Slop
Having eaten in my fair share of "tourist" restaurants over the years, my expectations were not set very high. In fact, the meal started out OK with a pleasant waiter and an OK first course. Then the wheels came off.

Based on the waiter's recommendation we tried one of the salmon dishes. ("People are never disappointed.") Well, we were when the Wal-Mart quality fish came out buried under a lifeless pile of steamed vegetables. The sides listed on the menu, roasted potatoes and asparagus, were replaced with cold mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli.

When the waiter was asked about the substitution his response was "We are out of the roasted potatoes." When it was clear that this explanation was not selling, he resorted to "I've been telling the owners about this for some time but they keep telling me to push the salmon." Ouch.

Maybe this place was once a nice alternative to the growing hipster scene in the Gaslamp, not anymore. When a dinner approaches $100 for two, a bit more effort is expected...no matter the tourist location. Be afraid, be very afraid.    [22 Apr 2006 15:27:55]

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     ­George   

Disappointing meal
This restaurant was recommended by the hotel we were staying at. Unfortunately, the bad choice of entree made this a place I will never go to again though other things were pretty good.

1) We did not have reservations and it was a busy Saturday night. We were told it would be an hour wait. However, the hostess took my cell phone and promised to call us if something opened up. Sure enough, just about 20 minutes later as we were sitting down enjoying a sample at Ghiradelli chocolate down the street, we got a call. We thought that was very nice.

2) Waiter very polite and friendly.

3) Bread was fresh and wonderful. So things started off well enough.

4) Good selection of beer and wine.

5) My wife had linguini and clams. I tried the special of angel hair pasta with red mullet, a fish in a light marinara sauce. The waiter said it was the special and quite highly recommended. I was interested because he said the fish was not oily and was closer to halibut than snapper. Geez, was he wrong.

6) My wife enjoyed hers, mine was awful. Dry pasta with a cheap fish. We were eating late as it was so I just braved it rather than getting a replacement.

7) Got a free tiramisu dessert as a nod to our disappointment. Very good.    [28 Aug 2006 17:11:02]

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Recommended Dishes: Linguine and clams

     ­Clint52   

Very Accomodating and Warm Service
Last night, I visited Asti Ristorante for the second time. I was in San Diego for pleasure and work. I was truly impressed with the service and the food at Asti, from the very professional and attractive hostess to the table service, the food and the ambiance. Our server was a young man, Silvio, from Palermo. The service was perfect and our meal wonderful. We ordered Chilean sea bass for my wife and surf and turf for myself that were just incredible. The wine list is well-priced and matched with an extensive variety of Italian and California wine. The beautiful mural of Palio de Asti and the celebrity pictures on the wall definitely make Asti even more charming. Asti is the best Italian restaurant in San Diego, without a doubt! We recommend Asti for everyone who enjoys the true Italian food and service! Grazie, Asti Ristorante!    [11 Dec 2007 15:09:16]

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Recommended Dishes: Surf and turf and Chilean sea bass

     ­Anonymous