Pizzeria La Rosa

- 12 Russell Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10801

Introduction / Overview

For New York locals seeking an exceptional and authentic Italian-American dining experience outside of the city, look no further than Pizzeria La Rosa in New Rochelle. Nestled right in Westchester County, this beloved spot has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination for gourmet pizza and comforting Italian classics. Opened in 2017 by Westchester native Matt DiGesu, with ties to Brooklyn's celebrated pizza scene, Pizzeria La Rosa embodies a perfect fusion of classic Neapolitan tradition and distinct New York-style innovation. The heart of the restaurant is its magnificent 100-year-old Petersen oven, a vintage centerpiece that imbues every wood-fired pizza with a unique, smoky depth of flavor.

More than just a pizzeria, this establishment operates as a full Italian restaurant and bar, dedicated to crafting delicious dishes using the freshest, homemade ingredients. From their signature Margherita pie, which earned a mention on Barstool Sports’ “One Bite Reviews,” to their inventive specialty pies, Pizzeria La Rosa consistently delivers on quality. They aim to provide an inclusive, homey atmosphere where every customer is treated like family. The vibe is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, making it ideal for a quick bite, a family dinner, or a relaxed evening with friends.

While the name prominently features "Pizzeria," this venue has become famous for much more than just its wood-fired masterpieces. Their menu boasts highly-praised items like the Classic Chicken Parm, unique house-made small plates, and their now-legendary weekly specials, including the coveted smash burger and a popular wings special. For New York residents in the metro area, Pizzeria La Rosa is a vibrant local gem that offers an exceptional gathering place to enjoy a truly great meal.

Location and Accessibility

Pizzeria La Rosa is conveniently situated in New Rochelle, New York, making it an accessible spot for patrons throughout Westchester, the Bronx, and the greater New York City Metro area. The restaurant is located at 12 Russell Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10801, USA, on a side street that provides a welcoming, neighborhood feel.

For those driving, the location offers ample parking options, including a free parking lot and free street parking. This is a significant convenience for Westchester diners and visitors making the trip from NYC. Furthermore, the establishment is committed to providing an accessible dining experience for all guests. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking lot, a wheelchair-accessible restroom, and wheelchair-accessible seating, ensuring a comfortable visit for people of all mobility levels.

The atmosphere itself is designed to be inviting, featuring a large, spacious interior with a historic refurbished bar and rustic oak banquettes. It is a family-friendly spot, known to be great for kids, and even allows dogs in the outdoor seating area, adding to its charming, neighborhood appeal. Whether you're coming for lunch, dinner, or just dessert, the location's easy accessibility and welcoming atmosphere make it a prime choice in the New Rochelle dining scene.

Services Offered

Pizzeria La Rosa is a multifaceted Italian eatery, offering a wide array of services to accommodate every dining preference:

• Dine-in Service: Full service for lunch and dinner, with table service and the option to accept reservations for planning group gatherings.
• Takeout and Delivery: Convenient options for both standard pickup and pizza takeout, as well as pizza delivery and no-contact delivery to enjoy their Italian comfort food at home.
• Full Bar Service: Features a bar onsite with a modest, curated selection of craft beers, domestic beers, cocktails (like the Vodka Basil Lemonade and Cappelletti Spritz), wines, and hard liquor.
• Catering Services: Provides trays of classic Italian-American dishes, such as pasta, meatballs, and parms, perfect for private parties or large family meals.
• Weekly Specials: Features rotating specialty pies and dish specials, including the famous Smash Burger available on Thursdays and a popular wings special on Tuesdays (e.g., $.75 wings).
• Accessibility Amenities: Offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, parking lot, and seating.
• Family Amenities: Provides high chairs for young children, making it a comfortable destination for family-friendly dining.
• Outdoor Seating: Allows for enjoyment of your meal outside, and the establishment is also pet-friendly, welcoming dogs in the outdoor area.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts multiple payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

