this great European atmospher. Our waiter Mark was friendly and made us feel at home. We started with the Caprese appetizer and it was wonderful and plenty for 2 people to share. We both decided to order off of the Chef's special menu. Our meals came quickly and we were both very impressed. Especially me. I ordered the the Mixed Seafood Fradiavola and I couldn't believe how decadent it was!! It came on this huge plate filled with clams, mussels shrimp, salomon and 3 or 4 other types of seafood. I looked over at my girlfriend and told her that there was no way I was going to finish this only to find myself almost licking the plate, I did leave a peice of lonely fish on the plate as an attempt to preserve my dignity. She had the Chicken Fiorentino which she LOVED!! And kudos to Asti for carrying Peroni beer as well. Overall great experience. Can't wait to go back!!
(5)J.R. B.
WOW WOW WOW! On top of having the actual white wine Moscato FROM Asti (not California), the menu is extensive and affordable for being so delectable and delicious! It has the amazing taste of a home cooked meal that is perfected! There are options for anyone from the steak eater to the vegetarian. The atmosphere is very classy, but not at all pretentious. The waiters and staff are completely welcoming, super friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu in all aspects. You really need to check out this place if you want amazing Italian food in a beautiful atmosphere.
(5)Debbie P.
I made the reservation after 5pm. I didn't realize that IF you make reservations after 5pm, this restaurant doesn't honor them because they don't check the opentable.com reservations after 5pm. Well, when I arrived, the young hostess rolls her eyes at me and tells me I don't have a reservation, there are no seats nor tables available, and that I'd have to wait a minimum of 30 min to an hour. I left her my phone number to call me if anything opened up. Meanwwhile about 5 minutes later, I (and 4 others in my party) walked a few blocks and sat down at Buca di Beppo instead. About 30 minutes after we sat down and already had drinks plus we had ordered, the call comes; It's Asti calling. Well, the call came too late and we didn't end up eating here. Never will return either.
(1)Matt G.
With reservation was able to be seated immediately. Excellent staff provided expert recommendations from wine menu and entree selection. Loved the Filet ;-)
(4)Jessica D.
Typical as far as the Gaslamp dining scene goes. Nothing memorable, except for the price.
(2)Jose Paulo A.
This is my first review on Yelp. Personally I don't use Yelp but being a Regular at a few restaurants in San Diego such as Asti, I feel that I have to people know how good those restaurants are, specifically Asti. Asti is one of the first Italian restaurants in the gaslamp and has been there for 18 years, and some of the Staff has been working there since day one. I go to Asti at least three times a month with my wife and they were always spot on. Actually I just had Dinner there yesterday . Great food and service !! Hopefully if you are reading this review you would give Asti a try if you are spending some time in San Diego or if you live in San Diego.
(5)A M.
One of the best Italian joints I have been to. Recommended by hotel staff. Has outside and inside dining. It is child friendly as long as no strollers or high chairs involved since the inside is a bit cramped. Tad on pricy side. A little slow service but overall, a really good place.
(5)Trevor G.
Great authentic food, great service. Good for any day of the week.
(5)Sharon M.
Crowded, noisy, overpriced. The food was ok but not good. The service was not very good either. I wanted the server to identify what was on my plate but he never came over until after my plate had been cleared away. I won't be back.
(2)Troy R.
It was ok I expected more but I would go back If I could't find anything else to eat...
(3)Aireen T.
For our lunch break, a friend of mine and i decided to try something new near work. to save time, (we have 1 hour for lunch) we looked over the menu at work before heading out, this way we'll be ready to order. here is how our experience went: we first get there, seated, pretty cool, nice place, i like the vibe. we order the express lunch (key point) this comes as a 3 course meal. a salad/soup, entree, and dessert. i get the caesar salad (yum), fettucini con pollo (pretty good), and tiramisu. so the WHOLE time at that place, it was like a waiting game. we had one hour for lunch. so tell me WHYYYYY it takes almost an hour and a half to get through it?! i'll tell you how next item of food does not come out until you finish what you're currently on. now this isn't a bad thing at all, it's only bad when the server DOESN'T PAY ATTENTION IF YOU ARE DONE OR NOT! hence making you wait there FOREVERRRR since they're doing above system you'd think the next part of your meal would come out right away since they're anticipating it..nope, YOU WAIT SOME MORE! it's extremely hard to get the servers' attention...given it was only him, BUT it wasn't like the place was busy anyway! when you ask to have your entrees boxed AND your dessert that you haven't even received yet, most people can infer that hey--they may be in a rush. & if that didn't tip it off, how about the impatient look on our faces & CONSTANTLY checking the clock when a guy that walks in notices this right away, it's OBVIOUS he was not paying attention..AT ALL we finally get the bill...CASH. put down right away...SO WHY DOES IT TAKE YOU AT LEAST ANOTHER TEN FREAKIN MINUTES TO GET IT?! results in being 30 MINUTES over alloted time for lunch. "this better be some bomb ass tiramisu" it wasn't. do i really need a 10?
