London Mourns the Loss of Vito Moretti, Pioneer Behind One of the City’s First Italian Pizzerias

It feels a little surreal to write about the passing of a man who, for most of us, was practically a fixture on the corner of York Street. Vito Moretti, the proud owner of Vito's Cave—once known simply as Vito's Pizza—has died at the age of 94.

Most Londoners first heard about Vito’s when they were kids, watching the neon sign flicker on a chilly winter night, the scent of oregano and fresh dough drifting onto the sidewalk. The place opened its doors back in the early 1970s, at a time when genuine Italian pizza was still a novelty here. Vito, a true enthusiast of his homeland’s cuisine, brought more than just recipes; he brought a slice of Italy to Ontario.

Friends and regulars often speak of Vito’s warm smile and the way he’d slide a fresh, cheese‑dripping slice across the counter with a wink. “He treated everyone like family,” says longtime patron Maria Lombardi, who’s been coming for the pepperoni since 1975. “Even when the line stretched around the block, he’d remember your name and ask about your day.”

The restaurant itself evolved over the decades—renamed Vito’s Cave in 2003 after a modest renovation that added a cozy back‑room reminiscent of a Tuscan cellar. Yet the core spirit remained unchanged: simple, authentic pizza served with generosity.

Beyond the ovens, Vito was a quiet community champion. He sponsored local Little League teams, donated pizzas for school fundraisers, and never turned away a stray cat that liked to nap near the doorway. Those who worked with him recall his hands‑on approach—kneading dough alongside his staff, humming an old Neapolitan tune as the ovens heated up.

His family, who released a brief statement, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of condolences. “Vito lived a full life, surrounded by friends, family, and the countless customers who became his extended family,” they said. “He will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in every crust that comes out of our kitchen.”

Vito’s death marks the end of an era for London’s food scene, but the story he helped write is far from over. New owners have promised to preserve the recipes and the welcoming atmosphere that made Vito’s Cave a beloved landmark.

For now, the city pauses, remembering a man whose love for pizza was matched only by his love for the community that gathered around his tables.