News Summary
Island Pasta, a beloved Italian restaurant in Coronado, will officially close its doors after 31 years of service. Known for its homemade pasta and strong community ties, the restaurant has served as a nostalgic gathering place for locals and tourists. The Sarber family, who has managed the establishment since its inception, expresses gratitude for the support over the years and looks to honor their legacy through their other restaurant, Costa Azul.
Coronado Bid Farewell to Island Pasta After 31 Years of Beloved Italian Cuisine
Coronado is set to lose one of its cherished dining establishments, Island Pasta, which will close its doors at the end of October 2025 after 31 years of serving homemade Italian dishes. Located on Orange Avenue and just steps away from the Hotel Del, the restaurant has been a nostalgic gathering place for both tourists and local patrons alike.
Known for its diverse menu that includes various pasta dishes, pizzas, and salads, Island Pasta quickly became a local favorite upon its opening on July 4, 1994. Throughout the years, the restaurant has built a strong reputation for quality food and has successfully catered to multiple generations of diners. Its iconic horseshoe-shaped bar was constructed using recycled wooden floors from Coronado High School, adding a unique touch to the restaurant’s atmosphere.
The restaurant has been managed by the Sarber family, who have expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the community for their unwavering support over the years. Brant Sarber, the founder of Island Pasta, initially discovered his passion for the culinary world while working at the Chart House. His dream of owning a restaurant came to fruition with the establishment of Island Pasta, which has since upheld a family-oriented vibe thanks to the continuous involvement of family members like Carol Sarber.
Long-Standing Community Commitment
Beyond offering delicious food, Island Pasta has played a significant role in the Coronado community. The restaurant has provided first jobs for many local youths, allowing them to grow from bussers to waiters through mentorship and hands-on experience. The workforce at Island Pasta has remained largely consistent, with some of the original staff members, including head chef Aurora Gonzalez, still employed at the restaurant since its inception.
The Sarber family has also made it a priority to give back to the community, consistently supporting local schools and military personnel. This commitment contributed to Island Pasta’s reputation as a welcoming and friendly establishment, where lasting relationships with regular customers were formed over the decades.
Legacy and Future Endeavors
As the restaurant prepares to close, the Sarber family aims to honor Brant Sarber’s legacy by continuing to manage their other restaurant, Costa Azul. This dedication to family values will carry on, ensuring that the essence of Island Pasta lives on in their future endeavor. While the closing of Island Pasta marks the end of an era, it leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories and authentic Italian cuisine deeply ingrained in the community’s fabric.
For many dedicated fans and patrons, the news of Island Pasta’s closing is bittersweet, as they fondly recall the times spent enjoying the restaurant’s offerings with family and friends. As the community bids farewell to this beloved establishment, the Sarber family reflects on their journey with gratitude, recognizing that being part of the community and providing great food has been a true privilege.
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Additional Resources
- Coronado News: Island Pasta Set to Close After 31 Years
- Coronado Times: Sarber’s Island Pasta Celebrates 30 Years
- San Diego Eater: Best Restaurants in Coronado
- Wikipedia: Coronado, California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coronado
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
