Food was awesome. I just love that you can create whatever you want. Plenty of choices for protein, sauces and pastas.

It ranges from competing with Buca di Beppo to being destroyed by Olive Garden. This is not on the Buona Forchetta level. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Update I got a fancier dish for delivery and it's even worse than the Alfredo. The food here is terrible - avoid. read more

Carbonaro's - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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A new fast-casual Italian eatery has opened on the edge of the SDSU campus. Carbonaro's is in a soft opening phase until later this month. I believe they operate from 11 am until midnight which is great for those who stay up late. Curbside parking was very difficult to find in this area. The best bet is to use the multi-level deck adjacent to Trader Joe's which is one block north. The rate is one dollar for every 15 minutes. The concept is build your own pasta bowl by selecting a noodle type, sauce, and toppings. There were also five preset, special bowl combinations and eight antipasti on the menu. Nine of the noodles came with the price while five types cost an additional $2 or $3. Eleven different kinds of sauces were available that ranged from $11.95 to $13.95 when combined with a noodle. Over 20 toppings could be added from proteins to cheeses to veggies. The surcharge could be as low as $0.95 or as high as $7.95 (shrimp). I selected pappardelle for a noodle and bolognese for a sauce with guanciale (Italian cured pork) added for $3.95. I also purchased the Polpette which was classic Italian meatballs. When my number was called, two bowls were packed inside a paper takeout bag. There were six meatballs in a pomodoro sauce for one bowl. Not only were they small, but the meatballs were pre-made as opposed to hand rolled. The portion size of the noodle bowl was meager for the price. The pappardelle was cooked al dente, but the serving was insufficient. A hungry student isn't going to be satiated by eating a noodle bowl. The seating capacity was less than 50 with a combination of small tables and some high-top counter seating. Perhaps some tweaks and improvements can be made before the official grand opening occurs on the 23rd. I gave a three star rating for my initial dining experience at Carbonaro's. read more

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As a fan of fresh pasta, Carbonaro's def hit the spot right on. Always dig the concept of DIY style pastas (Choice of Pasta shapes, sauces and selection of toppings). Situated in the SDSU college area, it's a stylish new spot. The staff are super friendly too and is a spacious eatery too. Highly recommend to end the meal with their lovely Tiramisu. Capture of the experience : https://www.instagram.com/urbancell_gastronomy/reel/DI75sQ1RAgC/ read more

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We saw this Carbonaros 2 weeks ago but it was still closed. And passing by it again the other day , I noticed it was already opened. I went to try them out , and it's a customized your own pasta. I chose Rigatoni for my Pasta with chicken , mushroom , spinach , eggplant , and artichoke . The pasta was cooked perfectly, aldente, and as always you can't go wrong with the Pesto sauce and all the included ingredients i added on the pasta went well with it. They don't have a big space but it's nice and clean. The inside is mostly yellow and blue-white color chairs, tables and walls. The staff are great. The Parking was so difficult to find here. I parked across the street at Starbucks but very limited spots. This is a great addition here, especially near College campus . Students staff and parents visiting can have their Italian food here. read more

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These guys have a great concept here. You choose your favorite artisan pasta, then you sauce, which you pay a base price for, and finally you can add any extra toppings you would like for an extra fee. Toppings include extra cheeses, proteins, and vegetables, etc. I had the one of my favorite pastas, the paccheri with pesto for my sauce for $12.95, and added aged Parmesan cheese for an extra 0.95 cents. The paccheri pasta was tempted perfectly to an al dente bite. I love it when it comes out that way. The pesto sauce was dynamic in nature. It offered that great herbaceous quality and rich texture. Great pesto, and it truly benefited from the addition of the aged Parmesan cheese. It was definitely worth the extra dollar. The staff members were all very upbeat and friendly. The place is very trendy and hip. They just opened and already this place in making very good headway with their great pastas, sauces, and service. Only inside seating is available. read more

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I don't know what I just ate, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't food--it was a cry for help in pasta form. This is the only place I've ever seen manage to make something both drowning in oil and somehow still dry at the same time. Salty enough to dehydrate you instantly, yet so flavorless it feels like your taste buds filed a complaint and left mid-meal. Calling this "pasta" is generous. This is what I imagine happens when someone Googles "how to cook" and then immediately ignores every single result. And the price? Absolutely wild. I've had better meals out of a gas station microwave at 2AM with zero expectations. Trader Joe's frozen aisle--yes, the freezer section--is not just comparable, it's a full-blown upgrade with better flavor, better texture, and significantly more dignity. Every bite felt like a personal attack. Like the chef and I have unresolved issues and this was their way of getting revenge. If I could leave negative stars, I wouldn't just leave -10, I'd start a new scale just to properly express how bad this was. Honestly, I've made worse decisions in life--but at least those didn't cost this much and leave me this disappointed. Avoid this place like it personally wronged you read more

