After much anticipation, MidiCi Neapolitan Pizza (meaning “you tell me” in Italian), the latest version of a “build-your-pizza” eatery, is finally opening the doors of its flagship location on Saturday, June 20. 

As announced and detailed here in The Sauce six months ago, MidiCi, located in the former Aahs at Ventura and Cedros, is the latest franchise venture from the Menchie’s empire with CEO Amit Kleinberger as the visionary. He explains: "At MidiCi our mission is to make the world a friendlier place, where people can sit, eat and talk without screens and media everywhere.” 

The 4,000-square-foot space is designed by architect Sam Marshall (République, Laurel Hardware, Gjelina) with an upscale aesthetic, which Amit describes as a "true hybrid of fine and casual dining." Features include soaring open-beamed wood ceilings, expansive windows, a 21-foot olive tree and a sleek long/curved sit-down bar. 

Look for more than 41 toppings on 12-inch pizzas (prices start at $7 a pie), which will be cooked in a 1,000-degree, wood-burning oven in 90 seconds. The menu will also consist of  small bites (cured meats, burrata); salads; Illy coffee; craft beer and wine; and for dessert: a Nutella bar (calzones, gelato and fruit—all with the chocolate-hazelnut spread). The Monday happy hour runs from 6 p.m. to close with $3 beers and $4 wine. There is also a weekend brunch from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. only with breakfast and salad pizzas, as well as mimosas.

MidiCi Neapolitan Pizza, 14612 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818-259-8279. Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m to 1 a.m.