Malta has long been a melting pot of cultures, attracting expats from all over the world who bring their skills, traditions, and entrepreneurial spirit to the islands. That is the case for Gianluca and Michele, two childhood friends who turned their shared love for pizza into one of Gozo’s most beloved restaurants: Casa Vostra. Since opening, Casa Vostra has gained a reputation for serving some of the best pizzas on the island, combining authentic Italian flavours with high-quality ingredients.
The journey of Gianluca and Michele as expats and business owners is truly inspiring – It’s an authentic example of how passion, consistency, and dedication can take you far in life.
Ready to learn more about their story?
Two Friends, One Vision
Gianluca and Michele grew up together in a small town in the province of Caserta, not far from Naples. Their friendship began at kindergarten, strengthened through their school years, and was shaped by the traditions of their hometown, a place where pizza was more than food; it was a way of life. In a village of just 7,000 people, there were more than 50 pizzerias, and like many others of their generation, both started working at a young age.
Gianluca was just 12 when he took his first job in a pizzeria. Michele followed a similar path, being a waiter. It was hard work, but they learned discipline, passion, and the art of making the perfect pizza. Their childhood was filled with the smell of rising dough, simmering tomato sauce, and the warmth of Neapolitan kitchens. Yet, life had bigger plans for them.
Speaking about their journey growing up, Michele says,
I am really proud of the way we grew up. Yes, we started to work at 12, but we learned the value of money and hard work.
In their early twenties, like many others from southern Italy, they moved to London in search of opportunity. There, they landed serious jobs in the capital’s competitive food scene. They worked at Made in Italy on King’s Road, then The Fox and Grapes in Wimbledon, followed by opening a franchise of Franco Manca in Balham—all well-regarded places with demanding standards. The experience was formative. They deepened their understanding of professional kitchens—refining their cooking techniques, mastering operational systems, and learning how to deliver consistently high standards while managing the expectations of a demanding clientele. But while they were learning the business, actually building a future in London proved impossible. Between long hours, high rent, and relentless commutes, saving money was out of reach.
They never really had a plan—they were young, working hard, and living day by day. In 2014, Gianluca visited Gozo for the first time. The island felt like a breath of fresh air…literally and figuratively. The wide-open landscapes, the slower pace of life, and the Mediterranean climate were a stark contrast to the bustling, concrete-heavy London. He spent three months in Gozo, working at a restaurant in Marsalforn. Though it was meant to be a short experience, something about the island left a lasting impression on him.
Michele, too, was drawn to the idea of leaving London. In 2017, after a period of working in Italy, both friends decided to take the plunge and move permanently to Gozo. Their initial years were spent working in local restaurants, gaining an understanding of the Gozitan dining scene. They realized that, despite Malta’s love for Italian food, there was a gap—a space for truly authentic, high-quality Neapolitan pizza made with passion and respect for tradition.
For Michele, the decision felt natural.
After living in London, arriving in Gozo with all its sunshine, open views, and natural beauty — it just felt right.
The Birth of Casa Vostra
In 2019, an opportunity came up. A small ground-floor space in Victoria, Gozo, that had been abandoned for 20 years — overgrown and forgotten — was now available. What would have been seen as a mess by most people was seen as future potential for Gianluca and Michele. With no major financial backing, they took a leap of faith, investing everything they had into transforming the space.
From day one, the restaurant attracted attention. Their approach was simple: fresh, high-quality ingredients, a carefully curated menu, and a welcoming space where people could feel at home. The pizzas at Casa Vostra weren’t just food; they were a tribute to their childhood, their journey, and the culinary traditions they carried with them from Naples to Gozo.
But just a few months later, COVID hit, threatening to destroy everything they had just started to build… Instead of giving in, they adapted, survived, and came out stronger. Julia, who Gianluca started dating in London and is now his wife, had been working alongside him in hospitality and brought her own valuable experience to the business. She played a crucial role in keeping operations on track, managing the business side, and helping navigate Malta’s complex bureaucracy.
Today at Casa Vostra, they work as a close team—Gianluca leads the kitchen and makes amazing pizzas, Michele runs the bar, and Julia keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
Facebook: Casa Vostra
Expanding the Dream: A New Venture in Gozo
Now, Gianluca and Michele are preparing to open a second location, expanding their dream even further. Unlike their first restaurant, this new venture will offer a different dining concept, catering to both residents and visitors looking for a more casual yet equally high-quality Italian food experience. The idea is to create a space where people can enjoy delicious, freshly made Italian dishes in a relaxed setting, without the need for a full sit-down restaurant experience.
The decision to open a second establishment wasn’t taken lightly. It comes after years of refining their approach, understanding the market, and building a brand that people trust. The new location will not just be another pizzeria, it will introduce a fresh take on Italian dining, focusing on quality, speed, and affordability.
With their strong foundation, a loyal customer base, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Gianluca and Michele are ready to take this next step. From two boys in Caserta to two business owners in Gozo, their journey is a reminder of what’s possible when friendship, passion, and…pizza, come together.
Bogdanka Stojsic hat sich unserem Team als Visa-Beraterin angeschlossen und sich auf Dienstleistungen für Expats spezialisiert. Sie hat es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht, den Einwanderungsprozess zu vereinfachen und Kunden dabei zu helfen, sich reibungslos in ihrer neuen Heimat einzuleben. Mit ihrem fundierten Wissen über Visabestimmungen, Aufenthaltsoptionen und Compliance begleitet sie Einzelpersonen und Familien durch jeden Schritt ihrer Anträge. Ob es darum geht, sich mit den Visabestimmungen zurechtzufinden oder Tipps für den Umzug zu geben - sie ist da, um Ihnen den Übergang so stressfrei wie möglich zu gestalten.
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