Mr. Moto Pizza, a beloved San Diego-based pizzeria known for its pies and signature stuffed garlic knots, is expanding into Costa Mesa. The new location, situated at 259 17th St., is currently under construction, the company tells What Now OC.
The company’s marketing director Jorge Moreno teased that the business is “bringing back the old New York pizzeria experience with a fresh and original twist.”
This expansion is part of a broader growth plan that includes locations in Irvine’s Oak Creek and The Square centers and The Village at Orange, the company’s website shows. Founded in 2015 by Gibran Fernandez, Mr. Moto Pizza has quickly gained a reputation in Southern California, and has since also spread to Arizona and Nevada.
According to PMQ, some of the standout pizzas include the Mamma Moto, featuring burrata, truffle oil, parsley, and cherry tomatoes, and the namesake Mr. Moto, which comes topped with Italian sausage, Spanish chorizo, burrata, and marinara. The eatery is also known for its garlic knots, and also has wings, salads, and strombolis.
A liquor license for the establishment is pending, according to state records. Moreno told What Now OC that the business will open sometime early this year but they don’t have a definitive date, as the location is currently under construction.
