Pizza Gets Real in Midtown Ventura

In midtown Ventura, local developer Jeremy Ireland felt that there was a need for an American-style pizzeria that could provide a place for the local community to come together and eat “real food.”

“Midtown is really the center,” says Ireland. “It’s where everyone lives and we want to help rejuvenate this part of the community.”

To create Native Pizza, which opened July 31, Ireland partnered with Scott Tremonti, owner of Urban Oven in Los Angeles, and Thom Hill of the Iron and Resin clothing company in Ventura.

“Pizza is a gourmet vessel, an opportunity to have a world-class meal on a pizza crust,” says Tremonti.

Tremonti, Native’s self-taught executive pizzaiolo, started making pizza eight years ago and specializes in artisan wood-fired pizza. He hopes to bring Native’s customers a delicious pizza that makes you feel good by using organic flours, artisan cheeses and true farm-totable produce sourced locally from Rio Gozo, King and King Ranch, Tamai Family Farms and Underwood Family Farms. The farm connections come through local chef Henry Martinez, formerly executive chef at The Cave, now Native’s kitchen manager.

“It’s all about sustainability and knowing who your produce providers are and how they grow their food,” says Tremonti.

Hill adds, “We are looking to offer a transparency in our food.”

The menu, which includes pizza, salads and “pan’ino” sandwiches, will be kept simple to reduce food waste and, on a seasonal rotation, to promote the use of the freshest ingredients. Using deck ovens, which heat through conduction, and cooking the pizza quickly at high temperature allows the ingredients to retain more nutrients, according to Tremonti. Vegan and gluten-free items are also available.

Ireland wants customers to taste and feel the difference in their food. Native Pizza’s pizza dough and breads are made with sourdough cultures using the artisanal long fermentation. Also made in house are tapenade, truffle spreads, pickles, ricotta from locally sourced milk and desserts including baked goods and pastries that can be enjoyed with specialty coffee.

Customers can expect to enjoy local wines and craft beers as well as those sourced from Italy.

Native Pizza owners plan to have monthly events, which include firing up their wood-fired oven, cooking classes and a “Meet the Maker” event that includes meeting local farmers and artisans. Also in process is a vertical wall garden in the outdoor space which will house more seating, outdoor games and a fire pit.

1751 E. Main St., Ventura
805-667-8991; NativePizza.com