Went today and honestly $22 for this was a waste. I ordered the tagliatelle with Alfredo sauce and shrimp. The pasta was overcooked, the Alfredo sauce was flavorless, and the shrimp tasted off, almost like it had gone bad. Within minutes the pasta gave me a stomach ache, and I ended up throwing most of it away. Definitely not worth the price, and I won't be returning. read more

Carbonaro's - Tagliatelle with Alfredo sauce and shrimp. - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

The food was pretty good and the portion sizes were big. They have lots of options which is a bonus (if they are actually available that day). Still not sure it was worth the price though once you add toppings on to the pasta. We were disappointed because they were out of half the things I wanted in my dish (mushrooms, parmesan, and red pepper). I asked what I can add to make it a little spicy and they said they could charge me extra for spicy sauce but I just wanted some red pepper flakes or chili oil. read more

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Carbonaro's is the kind of "Italian" spot that makes actual Italians want to hide their passports. The dishes feel more like a stereotype of Italian food than the real thing -- heavy, generic, and missing any sense of authenticity or balance. Lots of cream, lots of fillers, no technique. read more

I just tried this place recently, since it was near SDSU campus. I built my own pasta with the pink sauce and added sausage. The pasta itself was not fully cooked and was actually undercooked, it was my fault and I should have said something but I was in a rush. The bowl itself is a pretty big portion but I felt there was a lack of topping as I paid extra for these toppings, such as not enough cheese or sausage. The ambiance is really nice and there are lots of plugs to study. I'd probably will give them another chance but not anytime soon. read more

Carbonaro's - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

If you're craving Italian but want it fast and fun, Carbonaro's is the spot! They've got a wide variety of pastas--creamy Alfredo, spicy arrabbiata, and even customizable bowls that come out so fresh. Their Sicilian sodas --light, bubbly, and the perfect balance of sweet and citrusy. Totally different from your usual soft drink and pairs chef's kiss with pasta. The vibe is casual but cozy, kind of like Italian comfort food meets fast-food convenience. Portions are generous, prices are fair, and you get that "I'm eating pasta in Italy" feeling without leaving town. Overall: A hidden gem for quick Italian cravings. Perfect for lunch breaks or a casual night out. A little suggestion is DONT add lots of add ons and instead keep it original and simple for full flavor and respect to the beautiful Italians and Italy! lots of add - ONs could make your pasta not as amazing as if you keep it simple abd original! Ask for recommendations if you are not familiar with the recipes or flavors ! read more

As a born-and-bred Italian, I found very refreshing to be served pasta properly cooked "al dente", and not grossly overcooked like it happens almost everywhere else. I love the "build your own pasta" format, and the general ambiance. Will go again for sure, and I hope that it will be possible to order delivery soon. read more

f you're anywhere near SDSU and craving Italian, run--don't walk--to Carbonaro's! This place is a total game-changer for campus eats. It's family-owned, fast-casual, and feels like a love letter to classic Italian comfort food with a modern, student-friendly twist. The vibrant interior immediately sets the mood--think retro comic book vibes with pop art portraits and bold, bright colors. It's fun, welcoming, and perfect for either a quick bite or a casual hangout with friends between classes. The menu is totally customizable, which I love. I went with their signature Carbonara pasta, and it was creamy, flavorful, and topped with crispy pancetta--absolutely delicious! We also tried the arenccini and eggplant parm, both served in a rich, savory marinara sauce that tasted homemade and full of love. Everything is made fresh daily and you can taste the difference. The staff was super friendly and efficient, even with a long line that moved surprisingly fast. The counter service setup makes it super convenient for takeout--perfect for grabbing dinner after a long day on campus. Prices are super reasonable for the quality and portions. Bonus points for the cute branded packaging and trays--they're really leaning into a fun and cohesive brand. Whether you're a student, a local, or just visiting, Carbonaro's is a must-visit spot for fast, delicious Italian. I'll definitely be back! read more

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A friend and I had lunch on Friday (10/10/25) at Carbonaro's before we went to an on-campus event. We both agreed that Carbonaro's is a good addition to the group of restaurants located in the south SDSU campus area. We liked the ability to choose the type of pasta, sauce, and toppings that you want for your pasta dish. The service was quick and most importantly our pasta dishes tasted fresh with very good flavor. Carbonaro's will definitely one of my preferred options when I want to get something to eat before or after an on campus event like an Aztecs basketball game. read more

Carbonaro's - Pasta Carbonara with pancetta and chicken. - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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I had an amazing experience, love the concept. The food is really good, best carbonara never tried before. Will come back read more

Wow! This is by far the best pasta I have had in a while!! Very flavorful and kept me wanting more! I most definitely will be coming back!

