A new family-run pizzeria has opened its doors to the public today in Reading town centre.

Zia Lucia is an independent Italian pizzeria, founded by Claudio Vescovo and Gianluca D’Angelo and inspired by traditional and authentic recipes.

The new restaurant, on St Mary’s Butt’s, is the first of its kind outside London offering a host of different pizza toppings and dough options for any dietary need.

The restaurant is famous for their pizza doughs which include traditional, gluten- free, wholemeal, and charcoal.

Zia Lucia’s managing director, Colin Doyle said: “We went to 6/7 cities before we decided which one would be the best to start our expansion and we just felt that Reading could benefit from a traditional family-run pizzeria.

“It’s traditional and unique and we want to nurture that through our service and relationship with the community.

“We aim to make our service the best in Reading, by offering little extra perks that turn a visit from good to extraordinary including free Lemoncello at the end of the meal.”

Zia Lucia Co-founder, Claudio Vescovo said: “We are thrilled to see the Reading restaurant finally open its doors, boasting all the traditional Italian charm synonymous with our London restaurants. We have become renowned for our impressive selection of 48-hour slow-fermented doughs, including traditional white flour, wholemeal, gluten free, vegetable charcoal and for Reading only… Our olive dough!

“Our tables are already going super quick for our opening week, so if you want to come and experience a slice of traditional pizzeria dining, with 50% off all pizza ordered, head to our website to secure your seat at the table!”

The restaurant has said that they hope to organise partnerships with organisations and groups across the town including breweries and local kids football teams.