Pizzeria La Rosa — Restaurant in City of New Rochelle

I don’t hand 5 stars out lightly...

My good friend Michael Blanco took me over here yesterday evening. I expected another little pizza spot, but, man, was I wrong.

We order two beers on tap (which I thought was going to be some dumb craft, bitter thing, but was actually excellent). We knocked back a few wings that were a special for the evening. They were saucy, and tasted more complex than I was expecting, and were not dry at all (clue number 1 that I wasnt in a regular place, because really...what pizza place ever does great wings?)

We then shared a vodka sauce pizza (whose leftovers I am eating as I write this). This pie is not large, it works well as a main for someone (who will likely bring a slice or two home). My goodness. What a pie. This gave me everything a Burrata’s pie would have, but much simpler. Charred crust, from quality dough, great sauce, and cheese that doesn’t (need to) overpower anything. I was raving already over this pie, when our Chicken Parms’ arrived...

Bro. A prefect (and big) cut of meat, with subtle sauce, cheese, and seasoning. Whenever I eat any parm of any sort I expect a big saucy, herby flavor...but this was more subtle (to me at least) and far more balanced. What an incredible dish. When Ol’ Mikey Blanco from the Bronx tells you this is one of the two best parms he’s ever had...you better go check it out.

Then as we sat there stuffed, rotund, and gratified, out came our “Italian donuts”. I was expecting some little sweet thing to cap the night off, but once again what an incredible dessert. You will fight someone over the last piece, if it comes to it.

What a place. It’s not just a “pizza place”, it’s a fantastic restaurant.

Score another good find for...

Had been here when this spot first opened and had not been back since. Decided to go for Valentines night dinner. I had called 2 weeks before to make a reservation and was told that they don't take reservations unless it's a party of 5 or more. I called half an hour before we were going to get there to find out how long the wait was for a table and was told that they had taken reservations and that the wait was 30-40 minutes. Obviously, I was disappointed because Valentines is not a mystery on the calendar- its always the same day every year, and an established restaurant should know way ahead of time if they are taking reservations or not. Timing was in our favor on this night as we did not have to wait more than 10 mins for a table. There seemed to be 10 different people greeting and trying to help customers. Even when we were seated, many different people checked on us. I will say this, though - everyone was very nice, but it came across as they are not organized. We ordered mozzarella sticks to start and a couple of pizzas. There was a bit of a wait before we got the appetizer, but then the pizzas (pepperoni cups and a bolognese) were on the table in good time. The food was very good - the best part of the evening. They definitely need a better system for the service - it comes across as haphazard. The parking lot (located on Allard) is small, and it can be challenging...

First time I came here was great with no complaints. Second time just wasn’t good. My table ordered burgers which we were told would be out in 45 mins. Nearly 2 hours pass and everyone at my table gets their burger except for me. The waiter was nice about it took accountability and said he’ll get mine in 10 mins. Even comp’t 2 beers on the house. About 15 minutes pass and a table right next to me all gets the same burger. I obviously speak up and he says they were there before me. Mind you at that point my table had been there for nearly 2 and a half hours, the table next to us had only gotten there less than an hour prior. I was okay up until his comment because he justified them getting the same exact order I placed by incorrectly and confidently saying they got there before me. I let it go and waited about 10 more mins to which I just told the waiter Nevermind. I understand it was busy but if he acknowledged he didn’t get my order in, logically as someone who works in service you put in a rush/priority order for someone who has been waiting for 2 hours for something as simple as a burger. Good food, questionable service wont be coming back here to spend almost $400 and wait 3 hours for a burger that I didn’t even get to have along with pizza that took an hour...