Assenti’s Pasta

I was going to make my own pasta for a special dinner — the dinner was based around seafood so I wanted squid ink and that was very expensive to get locally so I asked friends and was referred to Assenti’s. they had fresh fettuccine in many varieties including squid ink. not cheap. but excellent so I figured that I’m a pretty good chef but I’m not going to make better pasta than these guys. I bought a few pounds of 3 different fettuccine. I blended them for my dinner, boiled for 3 minutes. strained and sauced. unbelievable … if you need pasta. this is the place. it doesn’t get better.

Great selection of fresh (use today or tomorrow) and dried pastas. This gentleman also stocks home-​made frozen pasta and lasagna dishes, many fresh sauces, fresh bread, and antipasto/​olive-​varieties. The selection is unique although many local Little Italy markets also have excellent antipasto/​olive selections.

With all of the different choices in Little Italy, it can easily become overwhelming. Weekends are packed with locals and tourists alike, dropping a good amount of money on a meal, but the quality varies a lot and «fresh» is a term that is used loosely; however, there is another option. For those semi-​home cooks like myself, Assenti’s is the place to go. All of the ingredients for a delicious home cooked meal are available to pick up. They have a huge pasta cart of daily, fresh pasta that allows you to mix and match the style and flavors. They vary from black squid ink to spinach and garlic to your more traditional option. While you don’t have the atmosphere of going out to a restaurant, the cost is significantly cheaper, and you can still impress someone with a great meal at home. Lastly, don’t forget to pick up a loaf of their garlic bread!

Excellent freshly made pasta, things can get expensive fast, but it is well worth it!

We came here for ingredients for Christmas Eve dinner — Parmesan, canned tomatoes, and fresh pasta. We were in and out quickly with helpful service. For a pound of spaghetti, a hunk of Parmesan, and 2 cans of good quality crushed tomatoes, the bill was reasonable ($ 16).

COME HERE NOW.
I had a life-​changing experience here. Not hugely life changing, but life-​changing nonetheless.
I always thought I didn’t like pasta. My mom used to make it when I was a kid, and I thought it was pretty gross (SORRY MOM). I have since thought I don’t like pasta at all, because that was my experience with it for 18 years.
I am now 25 and have always thought I just don’t really like pasta very much, especially red sauce of any kind.
I WAS WRONG. This place converted me. It was basically a last-​ditch effort for me to try eating red-​sauce spaghetti and meatballs, which I hated as a kid (again, sorry mom, but it was not very good), and I LOVED IT.
1) Bring cash. I believe they accept card, but cash is preferred.
2) I got 12 oz. pasta for 2 people, as recommended. This was a generous amount, and I would do it again for sure. I believe it was about $ 4 for 12 oz.
3) He has frozen stuff that IS SO GOOD. I got the whole deal: the pasta, the sauce (pomodoro), and the meatballs. I did it right and cooked the pasta as I am supposed to so it wasn’t overcooked, seared the meatballs and cooked them in the sauce, and gosh darnit, it was the best dang pasta I’ve ever had.
It was $ 19.93 for the pasta ($ 3.50), meatballs ($ 8.50), and sauce ($ 7.50) plus or minus some cents in there. To me, that sounded expensive at first until I ate it and had a revelation that this stuff is good and I’ve been missing out.
I’d come back here in a second because the hands that made this are blessed, and the pasta, the meat, the sauce is enough to make me consider direct depositing my checks here.
They also offer imported goods from Italy, like: tomatoes, candy, etc. They have semolina flour to make your own pasta, and they have ravioli, tortellini, cannoli making stuff, meats, cheese… you need to come here meow and invite me to dinner.

Great find on my way from a work trip. I spotted a window sign advertising Muffalettas. Being from New Orleans, I was naturally curious, and had to try one. It was delicious! While not EXACTLY like traditional muffaletta sammies in New Orleans, the sandwich was yummy, and definitely satisfied my craving. I will be back, and hear they sell the olive spread for the sandwich, so maybe I can stop pickling my own veggies in a half –ass attempt to recreate a sandwich from miles away. Thank you! See you again soon! :-) FYI… bring cash or a debit card (for a 75 cent fee). Credit cards are not accepted.

