Mr. Moto Pizza House is heading to University City, grabbing a prominent corner in the Renaissance Towne Centre near UTC and bringing its New York-style slices back to the La Jolla/UTC corridor. The San Diego-based pizzeria is slated for 8935 Towne Centre Drive, taking over the former Nobel Pizzeria space and loading the busy shopping center with its by-the-slice pies, stuffed garlic knots, and house ranch. Ownership expects the shop to open next spring as part of a slow-and-steady expansion plan across the region.
Where It’s Going
The property’s leasing brochure lists Mr. Moto as the tenant for Suite 1-101 at Renaissance Towne Centre, confirming the 8935 Towne Centre Drive address and the central placement near UC San Diego, according to Perform Properties. The landlord’s materials show the pizzeria landing in the center’s primary retail row, a setup that naturally fits quick carryout orders and steady slice traffic.
What To Expect From The Menu
Founder Gibran Fernandez told What Now San Diego that the Renaissance Towne Centre location is expected to open in April 2026 and will replace Nobel Pizzeria. Guests can expect Mr. Moto’s signature pizzas, stuffed knots, classic garlic knots, and the brand’s homemade ranch, with the company noting that its dough is aged for about 24 hours to achieve a lighter, airier crust.
Roots And Local Reach
Mr. Moto launched in Pacific Beach in 2015 and still runs a Mission Boulevard storefront, according to Mr. Moto Pizza. Since then, the brand has expanded methodically across San Diego and into parts of Orange County, keeping growth focused on neighborhoods where slice service and quick counter orders make the most sense.
Why The UTC Spot Matters
Renaissance Towne Centre’s mix of shops and its location a few minutes from UC San Diego and nearby office clusters create consistent daytime and evening foot traffic that favors quick-serve pizza, according to Perform Properties. Local coverage also notes that the Mr. Moto lease will take over the space vacated by Nobel Pizzeria, a one-for-one swap highlighted by What Now San Diego.
When To Expect It
Mr. Moto plans to share final opening details and any grand opening promotions on its locations page and social channels, so interested diners are encouraged to keep an eye on the brand’s website via the Mr. Moto Pizza locations page. The UTC-area shop fits into the chain’s cautious growth strategy while adding another slice option within easy reach of UCSD.
