Fortuna is a collaboration between three Italian natives - Gabriele Ibba, Giuseppe Panetta, and Salvatore Panetta - who each bring years of experience and a shared passion for Italian cuisine. Earlier this year, the trio took over the space last occupied by a pair of short-lived restaurants - Al Dente Italian restaurant and Basilicò La Pizzeria before that. The building is most widely known as the former home of beloved Pizzeria Bruno for 12 years until the restaurant closed in 2021.
Giuseppe Panetta, originally from Naples, arrived in the United States with a dedication to the art of hospitality and has a decade of experience in the restaurant industry. Gabriele Ibba, who hails from Cagliari in Sardinia, has worked in hospitality for over 22 years across Italy, Australia, Belgium, and the U.S. Salvatore Panetta is a seasoned chef with 30 years of culinary experience from Puglia, Italy. His culinary expertise is a driving force behind Fortuna’s menu, which emphasizes traditional Italian flavors and dishes inspired by his heritage.
Together, Gabriele, Giuseppe, and Salvatore have created a restaurant that blends their individual strengths and shared vision of authentic Italian dining. Fortuna Ristorante Italiano aims to bring renewed energy and dedication to the neighborhood. With their combined expertise, the team is committed to offering University Heights a genuine taste of Italy.
Fortuna is located at 4207 Park Boulevard in San Diego's University Heights community. For more information, visit fortunasandiego.com and check out the launch menu below.
Originally published on October 26, 2024.