(2)Tracy G.
Very awful food. We ordered the worst crab cakes in the world which is too dry and tasteless, and stink mussels as appetizer. For the main entrees, my friend had the most expensive pasta in the menu, the one coming with big shrimp. And it is sooooo salty! The only thing that keeps us staying in this awful restaurant is the good service and my entree lamp trops. I mean if you made a mistake like us who have already sit inside and cannot change to another restaurant, I recommend you to order the lamp. Although it is a little too sweet, you still can eat it anyway : (
(1)Jizzo S.
SOOO GOOD....ITS GREAT! SERVICE and QUALITY is an A++ I had the Linguine con Scampi Picata. At first I was scared because I wasnt sure if I'd like the dish as I am someone who is "set in his ways" when it comes to ordering food and hates to be disappointed! THIS DISH DID NOT DISAPPOINT. In fact this dining experience helped me to want to try new dishes everywhere I go. The shrimp was cooked PERFECT and i'm real critic when I comes to shrimp. My buddy tried the Losbter Pappardelle and I was glad he did because I almost ate 1/2! They even changed the noodle for him as requested so he could "costumize" his dish. Nice intimate setting quiet too which is suprising for Gaslamp!!! I"LL DEF BE BACK SOON.
(5)Kay V.
Cool
(5)Tracy T.
First, let me begin by saying I'm quite surprised at the lack of reviews for this quality restaurant. I understand there are lots of choices in the area, and my husband and I spent at least 30 minutes trying to pick from all the competing restaurants. Eventually, it was Asti's special board that drew us in, and we enjoyed our lunch immensely. Since others have mentioned the speed of service, I'd like to note that our visit was on a Tuesday afternoon around 2:30pm. We had no trouble getting a table outside, and our server was professional and personable. We both opted for paninis (one beef, one chicken). Both entrees were excellent, satisfying, and reasonably priced (under $15 each). We also shared a reasonably priced Italian red wine, about $38. For those who feel the wines are overpriced, I'd like to recommend that you look for Italian wines rather than Californian. You'll be surprised by both the value and the quality. If in the area again, we would definitely return.
(4)Javelyn J.
Great food, great service. Try the lamb. Wine was very fine as well. Reasonable prices for large portions and five star food and service. Thoroughly satisfief
(5)L T.
I visited Asti for a business lunch. I'm gluten intolerant, and the waiter was very helpful. I had the red snapper (Dentice). It was wonderful. Service was good and the atmosphere was nice.
(4)TheTraveler C.
I eat there once a year when I visit San Diego. This year, I noticed a step up in both service and quality. This was Italian done right. Service was very good with exception to the table buster taking plates away too soon with out bothering to ask if you were done. Waiter was great.
(5)Tal K.
Good service, decent food, but Very overpriced. Also had to wait 30 min although we had a reservation.
(2)Ly B.
This is my go to spot.. It's been one of my favorites for years. I always order the clam linguine, the clams are so fresh and the pasta is always cook on point. It's always a plus when your favorite restaurant carries your favorite wine (Stella Rosa)
(5)Leah C.
Great authentic Italian! The pasta was hand made and perfectly cooked. Nice little romantic place. Great for a date night.
(5)Doreen K.
I love Italian food and Asti Ristorante was fantastic. Went to Asti with a group of girl friends and had a very nice dinner. The restaurant was a bit crowded and a little noisy, but it just could have been us having a good time. We had cocktails, appetizers, food, wine and dessert. The service was great! Mark, our waiter was very attentive, funny and personable. I would definitely recommend Asti.
