It all started when...

Chef Sandro Costanza and his two buddies from Fuscaldo(Southern Italy) started Star Bene Restaurant on East Cliff Drive back in 1997. After 8 years of serving Santa Cruz with delight, he sold his business to move forward in a new location at the heart of Saratoga. Ristorante Da Mario stayed open 1 year longer than Star Bene and sparked the curiosity of many people including the Abbott Square project organization. After exploring the Museum of Art and History in Santa Cruz, Sandro was able to persuade the project organization with his delicious pizza at their visit to Da Mario. Pizzeria La Bufala, led by Sandro and his wife Luciana Costanza, is the collective dream to start a new venture at Abbott Square.