Pizzeria Mia opened for business yesterday morning following a "soft" opening Sunday afternoon. The location at 4501 Maryland once housed a travel agency followed by a hair salon, but for the past many years has remained unoccupied. Observing people sitting outside relaxing under the bright umbrellas was a heart-warming experience and just what this corner needed.
Dado Beganovic, left, the proprietor, is one of many Bosnians who adopted St. Louis as their home 14 years ago. His father, mother (the pastry chef), and a son are also here in St. Louis. Pizzeria Mia is named after Dado's sister.
If you click on the menu it will enlarge so you can peruse the selection of 19 European- and American-style 12" pizzas, $11 to $15.
The pizza dough is hand-crafted and the wood-burning brick oven, which reaches temperatures of 650 degrees, bakes a pizza in 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. There are "to go" boxes for lunch or dinner on the run.
We sampled a Bianca and Magherita pizza Sunday – they were delicious and the crust is "fantabulous"!
Dado's mother makes European-style pastries, shown in the case above, including tiramasu (not pictured), $3.50 to $4.50 a slice. At the present time Pizzeria Mia does not have a liquor license (the liquor in the photos was offered at the opening event). Someday soon Dado hopes to offer beer and wine; in the meantime, there is a selection of coffees (espresso, etc.), iced tea, and soft drinks.
Pizzeria Mia, 4501 Maryland, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., open seven days a week.
#30DaysTrynewplaces First on my list!
I am so excited to have this space occupied – and by what looks like a wonderful restaurant! This is a very positive step for the neighborhood!