(5)Nino R.
After taking full advantage of all the free Comicon events, I, my GF, and a friend decided on Asti for an early dinner. At 5pm, only the patio was sat while the dining room was completely empty save for our small group. We took advantage of their Comicon special (soup or salad + main + soda = $20). I ordered the Chicken Fettucini Alfredo w/ house caesar. My GF ordered the Breaded Tilapia w/ harvest veggies and a house salad and our friend ordered the Spaghetti Bolognese w/ house caesar. I also ordered calamari for the table. The calamari was slightly undercooked. For those that have never had undercooked calamari, it is very chewy. However, the tempura-like veggies were perfect. The Alfredo and Bolognese were spot on. The Breaded Tilapia was a large portion and came covered with veggies. My GF wasn't a big fan, she was craving a pasta dish. However, I'd order this for myself if I were to visit again. Service was good considering the "Zombie Walk" was taking place during our meal. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the area and helped us with directions to our next Comicon-related appointment. Had there not been dinner specials we probably would have tried another restaurant. It is a little pricey, even for Italian...
(3)Joshua S.
I had the extreme pleasure of dining here a couple of weekends ago. I ordered the Tagliata di bue al balsamico medium-rare. The world stopped for me at that moment as the meat melted on my palate. It went great with the Chianti San Felice I ordered by the glass. That is all.
(5)Aurora Z.
I am not a real big fan of Italian restaurants as it is because I consider Italian food easy to make and virtually all carbs and overpriced for what you get. This place was a step above but still not worth what we (my friend) paid. We were there for lunch and she had done so much research on all the downtown San Diego restaurants and she picked this one. We were not that impressed. Maybe its a better place to go for dinner. The seafood was overcooked, the soup was cold and this after we had two mimosas! Even the alcohol didn't hide these details... Still had a great time and the wait staff was good looking so, can't complain! :)
(3)K B.
It's overrated Italian food for tourists. The $22 eggplant parmigiana was fair at best. Sorta reminded me of something you'd find in the Trader Joes frozen food section. Service was attentive and professional. The other downer was a cappuccino that tasted like warmed over weak coffee. Won't be back.
(2)Michael B.
Service was excellent. They didn't rush us and always asked if we needed anything. Probably took us 10 minutes to decide what we wanted, everything looked good. Appetizer: Prosciutto and melon. Was good and just the right amount for two. Main dish: GF had the lobster ravioli. She loved it. I had a bite and liked it. I had the Capellini Ai Tre Crostacei. Angel hair pasta with shrimp, scallops and lobster in a white wine sauce with basil. The sauce wasn't over the top, had the right amount of garlic. I enjoyed it very much even though I'd probably prefer linguine over the angel hair pasta. Dessert: Tiramisu. Was very good. Was light and creamy, the lady fingers weren't soaked. Over all we liked Asti and will go again next time were in SD.
(4)Hector G.
While walking by a restaurant that was guarded by two large men, we stepped through their red ropes to check out the menu. Meh, we said. So I asked one of the burly gents "Where do you go for Italian?" His response "Oh, Asti for sure. It's off the charts." Asti it is and I'm glad he directed us this way. It's like, when you wake up from a nap feeling like having Italian food, steak, sushi and seafood just isn't gonna cut it. Italian food reminds us of eating at home with family and filling up on all the things we love, but know we shouldn't eat too often, right? We ate good here and considering how crazy-overpriced the restaurants are down in the gaslamp, this place is a bargain. The menu is exactly what we expect from an Italian restaurant. Lots of familiar dishes that make you want one of everything on the menu. -Prosciutto wrapped Prawns in a garlic butter sauce sauce was a bit too thick and clunky for my taste, but it was good while it was hot and become glue once it got cold. -Capellini with fresh scallops, shrimp and lobster tasty, clean and simple, mixed together with very good EVOO and it was perfect -Veal parm 4 good sized medallions of tender veal covered in a tangy red sauce topped with fresh cheese. Absolutely excellent dish served with baby carrots, spinach and roasted potatoes. -Dessert They had a few options that looked incredibly delicious but we just couldn't. After eating real, good Italian food, you really shouldn't have room for dessert.
