When pizza lovers in Topeka need their fix, they know exactly where to go. 🍕
LaRocca Pizza on SW Gage Boulevard has been serving up seriously good pizza since 2001, earning a devoted following that keeps coming back for more.
What started as Vince LaRocca’s dream has evolved into a neighborhood institution under the caring ownership of Ted and Cindi Valdivia, who’ve made it their mission to put family first and stay deeply connected to their community.
How LaRocca’s won local’s hearts
LaRocca’s didn’t just stumble into success – they earned every slice of their reputation through genuine care and consistently excellent food.
When Ted and Cindi Valdivia took over this family pizza establishment, they understood something crucial: Topeka didn’t need another corporate pizza chain.
They needed a place where authentic Italian-American flavors met genuine hospitality, and that’s exactly what they delivered.
The magic really happens in the kitchen, where everything is made fresh daily – from their house-made dough to their signature marinara sauce.
Longtime customers rave about the perfect balance of their thin crust pizzas, which manage to be crispy without being brittle, and loaded with toppings without getting soggy.
The garlic rolls have become legendary in their own right, with locals describing them as “out of this world” buttery goodness that pairs perfectly with marinara.
But perhaps most importantly, Ted and Cindi have maintained the neighborhood feel that made LaRocca’s special in the first place, creating a space where families feel welcome and every customer feels like they’re part of the LaRocca’s family.
Food Highlights
- Deluxe Pizza: This crowd-pleaser combines pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers on their signature house-made crust, creating the perfect balance of flavors that keeps customers coming back week after week for this time-tested favorite.
- Mexican Style Pizza: A unique twist that sets LaRocca’s apart from other pizzerias, this creative combination features traditional Mexican-inspired toppings that customers describe as “just terrific” and worth giving up pepperoni for on occasion.
- Meat Lovers Pizza: Carnivores rejoice over this protein-packed masterpiece loaded with pepperoni, sausage, beef, ham, and bacon bits, all perfectly balanced on their fresh daily dough that manages to support all those toppings without getting overwhelmed.
- Combo Pizza: The restaurant’s number one seller features pepperoni, Italian sausage, beef, ham, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and black olives, creating a loaded experience that showcases why this comprehensive combination has earned its top spot on the menu.
- Spicy Queso Pizza: This modern favorite features cheese sauce with chorizo, beef, onion, and tomato, offering a bold flavor profile that demonstrates LaRocca’s ability to innovate while maintaining their commitment to quality and authentic taste.
Atmosphere
Walking into LaRocca’s feels like stepping back in time to when pizza places were about more than just food – they were about creating memories.
The interior evokes that classic 1970s pizza parlor nostalgia, complete with the incredible aroma that greets you at the door and immediately makes you feel at home.
Hand-drawn murals grace the walls, including detailed brickwork that perfectly matches the real brick elements, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels both professional and personal.
The space includes comfortable booths and tables for dining in, plus a back room for larger groups and a charming patio with outdoor seating for those perfect Kansas evenings. 😊
Bottom Line
- Authentic experience: This is genuine neighborhood pizza at its finest, where every bite reflects the care and pride that goes into traditional Italian-American cooking done right.
- Unbeatable value: The large pizza special featuring a 3-topping pizza, four house-made garlic rolls, and two drinks for under $18 represents exceptional value that’s hard to find anywhere else.
- Community commitment: Ted and Cindi’s deep local roots and active community involvement make this more than just a restaurant – it’s a neighborhood gathering place where everyone feels welcome.
- Consistent quality: After more than two decades, LaRocca’s continues to deliver the same high standards that built their reputation, ensuring every visit meets expectations. ⭐
Address: 3100 SW Gage Boulevard, Topeka, KS 66614
📞 (785) 861-7141
🕔 Open Tue-Sun, 11 AM–8 PM (closed Mon) 🍴