The story of Piazza 1909 Cucina Italiana begins in Milan, Italy, where Roberta Ruffini and executive chef Stefano Ceresoli first met. Stefano owned a bakery, pasta, and focaccia shop across from Roberta’s home. Though she was engaged at the time, meeting Stefano changed everything.

In 1993, Roberta moved to San Diego to complete her master’s degree while working for a large hotel chain. The couple saw each other a few times during her studies, but when faced with the choice to renew her visa or return to Milan to be with Stefano, she chose the latter.