A SLICE of Italy has arrived in Bournemouth town centre with the opening of a new traditional pizzeria. 

Family-run business Mamma Mia has opened a restaurant in Post Office Road after the success of its first restaurant in the owner’s home city of Verona. 

Set up with an eye firmly on creating an authentic Italian feel, the new restaurant cooks its pizzas in an impressive woodfire capable of reaching 350C.

During the summer months, it will boast al-fresco dining. 

Restaurant owner Nicola Daim, 39, said he is “excited” to bring Italy to Bournemouth.

Bournemouth Echo:

“We are a family-run business and we also have another Italian restaurant back in Verona, so it is nice to bring it here to Bournemouth,” he said. 

“Every week we do special dishes including seafood, steak and pizzas, which are all cooked in the woodfire and freshly made.

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“This restaurant feels like home.” 

Manager Marco Stele, 35 and also from Verona, was head chef in an Italian kitchen before he came to the UK. 

Bournemouth Echo:

He said: “Everything is fresh: pizzas, pasta, tiramisu, Italian cake, salad and we have Italian wines and coffee – everything is tasty. 

“The pizzas are freshly homemade on-site in a woodfire using the freshest ingredients from Italy. Everything we use is from Italy, including our mozzarella and tomatoes. 

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“Lunchtime has been busy for us, but you need people to understand what we have here. 

“Bournemouth town centre needs good woodfire pizzas, as they provide a different taste to what is cooked in normal ovens.” 

Bournemouth Echo:

Agent David Bevan said: “We want it to feel a part of the Post Office Road area and fit in well. 

“It would be nice if Bournemouth town centre could have a feel of Ashley Cross to it, with good vibes, drinking and dancing.” 

Kids under 12 eat free pizzas, and any 10-inch pizza can be bought for £7.95.