Early June marked the opening of Origins Wine Bar & Wood Fired Pizza in Loveland, a gathering spot that brings new energy to Lincoln Place in the heart of downtown. The ambitious project by sommeliers Jeff Noffsinger and Suzanne Alley showcases artwork from six local artists, including tile work added to the wood-fired Acunto Classico oven imported from Naples.

This ode to art shows up again on the European-inspired menu with 10 Napolitano-style pizzas named—albeit a bit kitschy—after artists including El Greco, Dalí, Picasso, and Bernini. Though not exactly masterpieces, the nicely charred pizzas feature high-quality ingredients like Antimo Caputo “00” flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and house-made mozzarella.

Regarded as the Ferrari of pizza ovens, the applewood-stoked oven glows at 800 degrees—hot enough to turn out pies quickly and without soggy middles. Rounding out the rest of the primarily shared plates menu are soups, salads, panini, brushchetta, cheese and charcuterie platters, dessert pizza (think strawberries, chocolate, and dulce de leche), and homemade gelato.

Strangely, however, for an eatery that markets itself a wine bar, the cellar is modest at best with run-of-the mill choices for wines by the glass. As the nascent eatery matures, here’s hoping its selections will evolve to include more serious choices.

500 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland, 970-685-4269