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TASTY PIZZA on the ZOCALO

If you're anywhere near the zocalo and you develop a craving for pizza, try the new pizza stand at the northeast corner of the square, at the intersection of Hidalgo and Valdevieso.

Gabriella and Mario Santocchi preside over "the world's smallest pizzeria."

The proud owners and chefs, Gabriella and Mario Santocchi, describe their little corner take-out as "the world's smallest pizzeria." They are long-time residents of Oaxaca, but hail from Umbria, Italy.  Since they are "umbrans," they've named their new enterprise "Pizza Umbra."

Judging by the slices I've tasted, the time they've spent in Oaxaca has not impaired their memory of how a real Italian pizza should taste.

The pizzas are hand-made and freshly baked on site, and are sold by the slice. If you're at the zocalo early in the morning, you can see Mario working the dough by hand, truly the old-fashioned way. At any given visit, you'll probably find at least four different toppings to chose from, including mouth-watering margherita, pepperoni, four cheeses, black olives, chorizo, mushroom, and Hawaiian.

If you're lucky, you might also be able to sample a slice of Gabriella's lasagna or Mario's favorite, fresh-baked focaccia topped with olive oil, rosemary and a sprinkling of salt.  Mmmmm!

Pizza Umbra opens around 11:00 every morning and closes by 9:00 most nights.

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