Roberto and his brother make the most silky~and if cooked correctly~ the most amazing, «al dente», [ ‘dente’, I.e., dental: tooth, = «to the tooth» ] fresh
Pasta in San Diego. They are THE BEST HANDS DOWN.
The Spinach Fett & Squid Ink Linguine
all time favorites.
The Caponatina is… what can I say– it’s a memory from my childhood. Just like GREAT Italian Bread which I’ve yet to find in San Diego
[*disclaimer: «Roma Market Escondido & soon
Little Italy!!! have great, true, Italian bread]
Nothing beats Extra Virgin „First Cold Pressed“ E.V.O.O.
Assenti’s greated Parmesan is AMAZZZZING!
Stop at Assenti’s for preparing for your lasagne, tiramisu. .ravioli dish… etc.
If you are wanting to blend up some of your own pesto– Assenti’s has EVERYTHING you’ll need!..“What?» Are you saying, «I love pesto, but. don’t know how to make it»…well, here ya go ~ my gift to you:
Go to Assentis and get:
2 bunches fresh basil
2 – 3 cloves fresh garlic
½ lb. Grated Parmesan
½ C. pine nuts
at your favorite store
1 lemon
hot sauce — your choice
1 bunch, baby spinach
s&p to taste
Prep Garlic and Pinenuts:
1) in a med. hot buttered pan toast the. pine nuts until golden
2) fine chop 2 to 4 garlic cloves and lightly sauté– :30 to 90 seconds
Set both aside
Now the easy part;
Blend everything in a blender or processor — BUT THE PARMESAN–
gradually add the spinach and basil– don’t clog the mixer.
Drizzle the olive oil in and pulse-​ate, or blend in quick cycles.
Use as much or little as your taste prefers!—
–you can throw the. pine nuts in raw, or toast.them.first–
When all is blended, and you like the level of; heat from the hot sos, lemon, and salt and pepper–
Mix until. silky smooth.
*Here’s where the grated parm comes in:
Mix in about ½ cup Parmesan, grated BY HAND–
OR else it is too gummy in the mixer.
Secret; always ALWAYS. mix your parmesan in
by hand only!!!
Pesto is ready *at room temperature
*do not pan heat
Enjoy!

This place is so cool and awesome. They make fresh pasta and it taste SOOOO delicious. I have bought all types of pasta here fresh and frozen fresh (great meal for my son when time is short). They also have fresh meats and cheese nom nom nom
If I wasn’t trying to cut down on carbs I would be here WAAAAAAAYYYYY more.

Stopped by for a special fresh pasta for Saturday night dinner. The man behind the counter was very helpful and gave me instructions for the cooking time. The pasta turned out perfect! We’ll be enjoying the leftovers tonight after work. We plan on returning to try out this great selection of deli meats and cheeses.

I love this place! It is right in the middle of Little Italy and the pastas are super fresh. I really like that they not only have pastas but also sauces and other Italian goodies. I’m not sure if the prices are good (because I have never been to another fresh pasta store) but I know that the pastas are affordable. You can also snag some meats while you’re there!
The customer service is superb! The guy working there today gave us great tips on how to boil our pasta and how to store prosciutto properly. The guy should give pasta-​making demos in store or something!
I highly recommend you stop by this place when you’re in the area. It is super cute and totally legit! Parking is tough in Little Italy but if you can snag a spot, come to Assenti’s!

This is one of those shops that once you see it, you know you are going to fall in love. I have been to some of the best French and Italian restaurants and a crucial make or break is their pasta. This shop has a wide variety of fresh pasta you can choose from and at reasonable prices. Brought home several selections and tonight’s portabella mushroom ravioli with a homemade walnut pesto was a treat.
Thank you Assenti. I definitely plan on visiting again soon!

*******This business has achieved Seven’s Seven Star Stamp of Approval*******
Plain and simple, you like pasta, you cook that dried boxed supermarket pasta, you are going about it all wrong! You MUST hit up Assenti’s!
Its like buying those plastic containers of lettuce at the grocery store — not so good, buuuuuut that fresh farmers market lettuce, excellent! Fresh? Or factory processed? Simple simple choice; Assenti’s, for that freshness!
Oh and can i get a ½ pound of that San Danielle Proshootohhhhh too please?! AND some fresh Mozz! AND some olives! AND AND AND! Eh, i think im gunna head there NOW!

