“I learned about the pizza business by working my way up from the bottom,” says Mr. Moto Pizza House owner Gibran Fernandez. “Born and raised in San Diego, I first started by working at Pizza on Pearl in La Jolla and have now been in the pizza business for nine years.”
Throughout Fernandez’s many years gaining hands-on experience at the pizzeria, he learned to appreciate the industry and began brainstorming concepts for his own New York-style pizza spot. 
“Then the opportunity to buy a particular pizzeria came up, and it was a lucrative opportunity for me,” he says. “I got very inspired and began developing concepts tying in business operations, recipes, and branding.”
In 2016, Mr. Moto took the title of “Best Gourmet Pizza in San Diego” at Liberty Station’s “Gourmet Pizza Fest.”
Breaking free from a typical pizza spot with the usual toppings, Mr. Moto has made a name for itself by catering to exotic cravings.
With two successful locations in Pacific Beach and North Park under his belt, Fernandez is excited to open the doors to his newest outpost in the heart of Point Loma at Rosecrans Street and Shelter Island Drive. The space is 1,250-square-feet and will boast the same menu as the other locations.
“The people of San Diego are really understanding and appreciating the value and quality of our toppings and exclusive menu items,” he says.
Fernandez believes Mr. Moto’s personal and unique dining concept makes the restaurant stand out amongst other local pizza joints. “I also think that the presentation of our pizzas, such as the lit-up display case and variety of pizzas in general, make us different,” he says.
Most of all, Fernandez says that the numerous gourmet toppings such as burrata, mascarpone cheese, fresh rosemary, and truffle oil bring an innovative take on traditional food. 
“We offer drizzles as well. Customers can choose between unique flavors such as our raspberry chipotle sauce and sweet balsamic glaze,” he adds.
Mr. Moto displays at least 20 different types of pizzas at a time, plus offers a “Pizza of the Month,” which is a limited-release pie created by their masterful bakers. This month, it is a ricotta stuffed crust pizza with Spanish chorizo and jalapenos. 
In the past, they have featured items including a taco pizza with carne asada and cotija cheese, and a “pink pizza” with a smoked salmon base, bacon, capers, caramelized onions, and ricotta cheese.
The pizza spot makes their own pizza dough, using filtered water, and only uses high quality ingredients for their gourmet pies, which can be bought whole or by the slice.
Customers may also choose from a variety of salads, pastas, wings, and meatballs.
The grand opening of Mr. Moto. Pizza House in Point Loma is Friday, Aug. 10. Stay tuned for a fourth location in Ocean Beach opening in the next 8-12 months. Mr. Moto Pizza House Point Loma
What: Grand opening of Mr. Moto. Pizza House in Point Loma is Friday, Aug. 10.
Where: 1166 Rosecrans St., Suite 102.
 Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Info: mrmotopizza.com