Rome's Famous Roscioli Restaurant Is Opening Its First US Location

The Roscioli family, which can claim credit for making a small Roman block just off the River Tiber a culinary destination, has decided to open their very first location outside of the Eternal City. This month, the new eatery, which will feature a wine bar, deli, and restaurant, plans to bring the flavors that Roman diners have relished for decades to a historic brick building in the SoHo neighborhood of NYC. 

In 1972, Marco Roscioli opened L'Antico Forno (the old oven) — the first of the Rimessa group and what would become a small complex of family-run shops, including a salumeria, café, and pastry shop in the area. And the original shop is true to its name, as this panetteria uses an oven that was feeding Romans nearly 200 years ago. The Roscioli's pastry shop is a great spot where regulars and tourists on their way to the Coliseum can grab a seat for some of the dishes they are famous for, like cacio e pepe and carbonara. The trio of shops is run by Marco's three children, Pierluigi, Maria Elena, and Alessandro.

Those tasked with bringing the operation to the U.S. have faced some unique challenges. For example, when you get the chance to dine with the Rosciolis, you can bet on tasting some of the most unique, high-quality ingredients out there. But the fresh Italian cheeses, like burrata and ricotta, cannot be imported here;  and one wonders how the Risciolis will replicate the quality foods a time-tested oven can churn out. 

But the innovative restaurateurs have a plan. The core ingredients for their main pasta dishes are things that they will be able to bring with them — things like aged cheeses, olive oil, preserved tomatoes, and of course, the pastas themselves. For the rest of the ingredients, they will have to make local connections in the States, bringing new influences to a tried and true formula. For many years, the Rosciolis have helped set a standard for Roman cuisine. Now, Manhattanites will have the chance to taste some of these amazing dishes as well.