Grab a (lunchtime) slice of the pizza action in Portobello

Pronto is bringing ‘pizza al taglio’ to Portobello – with the added bonus that its part of a great, new lunchtime deal.

Locals, workers and school kids will now get to sample a slice of hot, authentic pizza that you’d find in the best pizzerias across Italy, including a soft drink, for only £4.

While Pronto specialises in serving up authentic Neapolitan pizza in the evening, pizza al taglio – which translates as sliced pizza – differs as they are light and airy with a soft, crispy base. The pizzas are made fresh every day and cooked in giant bases with a range of Italian-imported toppings, before being sliced to order and served.

Pronto owner Michael Notarangelo said: “Our family comes from a small village in the Lazio region – which has Rome at its centre – and in every town there are small pizzerias selling pizza al taglio.

“It’s a way of life for Italians to stop for slice, or have it wrapped up to take home. “

I wanted to be sure I made our pizzas are as authentic as possible, which meant endless research on traditional Roman-style pizzas, working with high hydration dough and tweaking the recipe, until I was able to recreate the pizza I remember from my childhood.

“We’re delighted to bring pizza al taglio to Portobello and we’re sure it will become a huge lunchtime favourite with people, young and old. We know schoolkids in particular are always looking for a new option for lunch. While the pizzas are nutrious and tasty, we’ve also included a range of fruit juice drinks for kids. So be sure to come and try.”

Pronto, based in Brighton Place, will be offering two versions in the lunchtime deal that runs from noon to 4pm – Margherita and Pepperoni – both made with best Italian imported ingredients that Pronto can find including Mozzarella di Bufala direct from the Campagna region that has Naples as its heart.

Michael added: “Although people can buy a slice, we’re also able to arrange large supplies for parties and functions – or provide full event catering with our bespoke pizza set-up. Through our Edinburgh-based street food specialist operation Belmonte Catering, we can offer a range of options and provide everything needed to make the event a success.”

Pronto has already been successfully serving and supplying thousands of pizza al taglio at its first unit – Pronto by the Castle – at 541 Castlehill at the top of the Royal Mile.