The experience at Pizzeria La Rosa is built on a commitment to quality and a charming, historic ambiance, creating a truly unique offering in the New Rochelle area. Key highlights that draw in the New York community include:

• Historic Wood-Fired Oven: The centerpiece of the kitchen is a beautifully restored, 100-year-old Petersen oven, which is essential to the flavor profile of their wood-fired pizzas and other baked dishes.
• Homemade and Fresh Ingredients: A core commitment is making food in-house with fresh ingredients, including their homemade mozzarella, a creamy, buttery favorite, and house-made dough.
• Award-Winning Pizza: Renowned for their Neapolitan-meets-New York style thin-crust pizza, particularly the classic Margherita. The restaurant has been featured in publications like Westchester Magazine, where it was named “Best New Pizzeria,” and reviewed by Barstool Sport's “One Bite Reviews.”
• Celebrated Specialties: Beyond pizza, the restaurant is known for its "famous wings" with options like the Gold Rush sauce, and the highly-anticipated, once-a-week Smash Burger, often described by customers as the "best smash burger ever."
• Unique Chicken Parm: Their Classic Chicken Parm is a standout, uniquely prepared with a 24-hour brined organic chicken thigh and a not-too-spicy sauce, providing a juicy, flavorful departure from the standard preparation.
• Inviting Atmosphere: The interior is homey, rustic, and relaxed, featuring classic white subway tiles and a vintage soda fountain bar, with plenty of space across three rooms, including a bar area with a big screen TV.
• Friendly and Attentive Service: Numerous customer reviews highlight the welcoming nature of the staff and the friendly, thoughtful service from employees and the owner/GM, Matt DiGesu.
• Unique Desserts: Don't skip the dessert menu, which features the wildly popular Lemon Ricotta Zeppolis, homemade Italian donuts based on a family recipe, served piping hot.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, place an order, or inquire about catering at Pizzeria La Rosa, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 12 Russell Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10801, USA
• Phone: (914) 633-0800

What is Worth Choosing

Pizzeria La Rosa offers an experience that transcends the standard pizza parlor. For anyone in the New York metropolitan area, the choice is clear for a meal that delivers on both quality and atmosphere. What makes this New Rochelle institution truly worth choosing is the seamless blend of history, homemade quality, and inventive comfort food.

First and foremost, the Wood-Fired Pizza is the star. The crust—well-charred, crispy on the bottom, and foldable—is a masterclass in pizza making, often compared to the best New York and Neapolitan styles. The Margherita is a simple perfection that highlights the homemade mozzarella and expertly crafted crust. However, it would be a mistake to limit your order to pizza alone. The La Rosa Wings are consistently lauded as some of the best in the area, offering a unique flavor profile like the Gold Rush sauce that keeps locals coming back for more. And if your visit falls on a Thursday, the weekly Smash Burger special is a near-mandatory choice, having generated significant buzz and a loyal following among local foodies.

The commitment to scratch-made quality extends to their other offerings, from the juicy, dark-meat Classic Chicken Parm—a unique and flavor-packed rendition of the Italian-American staple—to the classic Grandma's Meatballs. Even the desserts, like the heavenly, hot Lemon Ricotta Zeppolis, are a must-try. This is a place that truly cares about fresh, quality ingredients, which is evident in every dish, including their vegan and vegetarian-friendly options.

The welcoming, neighborhood charm, rooted in the restoration of a historic New Rochelle space, makes every visit feel intimate and inclusive. It’s a versatile venue—perfect for students, groups, families with high chairs, or even a solo diner looking for a quick and satisfying lunch. In a region saturated with dining options, Pizzeria La Rosa stands out as a genuine gem that offers the comforting feeling of a home-cooked Italian meal, elevated by the expertise of a world-class pizza man and the magic of a century-old oven. For a casual, cozy, and delicious Italian-American meal in Westchester County, Pizzeria La Rosa is the definitive choice.

Pizzeria La Rosa

12 Russell Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10801, USA