Cody A.
Google
What an absolute hidden treasure.
Discovered Via Rosa 11 while exploring Bainbridge Island on the advice of a friend. NOW I get why she recommended it! This place is absolutely delicious in every way!
Driving past, you might miss it entirely. The exterior is almost secretive, (Perhaps thats what theyre going for). But once inside you step into a small Italian market filled with authentic staples. Youll find Imported pastas, olive oils, sparkling sodas, cured meats, olives, etc. Equal parts neighborhood pizzaria and italian market.
The owners themselves came out and greeted our table, which immediately impressed me and set the tone. This place is truely family run. A husband and wife from Hawaii and Italy who have created something similar to the movie "Nonas".
Then theres the wood burning oven that sits glowing in the kitchen, the kind that makes that perfect blister and char.
We ordered the Burrata y Speck pizza ($23). San Marzano tomatos, whole burrata, cherry tomatoes, basil, spek, and parmigiano. It was outstanding! The crust is PERFECTLY crisp! Funny note* Look how they shaped the pizza as a heart for us on their own....how cute! We also tried the Bruschetta, which was equally excellent. For drinks, we shared a bottle of blood orange sparkling wine, which might have been the most refreshing thing ive had all day.
A couple things worth noting:
-First, like most small italian eateries, dining here is communal as space is limited. You might get your own table, or you might end up dining along fellow pizza lovers. Roll the dice and enjoy the experience.
-Second, of your order something to go at the counter, remember to pick it up before leaving. I ordered the cannoli ahead of time to take with me, and completely forgot to take them with me on the way out. My fault.
My only real suggestion for Via Rosa (should they need more business), is to lean into the curb appeal a bit more. This place deserves to be discovered IMO, but right now its so subtle from the road that many people will drive right past without even realizing what they are missing. Which would be a shame because if you stop, youll find a tiny slice of italy tucked away on Bainbridge Island!
Will ABSOLUTELY be back. 5 stars.