DivoDiva is expected to breathe new life into a neighborhood hangout in Hillcrest soon. A recent permit filing places the cafe and wine bar in the space formerly occupied by Pappalecco on Fifth Avenue.
DivoDiva is a partnership between professional opera singers and entrepreneurs, Victoria Robertson and Rosario Monetti. Both owners have built strong connections to San Diego Arts and various community organizations as established performers.
Robertson shares with What Now San Diego that the project will be a fast turnaround, transforming Pappalecco into a fresh cafe and wine bar with bold colors and classy new furnishings.
Robertson has held the titles of Miss USO San Diego and Miss San Diego, is a former singer for the San Diego Opera, and co-founded the non-profit organization Opera4Kids. Robertson gained media attention during the pandemic for her operatic performances sung from her porch in North Park.
Monetti is an Italian tenor who has performed on many stages across Italy and now California, he is the former president of the House of Italy, and entertainment director of the Italian Film Festival. Owner of Mission Hills cafe, The Meshuggah Shack, Monetti is also co-founder of his family-owned restaurant Zenith Cafe in Naples, Italy.
Robertson shares that with her background in design and public relations, and Monetti’s 30 years of restaurant experience, the two decided to combine their skill sets in a new venture. “We’re friends with the Bucci brothers, who opened Pappalecco and had decided to transition away from one of their locations. It was a great fit for us, and the decision happened quickly,” Robertson explains.
The cafe menu at DivoDiva will feature Italian-style coffee and freshly baked pastries. The new spot is expected to casually transition from breakfast to brunch, with mimosas, breakfast bites, and avocado toast. Into the evening, guests can indulge in an apertivo, with beer and wine served along with charcuterie boards, paninis, and Pinsa Romana flatbreads.
DivoDiva is expected to open August 13th, operating from 7 am to 9 pm daily. Follow DivoDiva Cafe on Instagram for updates and an official opening announcement.
