Newest pizza place Porto Pizza settles in on Martha’s Vineyard

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Jirka Pavelka, co-owner and pizza maker at Porto Pizza in Vineyard Haven. — Photo by Ralph Stewart

Did any other Chilmark Store frequenters wonder where longtime pizza maker Jirka Pavelka was this summer? Answer: Along with business partner Nick Catt, he opened his own pizza shop, Porto Pizza, in Vineyard Haven right across the street from the Steamship Authority, making it a convenient stop before getting on the boat, or when you get home. After 14 years making pizzas at the Chilmark Store, Mr. Pavelka figured it was time to do his own thing.

Porto offers a variety of toppings on white or whole wheat crust, deep dish, daily specials, as well as specialty pizzas such as the white pizza — a surprisingly awesome combo of tuna and onions.

The second time I went there, the girl ahead of me beat me to the question. “Do you have that tuna pizza today?” They didn’t, though Mr. Pavelka graciously offered to whip one up.

Porto is open six days a week from 12 noon to 9 pm on weekdays and 11 am to 10 pm on weekends, closed on Wednesdays. Call them at 508-693-6200.