(4)Chris K.
We go to Asti often and always request Mark as our waiter. Every time we have out of town clients or want a special evening we go to Asti for the personal touch of the entire staff including Mark and for the wonderful food that we can always count on to be the best . You are our go to restaurant here in San Diego. Keep up the good work!
(5)Big T.
We had a terrific lunch here. Very nice service, which is always the key for me when I take my ladies out (wife and two daughters). Good soup. Good pizza. Very good pasta. Had a very nice experience here.
(4)Kenny K.
Went on a date here this past week. The atmosphere was lively and fun, servers were very attentive, and engaged in some friendly conversation. The food was pretty good, I had the raspberry lamb, overall what you would want from a $25 dish. Sauce was a bit on the sweet side, but didn't detract from the meal. I would return.
(4)Shannon D.
Based on Yelp reviews, (and other forum's), we decided to hold our Wedding Rehearsal Dinner at Asti. The management that we worked with to get the reservation/deposit together was very friendly and helpful. The wait staff was very friendly and served us well. We had a large party (16 people) and everything seemed to go on without a hitch. They printed out the prix fixe menu with our names on top, a nice touch to the dinner. We enjoyed their Bruschetta (really good), salads, and I had their gorgonzola sauce gnocchi. It was pretty good, but not too impressive-but that may be because I don't like gnocchi...I was just really intrigued by the sauce! The rest of the tables in the restaurant seemed to be really close to each other, so don't expect a lot of privacy when dining at Asti. The decor resembles something you would see in Buca di Beppo, with framed pictures everywhere. I'd recommend the restaurant if you're downtown, but probably wont dine here again myself.
(3)Aaron L.
Knowing we would drop a hefty dime, we chose Asti for our dine. The food steped up to the plate, but the service was to our distaste. My beautiful woman and I wore the best from our wordrobe and hoped for an enchanted experience befor the play. I sat with my crutches as I was handicap on this night, and waited for her to typically find parking four blocks away. there were maybe five other tables seated at the time, but drinks still came out as if the place were packed. We watched as other tables received warm baskets of bread we were never even offered. Tables came and went while we still waited for the check. About the only thing that came fast was the main dish, as if they were hoping to make room for others in shorts and t-shirts. I did see one excuse that may have been made, they prepared a table for about thirty as I returned from the restroom. There was plenty of apology when I asked the bar tender my self for my lemonchelo after waiting 10 minutes while I saved the last bite of the dessert I hoped to eat with the drink. Not worth the dollar, especially if your in your white collar!!
(2)Kimberly H.
Awesome experience! Great food and service!
(4)Peyton C.
I've been to Asti many times & every time it's fantastic. From the pizza to the ravoili & everything in between, the food is phenomenal. The servers are always so happy & glad to see you which makes the experience even better. I'll continue to go back over & over! I work at a hotel downtown & it is the only place I recommend for Italian because my guests always come back as happy as I am when I go there!
(5)Cecilè C.
authentic italian food, highly recommend...
(4)Todd M.
We came here for Christmas dinner this past year. This is a quaint little Italian restaurant with all the hustle and bustle you would find in Italy. The space is tight, but the service is excellent. The food and wine were amazing. I had a seafood grill special and my wife had the lamb. It was all excellent. The staff here really hustle around and do an excellent job. Not for the claustrophobic though. Very tight quarters. The decor is very traditional Italian. The place is a bit pricey but worth it.
(5)Stephen S.
My family has been making special trips to this place since I was about 10 and the service and food is still divine. This isn't just some Olive Garden. It's a top notch place. I might also add that it's perfect place for a fancy date or a special occasion.
(5)jennifer f.
I went here with my boyfriend for a romantic dinner. The atmosphere was great, the waiter Tony was excellent and the food was delicious. Our server knew a lot about the menu and really helped us choose something that we were going to really enjoy. My boyfriend tried the mixed seafood plate and it was absolutely delicious with a ton of food. It's definitely enough food for two. I went with the lobster fettuccine which as flavorful and fresh. We enjoyed great wine and sat on the fun patio. We ordered the calamari appetizer and it was absolutely fantastic. My favorite calamari to date. This is a great Italian restaurant and a must try if you're in the gaslamp area.
(5)