Small Fire Disrupts Lunch, Pizza Orders at Italian Restaurant in MetLife Building Updated October 21, 2010 3:45pm

Firefighters evacuated the back of the restaurant, but dinners remained in the front, as they battled the flames. (DNAinfo/Ben Fractenberg)

By Olivia Scheck, Ben Fractenberg and Jeff Mays

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

MANHATTAN — A fire broke out at an Italian restaurant in the MetLife building during the Thursday afternoon lunch rush, the FDNY said.

The blaze at Naples 45 Ristorante e Pizzeria, which is on the ground floor of the building that's adjacent to Grand Central Terminal, started in the "exaust ventilator of the wood burning stove" shortly before 1:20 p.m., according to the FDNY.

Firefighters evacuated the back of the restaurant where the burning oven was located. A restaurant manager said the fire started near a pizza oven.

Patrons continued to eat in the dining area, despite what one firefighter identified as the stench of burning seafood.

"All hands" were called to the Thursday's fire on the ground floor of the MetLife building. (DNAinfo/Ben Fractenberg)

Ann Wrynn, 44, who works in Midtown, said she and her fellow diners weren't worried about the blaze on the other end of the restaurant.

"The alarm went off and no one moved," Wrynn recalled.

Her only regret? The torched oven meant she couldn't order pizza. 

The fire was put out later Thursday afternoon.

Naples 45's manager said that everything was fine in the eatery after the fire was out.

Firefighters respond to the small fire at Naples 45. (DNAinfo/Jeff Mays)