I took Bex Oxo out for a belated lunch. Since we share a love of a good deal, we checked out Una Pizzeria‘s lunch special. For this post, let’s listen to Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush.
From Monday to Friday until 2PM, Una offers a $20 lunch special that includes a pop, tea or coffee. I went with a crispy Diet Coke, and Bex Oxo ordered an Americano.
You start with a small kale Caesar, and “small” is a lie. It’s bigger than a side, about half a regular order. I like how the chew of the kale, and the dry crunchiness from the toasted garlic panko crumbs, grated cheese, and prosciutto. The boiled egg adds a richness, while the citrus in the dressing cuts through the heavy flavours of the meat and cheese. The kale salad tastes like a charcuterie board decided to become a salad.
You can pick between pasta or a pizza. For pizza, options are the Sweet & Spicy or 4-Maggi. We went Sweet & Spicy. It’s about half a regular pizza, the perfect personal size. The crust is light and crisp, though the center gets a bit wet from the sauce. Each slice holds some meaty goodness from the chorizo and prosciutto, sweet heat from habanero honey, and peppery arugula to freshen things up. I still boxed half because that salad was filling.
Mid-lunch, a pack of grade 4–5 kids rolled in and confidently ordered. They came in polite and organized. When offered by their server, they refused the kids’ menu as they found the selection limited. Instead, they shared pizzas, expertly split the bills and were making post-lunch plans. One offered up his house for entertainment. Another piped up and told everyone to relax and to enjoy a bit more time at Una. My mouth must have dropped open. What baby ballers, living their best lives. If I were their mother, I would be so proud.
Another thing I love about UNA is the service. It’s consistently excellent at every location. It honestly feels like they hire people for their ability to genuinely care. Every staff member gives off serious Care Bear Stare vibes.
If you’re feeling the financial blues after Christmas or just on a budget, treat yourselves to Una Pizzeria. Twenty bucks for a drink, a substantial salad, and a personal pizza or pasta is one of the best lunch deals in the city right now. It’s satisfying without putting you in a food coma, and you still feel like you went somewhere nice for the price, for just a little more than a combo meal at McDonald’s.
Hitting the Sauce 