The new location of Pastiamo joins the portfolio of owners Sara Pedrazzini and her husband, Christian Erbisti, who also operate Oltre Mare Italian Restaurant in Pacific Beach, further solidifying their presence in the city’s dining scene with their heartfelt approach to Italian cuisine. The couple relocated to San Diego from Italy in 2015, initially to visit Sara's brother, who then offered to sell them his restaurant. Despite lacking a background in the restaurant industry - Sara studied mathematics, and Christian was a builder - they embraced the challenge, moving to the U.S. with their two young sons, aged 4 and 7 at the time.
They opened Oltre Mare at 4286 Cass Street in Pacific Beach, and the restaurant has since become a community staple known for its small, curated menu featuring dishes like wild boar Bolognese pasta, porcini mushroom pasta, steamed mussels, burrata, and pizzas. The couple faced significant hurdles, including adjusting to night shifts and adapting to a new culture without family support, but their dedication turned Oltre Mare into a local gem with a loyal following.
In early 2020, the couple expanded their vision by opening Pastiamo at 841 Turquoise Street in North Pacific Beach. The concept focuses exclusively on fresh, homemade pasta and sauces distinct from those at Oltre Mare, offering a quick, high-quality alternative to fast food, allowing customers to enjoy a plate of hot pasta with house-made sauces in just 10 minutes. Pastiamo's success, driven by word-of-mouth, reflects the couple’s commitment to authentic Italian fare, with popular offerings mirroring the rustic, family-inspired dishes of Oltre Mare.
In early 2020, the couple expanded their vision by opening Pastiamo at 841 Turquoise Street in North Pacific Beach. The concept focuses exclusively on fresh, homemade pasta and sauces distinct from those at Oltre Mare, offering a quick, high-quality alternative to fast food, allowing customers to enjoy a plate of hot pasta with house-made sauces in just 10 minutes. Pastiamo's success, driven by word-of-mouth, reflects the couple’s commitment to authentic Italian fare, with popular offerings mirroring the rustic, family-inspired dishes of Oltre Mare.
The Hillcrest location of Pastiamo aims to replicate this model, bringing accessible, fresh pasta to a bustling neighborhood known for its diverse dining options and vibrant community. In addition to dishes like pasta all carbonara with bacon, egg, pepper and Parmesan cheese, the eatery also sells fresh, uncooked pasta like spaghetti, pappardelle, rigatoni, fusilli and casarecce.
Pastiamo is anticipated to open later in 2025 at 600 University Avenue in the Hillcrest Center Plaza in San Diego's Hillcrest. For more information, visit pastiamosd.com.
Originally published on March 26, 2025.
