A POPULAR Bournemouth coffee shop looks set to get a ‘pizza the action’ after opening its own authentic pizzeria last week.

Co-owner of Del Marco, Edward Restelica, said he wanted to make his coffee shop stand out from the rest.

“There are so many coffee shops in town now so we wanted to do something a bit special,” he explained. “Everyone loves pizza, but this is pizza with a fine dining twist.”

Although the menu includes classics such as Margherita and Napolitana, there is also a gourmet selection such as pear, blue cheese, walnuts and parma ham or figs with parma ham, pine nuts and mozzarella cheese topped with rocket.

Chef Sofian Zaggai, who is originally from Algeria, has been making pizzas since his teens.

“Pizzas are enjoyed all around the world. I have always loved them and I learnt to make them when I was a teenager.”

All Del Marco pizzas are freshly-made and stone-baked in a large pizza oven at the back of the shop in Yelverton Road.

And it’s fast too. Once Sofian has spun the pizza dough and sprinkled on the toppings, the pizzas take just three minutes in the oven, which can reach 450C.

“From placing your order to taking your first bite takes about seven minutes,” says Edward.

AN express lunch menu is available at Del Marco between noon and 3pm.

Choose either Margherita, Fungi or Picante pizza with a soft drink for £5.90.

Del Marco also offers a range of pastas and risottos such as penne al gorgonzola for £8.95 or risotto Napolitano for £9.50.