Yahoo News Whitley Bay Italian restaurant to open new takeaway venue after award-winning success
An award-winning Whitley Bay restaurant is set to open a second venue after becoming one of the coastal town's most beloved eateries over the past three years.
Pranzo Trattoria & Deli has enjoyed roaring success since it opened on Station Road in July 2021, with Tuscan-born owner Pablo Masucci and his wife Louise promising diners "the authentic Italian culinary experience, no compromises". The popular venue took the top spot on Tripadvisor earlier this year as the best-rated Italian restaurant in Tyne and Wear, and fans will soon be able to pick up delicious favourites from a new takeaway venue across the road.
La Bottega di Pranzo will open opposite the Pranzo restaurant later this month, offering up traditional Tuscan schiacciata, an Italian flatbread similar to focaccia, with a variety of meat, cheese and cream fillings to choose from. The venue will also double up as an authentic Italian deli, with a range of Italian cheeses and cured meats by the slice to take home as well as a selection of dry ingredients like pasta, extra virgin olive oils, aged vinegars, pasta sauces and biscuits from regions all over Italy.
Owner Pablo took inspiration for La Bottega di Pranzo from one of Italy's most famous food venues that he always makes sure to visit when in the country, All'Antico Vinaio in Florence, which often sees visitors queue for hours to get a taste of one of its iconic sandwiches. Just like at Pranzo, the aim is to transport food lovers to Italy when they step into the deli and try the products on offer, bringing a true slice of Tuscany to North Tyneside.
"I want customers to experience what they would experience in Italy, from the welcome they receive to the quality of the products. That has been the goal of Pranzo from the very beginning," Pablo said.
Over at the restaurant, Pranzo is continuing its tradition of offering dishes inspired by different regions of Italy, with its July menu serving up traditional Roman favourites from carbonara to cacio e pepe. The venue is also hosting its next 'Battle of the Regions' wine tasting evening on Tuesday, July 9, with wine from four regions of Italy alongside a four-course tasting menu.
In October, Pranzo scooped two top accolades once again at the latest Italian Awards, winning the title of Best Italian Deli/Cafe in England and Wales while the venue's pasta chef Jordan Rhodes was awarded the prestigious title of Best Pasta Chef in England and Wales. he success just doesn't stop for the family-run restaurant, which also won Best Trattoria and Best Newcomer at the same awards in 2022.
