ENCINITAS, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A new chef-driven pasta concept is wowing tastebuds in North County, with handmade Italian staples and a refined retail experience.
Pastaria Vivi officially opened its doors in Encinitas earlier this month, offering fresh pasta, ready-to-cook meals and specialty Italian goods under one roof.
The concept was founded by chefs Brandon Jennings and Willian Treff, alongside Chef Harrison Axelrod, whose background includes Michelin-recognized kitchens and some of San Diego’s top restaurants. The team says the goal is to make high-quality, handmade pasta more accessible for foodies and families.
“Pastaria Vivi was born from a simple belief: that handmade pasta should be a part of everyday life, not just a special occasion,” Jennings said in a statement. “Encinitas has such an incredible community of food lovers, and we wanted to create a place where neighbors could walk in, grab something beautiful and delicious to bring home.”
Pastaria Vivi officially opened in Encinitas, offering fresh pasta, ready-to-cook meals and specialty Italian goods under one roof. (Credit: Kimberly Motos)
Pastaria Vivi officially opened in Encinitas, offering fresh pasta, ready-to-cook meals and specialty Italian goods under one roof. (Credit: Kimberly Motos)
Fresh pasta, made daily
At the center of the new space is a fresh pasta and sauce counter, where guests can mix and match combinations designed for both quick meals and elevated home cooking.
The menu features a rotating selection of handmade pastas like pappardelle, ravioli and tortellini, paired with sauces including Bolognese, pomodoro and roasted garlic Alfredo.
Some dishes are also available for dine-in, alongside antipasti like focaccia, burrata and prosciutto, as well as deserts such as tiramisu and pistachio or chocolate cannoli.
Pastaria Vivi officially opened in Encinitas, offering fresh pasta, ready-to-cook meals and specialty Italian goods under one roof. (Credit: Kimberly Motos)
Pastaria Vivi officially opened in Encinitas, offering fresh pasta, ready-to-cook meals and specialty Italian goods under one roof. (Credit: Kimberly Motos)
Pastaria Vivi officially opened in Encinitas, offering fresh pasta, ready-to-cook meals and specialty Italian goods under one roof. (Credit: Kimberly Motos)
Pastaria Vivi officially opened in Encinitas, offering fresh pasta, ready-to-cook meals and specialty Italian goods under one roof. (Credit: Kimberly Motos)
Pastaria Vivi officially opened in Encinitas, offering fresh pasta, ready-to-cook meals and specialty Italian goods under one roof. (Credit: Kimberly Motos)
Pastaria Vivi officially opened in Encinitas, offering fresh pasta, ready-to-cook meals and specialty Italian goods under one roof. (Credit: Kimberly Motos)
More than a pasta shop
In addition to its food offerings, Pastaria Vivi includes a retail market stocked with imported Italian pantry items, artisan goods and ceramics.
The shop will also serve as the exclusive retail home of Aisu Creamery, a small batch gelato line created by Makoto Chino of Rancho Santa Fe’s Chino Farm.
Pastaria Vivi officially opened in Encinitas, offering fresh pasta, ready-to-cook meals and specialty Italian goods under one roof. (Credit: Kimberly Motos)
Pastaria Vivi officially opened in Encinitas, offering fresh pasta, ready-to-cook meals and specialty Italian goods under one roof. (Credit: Kimberly Motos)
Pastaria Vivi officially opened in Encinitas, offering fresh pasta, ready-to-cook meals and specialty Italian goods under one roof. (Credit: Kimberly Motos)
Pastaria Vivi officially opened in Encinitas, offering fresh pasta, ready-to-cook meals and specialty Italian goods under one roof. (Credit: Kimberly Motos)
The space is designed as a neighborhood gathering spot, featuring a communal table, pasta bar seating and an outdoor patio space. Plans are also in place for pasta-making classes, tastings and community events.
The team is is also launching a monthly “Vivi Pasta Box” subscription, which includes pasta, sauces, focaccia, and antipasti designed for home kitchens — along with exclusive menu items not available in-store.
Pastaria Vivi officially opened in Encinitas, offering fresh pasta, ready-to-cook meals and specialty Italian goods under one roof. (Credit: Kimberly Motos)
Pastaria Vivi officially opened in Encinitas, offering fresh pasta, ready-to-cook meals and specialty Italian goods under one roof. (Credit: Kimberly Motos)
Looking ahead, the chefs plan to add an in-house grain milling room by 2027, allowing them to produce freshly milled flour for their pasta offerings.
Pastaria Vivi is located at 119 N El Camino Real Suite G in Encinitas, and is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and from noon to 5 p.m. on weekends.
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Dining and Cooking