Community Highlights: Meet Roberto Pugliese of Mezza Luna Restaurant

Today we’d like to introduce you to Roberto Pugliese.

Hi Roberto, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Fuscaldo, Italy, in the region of Cosenza. I traveled extensively in Europe working in hospitality and restaurants, until I came to San Francisco in the early 1990’s. I opened Mezza Luna Restaurant in 1993 with two friends on a shoestring budget. We have been in business on the coast for over 33 years, and are known as the number one restaurant on the coast.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Opening a business like a restaurant, with a dream and ideas, but no money was a struggle. Learning English in my twenties was also challenging as an immigrant.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mezza Luna Restaurant?
Italian restaurant since 1993. We are located in the Princeton Harbor, in the Princeton Inn Building, circa 1906. First generation Italians serving local sustainable products, and family recipes from southern Italy. Have been in business for over 33 years and are known as the place where locals eat.

How do you define success?
Being able to provide for our families through the business. Being in business for more than 30 years is a testament in the restaurant world.

Pricing:

• $12-$20 “appetizers”
• $21-23 “pizzas”
• $22-$45 “entrees”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mezzalunabythesea.com
• Instagram: mezzalunarestauranthmb
• Facebook: mezzalunarestauranthmb

Image Credits
Paulette Phlipot