In the heart of New Rochelle, a century-old pizzeria risen from restoration now serves some of Westchester County’s most beloved wood-fired pizza. 🍕
Pizzeria La Rosa opened in 2017 when Westchester native Matt DiGesu discovered a historic space with a vintage soda fountain bar and a 100-year-old Petersen oven, spending a year and a half restoring this gem to create an inclusive gathering place for exceptional Italian food.
How Pizzeria La Rosa won local’s hearts
Matt DiGesu, a Westchester native who trained under Frank Pinello at Brooklyn’s renowned Best Pizza, discovered the historic Russell Avenue space and immediately recognized its potential.
The 100-year-old Petersen oven became the heart of his vision—a vintage wood-fired brick oven that had served the community for generations and deserved restoration.
After a year and a half of careful renovation work, DiGesu brought this New Rochelle pizzeria back to life in 2017, preserving its historic character while introducing fresh, modern Italian cuisine. 🏛️
This hole-in-the-wall’s approach centers on making everything in-house with fresh ingredients—from hand-pulled mozzarella to house-made pasta to dough prepared daily.
This commitment to quality over convenience immediately resonated with locals who appreciated authentic Neapolitan meets New York-style pizza cooked in that century-old oven.
The vintage oven yields exceptional results—as one customer observed, “old cookery yields the best food”, comparing it to grandma’s treasured cast iron skillet.
Pizzeria La Rosa created that rare combination: a casual neighborhood spot serving restaurant-quality Italian food where patrons, bartenders, and servers interact like old friends throughout the evening.
Food Highlights
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Margherita Pizza: The foundation that showcases everything right about this place—homemade mozzarella, red sauce, and fresh basil on a perfectly charred crust.
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White Pizza: A sesame seed crust topped with homemade mozzarella, ricotta, pecorino, and caramelized onions, this fan favorite delivers rich, creamy flavors.
- Bolognese Pizza: A unique creation featuring beef and soffritto bolognese with homemade mozzarella, fresh basil, and cold ricotta.
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Meatball Pizza: Pat LaFrieda beef meatballs, homemade mozzarella, red sauce, and dollops of creamy ricotta.
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Pesto Pizza: House-made basil and arugula pesto serves as the base, topped with homemade mozzarella, pickled red onions, and pistachios for a bright, herbaceous pie that showcases seasonal ingredients.
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Fried Eggplant Pizza: Crispy eggplant pieces layered with homemade mozzarella, red sauce, ricotta, and basil, this vegetarian option delivers satisfying crunch and classic Italian flavors.
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Veggie Pizza: Loaded with homemade mozzarella, red sauce, and fresh rotating vegetables that change with the seasons.
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Vodka Pizza: Featuring vodka sauce with essence of smoked bacon, homemade mozzarella, and fresh basil, this luxurious pie brings together smoky, creamy, and tangy elements.
Atmosphere
This historic New Rochelle location embodies its hole-in-the-wall charm, with the century-old Petersen oven as the centerpiece.
The vintage soda fountain bar, outdoor seating options, and cozy interior create a welcoming environment where great vibes flow naturally between staff and customers. 🍷
The casual, unpretentious setting focuses attention where it belongs—on exceptional Italian food emerging hot and fresh from that legendary wood-fired oven.
Bottom Line
Experience authentic Neapolitan meets New York-style pizza cooked in a 100-year-old wood-fired oven that delivers unmatched flavor.
Everything made fresh in-house, from hand-pulled mozzarella to house-made pasta, ensures quality in every bite.
The welcoming atmosphere and honest service create a neighborhood gem worth visiting again and again.
Address:
12 Russell Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801
📞 (914) 633-0800
🕔 Tue-Sun: 12:00 PM–9:00 PM | Mon: Closed