Gina's Pizza and Pastaria has returned to the Balboa Peninsula.
The new location at the Landing shopping center features the same recipes and a faster oven, a restaurant spokesman said Tuesday.
The 2,600-square-foot Italian eatery on 3142 W. Balboa Blvd. is the first expansion for the Corona del Mar-based chain in 10 years, said company Director of Operations Fred Caron.
Other Gina's locations are in Laguna Beach, Costa Mesa and Irvine. Gina's previously had eateries at the Balboa Fun Zone and off West Coast Highway and River Avenue.
While the same pasta, pizza and salad recipes created more than 35 years ago will remain the company's trademark, the newest location features an electric oven that can cook a pizza in five minutes.
"The way the dough comes out is sensational," Caron said. "The crust is remarkable, just delicious — the way it should be."
The pizzeria celebrated a grand opening Oct. 15 with the opening of the new shopping center.
Eighteen permanent employees — mostly new — were hired, and additional seasonal employees will be hired as needed, Caron said.
Both casual lunchtime dining and slightly more formal evening dining are available. Prices range between $3 and $15.
The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and until 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
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