A New Eatery Opens in Former Pizzicato Space

In a town full of pizza options, zpizza puts a big emphasis on healthy eating, something owner Mike Zabaneh hopes will help propel the restaurant away from the pack of pizza joints in town.

“It’s healthy, organic, natural,” said Zebaneh, “and we offer it at a great price as well.”

With its choice of vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian pizzas, the restaurant recently opened in the former Pizzicato space on East Washington, and is one of the few chains that uses organic foods in all of its pies.

From the traditional basil and garlic Napoli to the salsa-sauce-and-avocado combination of its Mexican pizza, the menu satisfies the most eclectic pizza cravings.

“There’s a nice and crispy taste, that sourdough crispy taste, " Zebaneh said. "You can taste the freshness.”

Zebaneh comes from a family of restauranteurs and grocery owners.  His brother Charlie owns Skewers Grill & Rotisserie in the Plaza North Shopping Center on North McDowell. Always wanting to take a new concept to town, Zebaneh trained at zpizza’s Laguna Beach headquarters, the chain’s original location.

And zpizza is never one to keep its gourmet approach to its sourdough creations. Customers can try healthy delicacies like the strawberry goat cheese salad, a strawberry stuffed with lettuce, walnuts, goat cheese and balsamic vinegar.

Or go with a sandwich or a traditional calzone, meat or veggie. The restaurant also does pizza-by-the slice, so diners can sample one of the day’s more intriguing choices. 

Customers can order fill out an order online and pick it up in store or have it delivered. 

Look for zpizza next to Whole Foods Market at 615 E. Washington St. The restaurant is open daily until from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.