A favorite for those wanting a soul-satisfying pasta course. The vodka sauce is remarkably creamy and savory, coating every strand of pasta perfectly. It's studded with dozens of tiny, hand-rolled meatballs that provide a salty, meaty contrast to the rich sauce. Reviewers highlight the small size of the meatballs as being a delightful and traditional touch.
Tips from diners
The portion is quite large. If you're a party of two, sharing the Tie-Dye pizza and this pasta is the quintessential Rubirosa meal. Ask for extra parmesan on top.
The restaurant's most iconic and colorful dish. The wafer-thin crust is topped with a vibrant 'tie-dye' pattern of creamy vodka sauce, bright tomato sauce, and fresh basil pesto. It is a brilliant example of the Staten Island-style bar pie refined for a Manhattan audience. Reviewers consistently praise the balance of the three sauces and the remarkable crunch of the sturdy, thin crust.
Tips from diners
The small pie is plenty for two people if you're also ordering pasta. The vodka sauce has a great peppery depth that separates it from standard red pies. Don't leave the 'bones'—the crust is the best part.
A textbook execution of the Sicilian street food classic. The risotto balls are breaded and fried until golden and shatteringly crisp, filled with a savory mixture of slow-cooked meat ragu, tender peas, and melted mozzarella. They are served with a side of bright marinara for dipping. It's a favorite starter that showcases the kitchen's respect for tradition.
A sleeper hit that provides a bright acidic lift to the rich pizzas and pastas. The salad features incredibly fresh greens tossed with sharp, funky gorgonzola and crunchy toasted walnuts. It is a favorite for regulars looking for a well-composed vegetable course that doesn't feel like an afterthought.
Rubirosa is a family-run restaurant that brings the legendary thin-crust pizza of Staten Island's Joe & Pat's to the heart of Soho. Founded by the late AJ Pappalardo, the space is warm and narrow, with a lively bar and a classic Italian-American soundtrack. It is celebrated for its paper-thin crust and its status as a favorite for both neighborhood locals and international pizza aficionados.
Reservations open 30 days in advance at midnight on Resy. They book up very quickly. If you can't find a spot, arrive at 4 PM on a weekday to snag a bar stool—the full menu is available there.
The line for walk-ins can be 90 minutes on weekends. Put your name in and head to the nearby bars on Elizabeth Street for a drink—they'll text you when your table is ready.
The space is very narrow and tables are extremely tight. It is not ideal for large, loud groups or strollers. It's best for pairs or small, food-centric dates.
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