Cranston has a locally-owned pizza destination where Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza meets Italian comfort food in the Auburn/Rolfe Square neighborhood. 🍕
Bettola opened in December 2018 by Night Owl Restaurant Group, led by president Alexander Guarino and the team behind Rhode Island’s acclaimed Basta Restaurant.
This reimagined neighborhood pizza parlor completely transforms the traditional concept with fresh, clean atmosphere taking cues from comfy old-world spots while delivering ingredients and culinary care seldom seen in local pubs.
How Bettola won Cranston’s hearts
Bettola brought something the neighborhood had been craving: high-end Italian know-how without the pretension.
The team behind Bettola weren’t outsiders trying to cash in—they grew up on old-school pizza parlors themselves and wanted to inject genuine love into that nostalgic concept. 🎨
The difference showed up immediately in the Neapolitan-style crust, which locals describe as the perfect trifecta: airy, crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy where it counts.
The menu reads like a mixtape of personality, with pizzas named Marilyn Monroe, The Princess, and Eddie Mush-Room making the ordering experience feel less like a transaction and more like hanging out with friends who happen to make killer pies. 🌟
Walk inside, and you’ll notice the industrial dome lights casting warm glows while 90s alt-rock plays overhead and Marilyn Monroe watches from the wall—it’s deliberate, confident, and knows exactly what vibe it’s creating.
Beyond pizza, they stacked the menu with Italian comfort food that proved the kitchen could handle anything: sandwiches that hit the spot, pasta done right, and entrees worthy of their Basta pedigree.
Cranston finally had a spot where you could grab a casual slice on Tuesday or celebrate date night on Saturday without compromising on quality, and the neighborhood responded by making Bettola their own.
Food Highlights
- Gold Digger Pizza: A sophisticated option with bianco sauce, ricotta, caramelized onion, truffle oil, romano, herbs, and wild mushrooms. 🍄
- Marilyn Monroe Pizza: The signature creation and Lord of the Pies 2024 winner featuring bianco sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, gorgonzola, hot honey, and crushed pepper. 🏆
- BTL Mike’s Hot Honey Pizza: A beloved specialty featuring pulled truffle buffalo chicken, mozzarella, shaved celery, and creamy herb-gorgonzola that delivers perfect heat and creamy balance.
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The Princess Pizza: A creative specialty with red sofrito base, braised beef, smoked gouda, fresh mozzarella, crispy red onion, basil, and EVOO.
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San Gennaro Pizza: The meat lover’s dream loaded with meatballs, prosciutto, pepperoni, sausage, marinated peppers, and mozzarella. 🥓
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Eddie Mush-Room Pizza: A umami-rich option featuring bianco sauce, ricotta, caramelized onion, truffle oil, romano, herbs, and wild mushrooms.
- Luca Brasi Pizza: The meat lover’s dream loaded with meatballs, prosciutto, pepperoni, sausage, roasted peppers, and mozzarella.
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Fig ‘N’ A Pizza: A sweet-savory combination with sausage, smoked and fresh mozzarella, peppadew peppers, caramelized onions, and garlic.
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Krusty Krab Pizza: A playful special featuring American cheese, shredded mozzarella, ground beef, bacon, dill pickles, fresh red onion, diced tomatoes, shredded romaine, and Thousand Island.
Atmosphere
The vibe at Bettola creates a fresh, confident dining experience perfect for Cranston date nights and family gatherings. ✨
The industrial dome lighting and ’90s alt-rock soundtrack with Marilyn Monroe art creates a deliberate atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and modern simultaneously.
Cozy seating with warm service where servers provide excellent recommendations makes every visit feel welcoming, with staff consistently described as friendly and helpful.
The outdoor seating options at 44 Rolfe Square provide wonderful al fresco dining during pleasant Rhode Island weather, perfect for enjoying wood-fired pizza in fresh air.
Bottom Line
Visit Bettola for Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza with airy, crispy-chewy crust, award-winning specialty pies like the Marilyn Monroe with hot honey that won Lord of the Pies 2024, authentic Italian comfort food from the Basta Restaurant team, extensive craft beer and table wine selection, and locally-owned hospitality from Night Owl Restaurant Group in Cranston’s Rolfe Square. 🎉
Address:
44 Rolfe Square, Cranston, RI 02910
📞 (401) 522-5222
🕐 Open Mon-Wed, 4:30 PM–9 PM | Thu, 11:30 AM–9 PM | Fri-Sat, 11:30 AM–10 PM | Sun, 11:30 AM–9 PM