Bites of Bliss

Pranzo’s Recipe for the Perfect Lunch

Words by Code Chen | Photos by Baptiste Despois

Tucked off East 5th in the back of Pershing East coffee shop, Pranzo offers a serene midday retreat. As you walk through the doors, take the invitation to slow down and savor the moment. This intimate spot pairs European elegance with laid-back Austin charm, serving up lunch that feels both indulgent and effortless.

“We wanted to tackle fast, delicious options that feel like a natural part of the community.” – Kyle Lauterbach

Born from the vision of Pershing’s culinary team, Pranzo began as a dream to fill a lunchtime gap in the neighborhood. Creative Director Kyle Lauterbach describes the spark, saying, “We wanted to tackle fast, delicious options that feel like a natural part of the community.” Named after the Italian word for “lunch,” Pranzo reflects its roots with a menu inspired by Executive Chef Chris Gallucio’s heritage.

His style is French-technique-meets-Italian-soul, resulting in dishes that taste as good as they look with ingredients sourced for quality and prepared with passion. The Bulldog, for instance, embodies sandwich perfection: pickles, mustard, and meat layered between freshbaked bread. “It’s everything a sandwich should be,” boasts Kyle. Meanwhile, the Croque Madame, with layers of jambon de Paris and tomato jam on fresh brioche toast topped with a sous vide egg and smothered in savory mornay sauce, delivers a lush, satisfying experience best followed by a nap if possible.

Despite its gourmet flair, Pranzo stays grounded in approachability. “A quick lunch shouldn’t cost a ton,” Kyle emphasizes. “We focus on value, making sure you get something fresh, satisfying, and memorable.” Their magnificent bread is baked fresh daily, and the menu shifts seasonally, offering new takes without abandoning the beloved staples. From summer tomatoes to fall spices, the flavors evolve with the produce available.

The space itself mirrors this balance of refinement and comfort. With abundant natural light and shelves stacked with games and books, it encourages diners to disconnect from their phones and recharge midday. “Our original concept was to keep Pranzo separate from the coffee shop, but ultimately we wanted to give people control over their experience. Guests usually have less than an hour to grab coffee and lunch and then get back to work. Here, we have all of that so you can take some time to relax and enjoy,” Kyle explains.

A local himself, Kyle is dedicated to keeping the neighborhood’s authenticity. “We want to be part of what makes this area special,” he concludes. “That means staying affordable, keeping things innovative, and making really great food.”

Whether you’re ordering a side of the Gougeres (French-style cream puffs filled with mornay sauce and topped with gruyere cheese), or the Iced Funny Business (peanut butter and banana whiskey with cold brew), every bite and sip tells a story of thoughtful craftsmanship.

Green Eggs & Ham
If you ever wanted to try an upscale version of Dr. Seuss’ classic Green Eggs & Ham, here’s your chance. With savory deviled eggs, Ramp-Ranch, herb oil, and Benton’s Country Ham, this dish is a whimsical twist on a timeless favorite, blending playful nostalgia with gourmet flair.

Smokey the Bear
Pranzo takes another classic and reinvents it into something uniquely mouthwatering. Smokey the Bear, one of their specialty drinks, is a flavorful mix of Mezcal, blackberry, lemon, lime, and orange. The bold and smoky symphony of citrus and berry is perfectly balanced, sure to ignite your senses and leave a lasting impression.

Contact:
2501 E 5th St.
thepershing.com/pranzo
@pershingeastcoffee