Wheaton's latest culinary addition brings Neapolitan flair (with video)

WHEATON – Downtown Wheaton welcomed a new destination restaurant from area chef Brian Goewey on Monday.

Goewey, who is an owner of the popular Glen Ellyn restaurant fire + wine and the former executive chef at Ivy in Wheaton, has opened the doors at Gia Mia Pizza Bar, 106 N. Hale St.

"We tried to bring a city vibe into the 'burbs," Goewey said. "It's fun and hip, but not too hip ... it's a fun restaurant scene, but we think we bring something completely different in our approach to food."

The restaurant features Neapolitan-style pizza, complete with a bright red, blazing hot wood-fire oven imported from Italy that can cook an assembled pizza in 90 seconds.

Goewey said the menu also includes an array of salads and small plates, as well as specially selected cocktails, wine and beer – all with affordable prices and fresh ingredients, and served in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Throughout the restaurant, pictures of Goewey's two daughters measuring, kneading and flattening the pizza dough line the wooden and brick walls, and the eatery's name – Gia – comes from his youngest.

The community atmosphere is part of what he and managing partner Lisa Mango say they hope will make for an accessible experience for patrons.

"We want it to be a comfortable everyday place, not just a dining destination," Mango said.

Downtown Wheaton Association Executive Director Paula Barrington said she thought Goewey's reputation at fire + wine would prove a valuable asset to the new business and the downtown area.

"It's an approachable restaurant that is food-driven, beverage and wine-driven," Goewey said. "For the money, you're not going to find a better place to dine."

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If you go

What: Gia Mia Pizza Bar

When: 4 to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 4 to 11 p.m. Friday, 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday

Where: 106 N. Hale St.

Information: 630-480-2480, www.giamiapizzabar.com