Family Opens Pizzeria During Pandemic, Becomes Community’s Favorite Restaurant in Rockville, MD

Name

Ema Rossi Pizzeria Napoletana

Address

 5556 Norbeck Road, Rockville, MD 20853

Hours

Tue-Thu 12 PM–9 PM, Fri 12 PM–9:30 PM, Sat 10 AM–9:30 PM, Sun 10 AM–9 PM (closed Mon)

In a strip mall along Norbeck Road, a family-owned pizzeria has been crafting authentic Neapolitan pizza that’s capturing hearts across Rockville.

Owner and chef Manuel Ruiz named the restaurant after his mother, Emanuela, honoring the Italian recipes she passed down from her parents, who emigrated from Umbria.

The restaurant opened during the pandemic, yet quickly became a community favorite by delivering wood-fired pizzas made with 67% hydration dough using just four basic ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast.

How Ema Rossi Pizzeria Won Rockville’s Hearts

Ema Rossi won over the Rockville community by staying true to authentic Neapolitan traditions while adding creative touches that make each pizza memorable.

The wood-fired oven produces pizzas with perfectly charred crusts that locals describe as “out of this world.”

Their unique pizza combinations — like pepperoni drizzled with chili-infused honey — showcase innovation grounded in tradition.

Despite being a small operation, Ema Rossi managed to become one of the community’s favorites by focusing on high-quality, well-prepared food served with warmth and care.

Food Highlights 🍽️

• Margherita Piu: This elevated version of the classic Margherita features mozzarella di bufala, pepperoni, and chili-infused honey with basil — a customer favorite that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors.

• Funghi Pizza: Topped with wild mushrooms, smoked mozzarella, fontina, thyme, and truffle-balsamic reduction.

• Parma Pizza: A crowd-pleasing combination featuring prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, arugula, and shaved parmesan.

• Patate Pizza: This unique white pizza comes with roasted potato, mortadella, mozzarella, herb ricotta, and pistachios — an unexpected combination that delivers authentic Italian flavors.

• Margherita Pizza: The traditional version with mozzarella di bufala, basil, pecorino, and EVOO remains a timeless choice that highlights the restaurant’s commitment to Neapolitan authenticity.

• Toscana Pizza: Made with salami, roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella, and pecorino, this red pizza offers bold Italian flavors in every bite.

• Salsiccia Pizza: A hearty option for sausage lovers that delivers authentic Italian sausage flavor with complementary toppings.

• Fichi e Prosciutto: A white pizza featuring fig jam, gorgonzola, prosciutto, arugula, and balsamic reduction that provides a sophisticated sweet-and-savory experience.

Atmosphere 🏠

The restaurant creates a cozy, family-friendly environment with charming Italian-themed decor that transports guests straight to Italy.

The small space offers both indoor and outdoor seating options in the Rock Creek Village Center.

The attention to detail enhances the overall dining experience, making every visit feel like a journey into the heart of Italian culture rather than just another meal.

Bottom Line 💯

Visit Ema Rossi for authentic Neapolitan pizza made with traditional techniques, creative specialty combinations featuring quality ingredients like chili-infused honey and truffle-balsamic reduction, warm hospitality from caring staff, and supporting a beloved local family business that opened during challenging times and thrived through excellence.

Address:

5556 Norbeck Road, Rockville, MD 20853

📞 (240) 669-9900

🕔 Tue-Thu 12 PM–9 PM, Fri 12 PM–9:30 PM, Sat 10 AM–9:30 PM, Sun 10 AM–9 PM (closed Mon)