Cardiff to Celebrate 100th Year at Iconic Besta Wan

On Tuesday, Cardiff by the Sea will commemorate its centennial at longstanding local eatery . 

The party will kick off a yearlong celebration, which will also include a community picnic, dedication of a commemorative garden and a poetry slam. Guests should anticipate a fun-filled walk down memory lane with old photographs of the restaurant and historical handouts.

Besta Wan, Italian slang for the “best one,” is a familiar favorite among locals and San Diegans. Many residents have nostalgic ties to the restaurant as it was founded in 1965 by the Corder family, according to owner Rebecca Sanchez.

“I have met so many customers who remember coming here as babies and are now grown-ups bringing their own children and in some cases, grandchildren,” she said.

Sanchez also said Besta Wan is rumored to be the first or at least one of the first pizza houses in San Diego. The restaurant itself is an old home that was built in 1942.

“When we were approached to host the party, I immediately said ‘yes’ because I feel Besta Wan is the heart of Cardiff,” Sanchez said. “It is the longest standing business in town.”

This family-style restaurant will kick off the party at 5:30 p.m. Snacks and cake will be provided and Besta Wan’s renowned pizza and beer will also be available to purchase.

“I think everyone should come because you only turn 100 once and that is something to celebrate,” Sanchez said.

Besta Wan Pizza is located at 148 Aberdeen Drive in Cardiff by the Sea.  For more information on this and other Cardiff centennial events, visit friendscardifflibrary.org.