The place is very nice and their quantity and quality of food exceeds expectations. We tried the carbonara, gnocchi and alrededor pastas and they were all delicious and rich in flavor.

Cozy dining experience with wonderful, kind staff. The portions are large and great for sharing, food is delicious and came out quickly as well. One of the few places in Gaslamp I would highly recommend. Be sure to try the crab cakes and the mixed grilled seafood linguine!

Asti nails the vibe and the food. The calamari was crisp and light, with a spicy marinara that had just the right kick. The octopus salad was super fresh and balanced with briny capers and crisp veggies. The Rigatoni Rugantino — tender filet, rich mushrooms, and a light tomato sauce — felt like a dish straight from Italy. Finished with the lava cake and a cappuccino. Perfect end to a great meal. Highly recommend.

It was Valentine’s Day and almost every place was super busy. As we walk by they told us they had a table if we wanted it which we did. They did a great job setting this place up for Valentine’s Day both having a Valentine’s Day menu and the regular menu we ordered off the regular menu. My wife ordered the Cavatelle Michelangelo and I had Pappardelle Vodka with shrimp and Dungeness crab. Both meals were fantastic. Our server Juan even on such a busy night was fantastic as well. They even gave a personal touch and given my wife, one of their balloons at the head tied to the chairs. I would definitely go again.

Dined with a party of 9 people and they were able to accommodate us well with two connected tables. It’s very busy inside and we got our drinks and food promptly. The food was delicious- rich and full of flavor. Would recommend reservation before going as well.

Asti: Old World Italian Elegance in the Heart of San Diego By : Sidd Captures There’s something about Asti, nestled in the pulse of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, that feels like a well-kept secret—a portal to a different time, a different place. Maybe it’s the white tablecloths, the warm glow of candlelight against dark wood, or the way the staff moves with the effortless precision of a restaurant that knows exactly who it is. You don’t just stumble into Asti; you arrive, ready to be transported. The Start of Something Beautiful The calamari here isn’t just fried and tossed onto a plate. No, it’s golden, crisp, impossibly light, served with a marinara sauce that whispers of long-simmered tomatoes and a hint of heat. Then comes the octopus salad, a dish that, in lesser hands, can be a rubbery disaster. Here, though, it’s tender, charred in all the right places, balanced with a bright citrus dressing that cuts through the richness. It’s a masterclass in restraint, in knowing when to let an ingredient speak for itself. A Love Letter to the Sea Then there’s the lobster fettuccine—the kind of dish that makes you pause, mid-bite, just to take it in. The pasta, silken and just the right side of al dente, cradles tender chunks of lobster, all swathed in a sauce so decadent you’d swear it was the work of a chef raised on the Amalfi Coast. And the crab linguine? A revelation. Sweet, delicate crab tangled in a garlicky embrace, kissed by the sea and just enough chili to keep you coming back for more. Wines That Tell a Story Here, wine isn’t an afterthought—it’s an affair. The 2023 Sonoma white Chardonnay is a stunning companion to the crab linguine, its crisp minerality cutting through the richness like a well-timed symphony. And then, there’s the Super Tuscan red, a wine that doesn’t just sit in your glass but tells the story of the Italian countryside, of sun-drenched vines and soil rich with history. One sip, and you’re there, on a hillside in Tuscany, feeling the weight of centuries in every note of cherry, leather, and spice. The Grand Finale By the time dessert arrives, you’ve already surrendered. But Asti doesn’t just end a meal—they craft an experience. Their desserts are delicate, precise—each bite a lesson in balance. A tiramisu that feels like a cloud laced with espresso and mascarpone. A panna cotta that quivers just so, teasing the spoon before yielding into something dangerously silky. And then, the espresso. Pure gold. The kind that reminds you why Italians don’t mess around when it comes to coffee—deep, rich, a final punctuation mark on an evening well spent. Final Thoughts Asti is not just an Italian restaurant—it’s a transportive experience, a love letter to the kind of old-world hospitality that lingers long after the plates are cleared. The service is seamless, the atmosphere electric yet intimate, and every dish tells a story. It’s the kind of place you’ll return to, not just for the food, but for the feeling—the memory of a night where everything was just right.

It is very rare to have a 5 star dining experience. I have been wanting to dine at Asti for many years. I needed a special restaurant to celebrate a special occasion and Asti was the first restaurant that came up for my Restaurants. Com gift card. A last minute reservation on a Thursday evening was no problem. Asti has a prime location on 5th Avenue in the Gaslamp District in downtown San Diego. Parking is difficult, especially since 5th Avenue is now a pedestrian boulevard and closed to cars. I circled the area twice, then gave up and found paid parking at Horton Plaza. I was nervous because I couldn't calculate the charge, but it ended up to be a reasonable 16. We chose to sit inside instead of the large outdoor patio on the street in front of the restaurant. The inside was empty with only 2 other tables of diners. More people were dining outside, but the restaurant was alarmingly empty for a usually busy Thursday evening. It made me a but nervous but I was determined to give Asti a chance. I'm so glad we did. Asti is an old school fancy Italian restaurant. It has a charming ambience and a lovely decor dominated by two huge murals on either side of the space. I didn't care for the silk flowers on each table...a few stems of an inexpensive flower on each table would be a huge improvement at minimal cost. I also didn't care for the slightly too loud modern music. They should play Italian opera or Frank Sinatra. The menu was formally presented in a heavy binder, just like the old days. I missed this so much during and after Covid. There was an insert listing specials without any prices. I have been burned by this before and asked how much the appetizer we were considering was. The burrata with heirloom tomatoes and procuitto was 25. I think that's an expensive appetizer, but it was very good. The first time I've had such delicious tomatoes in years. A bread basket with butter was provided at no charge to start our meal. The bread was warm and very good. We also enjoyed a large Pelegrino. I had the gnocchi with Alfredo Sauce and my guest had the spaghetti with meatballs (28 each). I usually order the gnocchi if it's on the menu and this was the best gnocchi I've ever had. My guest enjoyed his dish. Portions were generous enough that we both took leftovers home. We considered dessert, but decided we were full. Dinner was 100 for an appetizer, 2 entrees and the large Pelegrino. A good value for an excellent meal. Service was friendly although a bit casual for a "fancy" restaurant. Diners were not dressed up at all. I think they should have been. The women's bathroom was beautifully decorated. One of the nicest restrooms I've been in. The paper towel dispenser wasn't working though. I informed the bartender. I highly recommend Asti. The waitress said it was unusually empty. She said the prior night was packed. 9/12/2024 6:30 pm

Visiting San Diego for 3 days and wanted Italian food. We can to this beautiful spot around 4pm on a Sunday. The place is super clean! We ordered Calamari, Bacon Wrapped Tiger Shrimp, and shared a Spaghetti with meatballs. All were Excellent! The vegetables in the Calamari were my favorite! Our server, Sini, was very kind and graciously attentive. We sat indoors because it was chilly outside but outdoor seating looked pleasurable. The bathroom is very clean and has hot water. The prices are a little high but considering the ingredients are fresh, it’s understandable. Overall: A must try!