BTS member praises local California restaurant during concert

One of the members of BTS believes the Bay Area's pizza is extraordinary.

When the global sensation performed at Stanford Stadium on Saturday (May 16), V (whose real name is Kim Taehyung) reportedly complimented the local pizza.

"The next time we're at Stanford, we're going to enjoy that delicious pizza," he told the crowd, according to theSan Francisco Chronicle and videos shared on social media. "I reckon Stanford has the finest pizza."

Though the South Korean group didn’t mention any restaurant by name, fans did some investigating and found out they had eaten at Vesta in Redwood City on Monday, May 11.

Courtney Borrone, who co-owns Vesta with her husband Peter Borrone, shared with PEOPLE that the star-studded visit was “completely unexpected.”

“We’re used to hosting tech giants from Silicon Valley, but having celebrities of this calibre was a thrilling change, and plus they’re the biggest pop band globally,” she notes.

Courtney mentions that Vesta chose not to post about the group's visit in the hope that they might return.

The band was accompanied by security, and the restaurant endeavoured to ensure a “highly professional and private setting,” ensuring their comfort. A few diners did spot them as they exited and managed to capture photos.

Although she wasn’t present that evening, Courtney states she was told BTS's members were “very gracious and amiable.”

“Everyone was buzzing with excitement about the occurrence,” she adds. “It’s quite significant for us.”

Vesta's sausage and honey pizza, which owner Courtney Borrone suspects was BTS' choice.

She recalls the group ordered the sausage and honey pizza, a top-seller at the restaurant, along with carbonara pizza, pepperoni pizza, and a few small appetisers.

BTS returned the following Monday, May 18, during which Courtney recalls they indulged in “a variety of desserts.”

After V mentioned the pizza at their concert, Courtney began receiving messages from fans sharing the footage.

“It was unbelievably exciting,” she exclaims. “I never imagined they’d mention a pizza they enjoyed. It’s incredible. But knowing that V has a fondness for pizza, it makes perfect sense that he’d bring it up.”

Courtney reports that the restaurant saw its busiest Monday due to the influx of BTS fans.

“The place has been immensely bustling, with fans in town for the show and eager to try the pizza,” she describes.

“My husband was present when they visited again, and it was quite a memorable experience,” she shares. “He ensured to respect their privacy, but it was an incredible moment. They kept telling him, ‘You're the best.' ”

Vesta is a haven for wood-fired pizza enthusiasts, also offering appetisers, salads, and seasonal vegetables, with a focus on local and organic ingredients. The couple opened its doors nearly 14 years ago.

“Our aim is to present food that we are passionate about and find delicious, creating a warm, family-friendly, and welcoming experience,” Courtney expresses.