Il Pizzaiolo opening delayed until March

Construction and permit delays have pushed an anticipated December opening to early March, confirmed Il Pizzaiolo manager Debbie LaVerso at the Mt. Lebanon location. The 40-seat, two-story restaurant and bar will open at 8 Market Square.

Executive chef at the Mt. Lebanon location, Richard Sphatt, will man the Downtown kitchen when it opens. He is training pizzaioli to take his place at the flagship.

The menu will be "predominantly the same," said Ms. LoVerso. "Though we will add a few things to accommodate the Downtown crowd."

Like the original, it will have a wood-burning oven that allows for the restaurant to maintain DOC standards. A true Neapolitan-style pie must be 10-inches across, feature San Marzano tomatoes and fresh ingredients.

Il Pizzaiolo photo