rubirosa ristorante

Trendy Nolita meets 50-year-old Staten Island family recipe.  Rubirosa is full of rustic charm, packed by the hip, young, mid aged, families and tourists in the know.  I was excited to see it’s proximity to Sony Lost in Music popup we were visiting (watch for my blog!).  And it’s been written up by a Michelin Guide recently.  

Every seat at the bar and the long strip of two-seater tables were occupied.  We felt lucky to be offer a table in the back room but only until 6:30!  With time limit on our backs, we ordered the works - Caesar salad, Rigatoni and a classic pie with meatballs.    

Rigatoni with sausage ragu and pecorino tasted clearly like it’s been developing for hours on the stove.  The handmade rigatoni was el dente and chewy.  Thumbs up and makes my own ragu which my family loves, feel totally inadequate.

The crust was ultrathin and give a surprising crunch.  I taste the freshness of the sauce, mozzarella and meatball, each distinct yet melted together perfectly with the crispiness of the dough.   

Everything here is definitely worth a trip downtown, from wherever you are!