Last week we didn’t feel like cooking. Some days, like everyone else in America, I feel like going out for a piece of pizza. We have been on the hunt for a good slice since we moved to Florida. We heard there was another Famous Pizza Soon It’s opening soon in the Heathbrook Mall (off Route 200, Ocala, FL for Florida locals) so we decided to check it out.

To our delight, she was having her grand opening that same day! When we arrived we were greeted by the staff who were more than helpful. They excited our senses as they described all the wonderful offerings they could make to us. The smells were intoxicating. There was an eggplant pizza in the oven about to come out. So I decided to go for it. My partner, a native of Italy, opted for a spinach and tomato slice which looked beautiful and fresh. George, the manager, also talked him into getting a bowl of classic spaghetti and meatballs.

So what makes a good authentic Italian pizza, and why is it so hard to find? There are many components to making a great pizza. Some places have part of the equation but lack others. All the components have to be present for a pizza to be unforgettable. The first component has to be that it is cooked in a wood fired pizza oven. Check one for Pronto Pizza. Second, it should possess a full-bodied tomato sauce with herbs and garlic as a backdrop. Check two for Pronto Pizza. Third, the toppings should not be overdone. There must be a perfect mix of ingredients with each bite. Check three for Pronto Pizza. Then, fourth, is the cheese component. It should be soft and gooey, but taste like cheese, not just sticky plastic. Score four for Pronto Pizza: The cheese on their pizza has a nice flavor and a salty bite at the end. The pizza tastes like pizza here. These are the things we love about Pronto Pizza and will keep us coming back again and again.

The spaghetti and meatballs had a wonderful sauce full of onion and oregano flavor. The pasta was cooked al dente, and the meatballs were so big they had to be cut in half to serve. All of this was topped with fresh parsley and melted cheese. It was so big we had to take some home and it lasted for 2 more meals! For $6.95, that’s hard to beat!

But there’s more Famous Pronto Pizza also offers fresh, crisp salads made to order with more than 20 items to choose from, including salami and sun-dried tomatoes. They have baked pasta, chicken, seafood, and even some low-carte options! Most meals are under $12 and come with salad and the most delicious garlic rolls imaginable. They also have desserts like the Chocolate Corruption Cake and Italian classics like Cannoli. For a fast food type of place, Pronto Pizza also has a great atmosphere. So check out the newest member of the famous Pronto Pizza family. You will not regret!