Beloved Miami Italian Spot Vandalized Again, Seeks Community Aid

Luna Pasta e Dolci, a cherished family-owned Italian restaurant in Miami’s Upper Eastside, has been struck by vandalism yet again, leaving the restaurant reeling from repeated break-ins and mounting damage. Located on Biscayne Boulevard at NE 69th Street, the small eatery has become the target of a series of break-ins, costing the restaurant thousands of dollars in repairs and leaving its owners with an uncertain future.

The latest burglary — estimated to be the sixth event in less than a year — occurred at Luna’s takeout location at 12:52 a.m. on January 22, less than 40 minutes before the restaurant’s newly hired security guard was scheduled to arrive. Though the perpetrator was arrested, the vandalism resulted in a smashed front-door window, costing $2,500 to repair, as well as severe damage to the restaurant’s cash register and tablet.

This follows a series of brazen burglaries and property destruction over the past several months. This summer, Luna was hit by four break-ins in just one month, forcing owner Gabriel Medici to create a GoFundMe to raise money to help get the restaurant back on its feet. "We made a police report because it happened three times last month," owner Medici told New Times. "First, it was one night, then, it was literally the next night after that, and then, they waited like another two weeks before it happened for a third time."

A Blow to the Family: Financially and Emotionally

Medici explained to New Times in 2024 that “the takeout location doesn't even generate a lot of money since it's primarily for UberEats, which takes 30 percent of the profits. Therefore, we're just trying to raise just enough to cover the windows, installations, and, unfortunately, this time around, they also broke our iPad, which is how we process all of our payments."

But for the Luna family, the damage goes beyond financial losses — it’s a blow to their sense of security and their ability to keep their business running smoothly. As a cornerstone of the Upper Eastside community, the restaurant has long been a place for locals to gather, enjoy Italian meals, and experience the warm hospitality for which the Medici family is known.

As of now, their GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $7,000 of its $10,000 goal, thanks to the support of loyal customers and residents. The Luna family has expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of help but also acknowledges the emotional toll the constant vandalism has taken.

Despite the ongoing challenges, the Luna family is focused on getting back to business. The funds raised through their GoFundMe campaign will continue to support window repairs, securing the restaurant’s location, and replacing damaged equipment. The restaurant’s Instagram has also been a platform for the family to share updates, including surveillance footage from the most recent break-in, in an effort to raise awareness and seek justice.

If you have any information about these burglaries, please call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. You can remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

Luna Pasta e Dolci. 6927 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; 786-405-3679; lunapastaedolci.com.