Since writing this review, I have become a regular at this establishment, and I don’t see that changing for the foreseeable future. Every time I walk in, it feels like family. Its just a welcoming little shop that reminds me of how life was before the attack of the mega super markets, and the crappy target and wal-​mart grocery sections.
How about we support small businesses like Assenti, who have made delicious, fresh pasta for years, and will hopefully continue to do so for years to come. Shopping at Assenti is fun, and part of the enjoyment of the experience of cooking. When you can use good products, from good people, you get good food, thats good for you.
Happiness is fresh pasta and scratch made sauce, nuff said.

Great little pasta and deli shop with all the rest goodies that come with an Italian market as this one. I stopped in looking for some jarred pesto spread and anything else that would strike my interest.
As I browsed, I found many items that struck a my interest like the six packs of Peroni beckoning to purchase, and the imported Perugia chocolate, which I broke down and purchased the dark chocolate with almonds (
). Finally, after starring at the Parma and San Daniele Prosciuto (
), I noticed a small bottle of truffle oil, oil that I have tried, but never owned my own bottle, so I picked one up. Now I need to find some recipes that require truffle oil (
).
As most people know, they are famous for their freshly made pastas. In fact, many of the patrons that came to the store were readily purchasing pasta. I will save that for anther day, given I was only purchasing non perishables, since I was not heading home right away. The employees are very hospitable and willing to provide advice to your cooking needs.
Great little store in the heart of Little Italy.

Assenti’s is the definition of an Italian deli, the staff are always friendly and helpful. If you are lucky enough to walk in while there is something cooking in the kitchen, the whole place is filled with the aroma of heaven. The pasta is the best, especially the spinach and cheese ravioli, molto bene!
Keep up the great work.

My favorite deli in San Diego!
First, the owner is a great guy and he will explain anything to you. Super nice and helpful staff too…
My favorite foods to pick up are the pistachio mortadella (extra thinly sliced) with provolone on their fresh baked rolls.
My family loves when we pop over to pick up meats and cheese! Don’t forget to try the basil garlic pasta! Yum!!!
You really can’t go wrong here. Love this authentic Italian place.
Only downside is no credit cards. Cash or ATM only. I understand why but I do have to plan ahead when going. Either way, it’s totally worth it. :)

Stopped in to grab some of their pasta. I ended up in the frozen ravioli selection and was so happy to see so many choices! Yes, it is a little expensive (1 lb. for $ 10 – 11), but if you’ve ever made ravioli you know that it takes a lot of work. Plus, you would totally pay more than $ 10 for a plate of delicious ravioli at a restaurant. Depending on how much you eat, you could easily get 2 – 4 servings out of one of their bags so it’s really not that expensive at all.
I tried the gorgonzola and then one with prosciutto, chicken, ricotta and I can’t remember what else. The prosciutto one was good, but the gorgonzola one was so delicious! I love that strong blue cheese flavor and it came through well but not too much in the ravioli. Perfection!

My sister bought lobster ravioli from here with tomato sauce in a separate container and I «made» that for dinner! It was really easy to make– just add boiling water! Lol. One package contained about 40 pieces and they were very pretty and colorful! After about 10 minutes they were done and we consumed them right away. Delicious! I’ll have to check out this place in person to see what other yummy things they have!

I loooove this place! Conveniently located next to everyone’s favorite coffee addition supplier, Starbucks.
— best. fresh. pasta. in San Diego. Hands down! They have sheets of pasta nicely laid out for your carb-​loading viewing pleasure.
— their deli meats are the most delicious tasting, and for the most reasonable price. A pound of mortadella runs you about $ 5 as opposed to Whole food’s outrageous $ 13/​lb. The mortadella with pistachios is AMAZING as well.
— They have a ton of frozen pasta meals, pizza dough, etc. as well as fresh refrigerated meals!
— Tons of sauces, tapenades, and spreads too.
Basically, it’s an italian cuisine lovers paradise.