Pizzeria Mozza to dish it up in Newport

Pizzeria Mozza, a Los Angeles eatery popular with the foodie set, plans to open a new location at 800 W. Coast Hwy. in Newport Beach, according to the restaurant’s Facebook page.

“This 3,500-square-foot restaurant will be the second in Southern California by ‘Iron Chef’ Mario Batali’s Batali-Bastianich empire,” according to the announcement. “This high-end pizzeria incorporates a pizza bar, wine bar, to-go service, a patio and private dining room.”

There will also be a large open dining room, a large bar and an “exhibition” kitchen that allows diners to watch food preparation.

Restaurant principals could not be reached for comment this week or last. Rumors about the opening have been swirling in Newport Beach culinary circles.

The restaurant is aiming for environmental certification, known as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, by reducing electricity and water consumption.

There is not an official opening date, but the Facebook announcement says one is forthcoming.

— Staff reports