Californians are afraid of carbohydrates, said Andrea Carbonaro, co-owner along with Mariano Liga, Giuseppe Cascia, and Ercole Rubino, of the recently-expanded Aromi and Pizza by Aromi in La Mesa.
“They equate them with weight gain,” Carbonaro said.
“However, we all need healthy carbs in our diet. My mission is to bring back carbs in a healthy way. We focus on premium ingredients, recipes, and satisfying flavors. I want to bring the ‘Made in Italy’ concept here.”
The idea behind Carbonaro’s on College Ave. is a neighborhood spot for families and San Diego State University students, offering a casual atmosphere while serving delicious food.
“We want everyone to offer a good meal at a good price,” Carbonaro said.
They offer quick service, but they’re not fast food.
The concept is that customers create their own pasta bowl or choose from a crafted menu of Italian classics such as Spaghetti Carbonara or Fettuccine Alfredo.
Choose your pasta type (including gluten-free), such as Fusilli or Rigatoni, then choose your sauce, such as Arrabbiata or Bolognese, and lastly choose your topping, such as Guanciale or Gorgonzola or Pecorino cheese.
If you prefer a specialty of the house, try the Pistacchiosa, which is pistachio pasta, Burrata and Fusilli.
Another delightful specialty is the Tartufosa with truffle cream and mushrooms. For dessert, try their version of Tiramisu or Cannoli. In the next few months, look for the restaurant to add beer and wine to the menu.
“We opened in March 2025 and are learning the likes and dislikes of our customers. Recently, someone commented that our pasta was too al dente. Fresh pasta is chewy. We realized that Americans like pasta more well-cooked. We amended our cooking techniques to satisfy the American tastes,” Carbonaro said.
The interior design is fun and lighthearted with a nod to pop art reminiscent of the 1950s or ’60s in yellows and blues with posters of girls dining on different pastas, keeping the feel very young and family-friendly, as well as student-friendly.
Stay tuned as they plan to open a second location in San Diego once they’ve settled into the SDSU area and found their rhythm.
“We’re not just serving meals – we’re redefining what Italian comfort food means for busy locals and pasta lovers,” Carbonaro added.
Carbonaro’s is located at 5120 College Ave., Suite 125.
College AvenueSummer hours are noon – 8 p.m., seven days a week.
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