Welcome to our story – a tale of love, food, and a little bit of magic.
It starts on an island oasis, where the salty breeze carries the laughter of friends, the aroma of mouthwatering dishes, and the joy of a close-knit community. Our story is one of humble beginnings, rooted in the very soil of this island we call home.
As Vashon-born dreamers and lovers of all things food, our goal was to create a haven where locals and visitors alike could come together, share stories, and relish in the pleasures of delicious food and drink. That aspiration began to materialize into our cherished mom and pop pizza shop at the beginning of November 2022 – a quaint red barn, nestled under the shade of a century-old walnut tree, frequented by neighboring chickens, and at the center of our cherished Island.
Here at the restaurant, local heritage and passion for Italian pizza intertwine and become one. Picture a place where children and dogs run in the yard, friends engage in cornhole and bocce competitions, and neighbors gather under the sun or stars to celebrate the simple joys of life. All while a dedicated team passionately prepares pizzas cooked only by fire. Laughter and the clinking of glasses form the soundtrack of our vibrant dining space. The atmosphere here mirrors the island's unusual spirit – a place where a sandy-toed beachgoer experiences each bite as a voyage that bridges the flavors of Italy and the spirit of Vashon.
As we set our sights on growth, evolution, and continued learning, we're profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of our incredible community – Thank you Vashon! Because it's not just about the food – it's about the connections that food fosters. Meals taste better when shared with others. Lunetta’s is a gathering spot for the diverse tapestry of individuals who all share a common thread: a love for Vashon Island and amazing food. We try to make each night a celebration where we get to be your hosts!
So whether you're seeking the comfort of a familiar face or the thrill of ancient flavor made anew, come embrace our casual charm, and be part of the story that makes our island dream a reality. We await you at our table – where love, food, and community come together in perfect harmony.
Who We Are
We are so lucky to have such an incredible team of hard working and passionate staff helping to make Lunetta’s such a special gathering place on Vashon. It’s a quite diverse group of people. We have born and raised Vashonites and we have brand-newcomers, we have a Hawaiian, a pirate, culinary students, and veteran chefs. We have young teens trying out their first jobs and chefs who have been cooking for decades. What we all share in common is that we work hard, we do our best, and we try to help each other out like the family we are. Oh, and we LOVE food!
My name is Stephany and I’m the (dog) mom of this mom and pop restaurant. You may see me taking orders, cutting pizzas, and making salads in between bartending. Maybe some day I’ll just be relaxing, sipping a negroni in the shade. One can hope!
I find it highly embarrassing to write about ourselves so I had someone else help me. They wrote this description of us: A dynamic duo united by love and shared passions. She (me) embarked on an immersive 4 year journey in Italy, earning a degree in Italian studies, but little did she know that her own Italian heritage (and great-grandpa Lunetta) lay waiting to be discovered a decade and a half later by her father.
Meanwhile, Geran honed his culinary skills across the spectrum, embracing every facet of the restaurant world, from starting out as a dishwasher and baker’s assistant, to pantry, sous, kitchen manager, server, bartender and eventually GM. His dedication culminated in the remarkable feat of orchestrating the inception of an entire restaurant from the ground up. An intriguing twist of fate introduced him to the captivating world of Vera Pizza Napoletana (VPN), under the tutelage of a Neapolitan master (who was as pazzo as he was skilled), famous for gifting a pizza to none other than the Pope himself.
Geran's roots are intertwined with the island's history. His grandparents were the owners of the legendary Portage Store, a cornerstone of the community. Growing up just steps away, he would eagerly guide fellow children to the finest candies, leaving an indelible mark on their sweet memories. His anecdotes paint a vibrant picture of the colorful array of people that would grace the store's threshold – newcomers seeking a warm welcome, tourists interested in local history, and island residents seeking camaraderie.
Their store was more than a place of commerce; it was a haven of connection. An embodiment of island hospitality, his grandparents served as ambassadors to the island way of life. Today, we strive to honor their legacy by nurturing that very spirit within our establishment. Our pizza shop exudes an unmistakable "Vashon" essence, a homage to the welcoming haven that Geran's grandparents fostered for decades. In fact, within our walls, a few cherished pieces of the Portage Store continue to breathe life into their beautiful history.