Great ambiance the food is ready super fast and everything taste so fresh and amazing Highly recommend read more

Scampi has no lobster ravoli. It has large chunks of shrimp& thick noodles. The flavor is good. Read the "fine-print" about "lobster" on the menu. read more

So excited for this spot to open up in the neighborhood! Took my 4 Italian kids tonight and we all left so happy! The service was friendly and fast, even with how busy they were. The food was incredible! We will be back, probably more than we should! read more

DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY OR YOUR MEAL PLAN. if i could give the food 0 stars i would. I ordered the alfredo with spinach and italian pork. Pork was good but me oh my, the sauce was non existent. i added FOUR salt packets, my own seasonings i had in the dorm, and that didnt even help. i paid $20 dollars and it tasted like i had covid and lost my taste buds. My roommate ordered the carbonara. The carbonara was not in the room with us. it was so bland, she even added salt packets and other seasoning. She wasted $27 and threw it away. not even a picky 5 year old would like it. it was giving butter noodles yo mama made but she forgot the butter. SDSU STUDENTS PLEASE SAVE YOU DINING DOLLARS. read more

Actually the best pasta i've ever tasted in my 20 years of life. It tastes so fresh i'm obsessed. & they take meal plan!! Loveeee

Good food, super food workers and service. Nice and helpful, good conversationalists.

chef is good, delectable food , nice manager shout out fire recommendations really really awesome love the food so much manager fire recommendation fire food cool ambience read more

Carbonaro's - carbonara - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

Staff is so amazing!!!! I love their meatballs. Such nice cooks and the girls in the front are the sweetest.

La mejor comida que e probado... pastas deliciosas y además excelente servicio... un ambiente muy acogedor de parte de todos. Volvería ir siempre. read more

Absolutely amazing food!! My pasta was ready very fast and was savory, perfect temperature, and most definitely filling! I would highly recommend stopping by and giving it a try! read more

Parked in garage a block away. One other customer at 7pm on a Thursday. Rigatoni al dente ok and a good portion size. Pink sauce but next time I'd order bolognese. They have cheese ravioli. Peas for 95 cents is nice. Surprisingly I did not like the salty ricotta $2.95 or the 4 mini meatball for $3.95. Blood orange drink is good. Service fast and friendly. Music and seating comforable. The pasta is serced in an easy to take home bowl. Plastic utensils. No ice cream or gelato yet but they will have it and there are other desserts. Under $25. read more

best italian pasta with so many options!! Best service and good vibes people are really friendly and it's near SDSU read more

I LOVE THE CHEFS!! they really stick by their moto "any fresher you'd have to take the chef home" food is piping hot and delicious. they have lots of options and a sweet staff. shout to the manager he's the goat !! read more

I really wanted to like this place despite other reviews but it was just ok and pricey. I was the only one in there and when I got back home with my order it was wrong.... read more

So yummy and pretty affordable, be careful with what sauce you choose some of them are drier than others.

This place is awesome!! The variety of customizable pasta dishes is a pasta lovers dream. I would recommend this place to everyone looking for a good meal read more

so good i forgot to take a picture. I got the classic spaghetti carbonara and it was super rich and creamy. can't wait to come back !!

The best pasta food in the world!! The waiters are very nice and everything looks good from the inside when you walk in.

The service was not that great as the employees were having conversations with each other not paying attention to customers coming in. One of the workers had an off putting behavior that made me want to leave the place. I continued to buy fettuccine pasta with regular Alfredo sauce with no add ins. I received my food at a timely manner. However, the pasta noodles itself tasted as though they have not cooked them long enough. The sauce had flavor but it wasn't a good flavor that would make me want to eat more. In my opinion, if you want pasta you would be better off going to Trader Joe's and getting a prepackaged pasta that you heat up in the microwave or oven. Honestly, it's not worth it at all. read more

The workers are really nice, but the noodle were hard and the sauce tasted like watered down grocery store sauce. I got fettuccine Alfredo for reference. read more

For anyone wondering if you should try it.. you absolutely should!!! I love the food, the unique aesthetics, and the service.