NYCReview
photo credit: Emily Schindler
Rubirosa
Included In
Rubirosa is one of the most consistently good restaurants in town, thanks in large part to their exceptional thin-crust vodka sauce pizza. That’s one of the best pies in New York City, and you need to make a trip here just to eat it.
But one of the things we love most about Rubirosa is that it isn’t just a pizza joint. This is a real Italian restaurant with great antipasti, pasta, and rainbow cookies that you should order to close out your meal.
Rubirosa’s dishes have stood the test of time—and they’ve also made this place pretty difficult to get into. Reservations are hard to come by, and trying to get a walk-in spot is almost always an ordeal. On a recent visit, we were quoted a two-hour wait. That was on a Wednesday night. During a torrential downpour.
Even though that might discourage you, don’t let it. This restaurant is perfect for a date night or a dinner with relatives, and there’s even an extensive gluten-free menu that’s been around since day one. Don’t be afraid to order your vodka pie gluten-free. That version might be just as good as the original.
Follow the food rundown to see exactly what our favorites are. But know that you could blindly point to any section of the menu and find something you’ll enjoy. That includes mozzarella sticks.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Rubirosa
Vodka Pizza
photo credit: Rubirosa
Ricotta Ravioli
photo credit: Rubirosa
Roasted Octopus
Mozzarella Sticks
Cavatelli
photo credit: Emily Schindler