The iconic Brooklyn pizza joint, Roberta’s, has expanded beyond its Bushwick roots, making its mark in the Penn Station/Madison Square Garden area. The popular eatery, known for its wood-fired pizzas, opened a new location last month, adding a fresh culinary option to an area often dismissed as a fast-food haven for commuters.
Despite the 15-year wait, the new Roberta’s location delivers the same quality that has made the original spot a favorite. The menu, featuring pizza, pasta, and other Italian dishes, remains as delightful as ever, even in the midst of Manhattan’s hustle and bustle.
Located on the second floor of a new building called 1 Penn East, the restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with a total of 220 seats. The outdoor patio, equipped with picnic tables and surrounded by the city’s urban landscape, is the prime spot for dining. For those who prefer a quieter atmosphere, the glass-enclosed indoor dining area provides a more subdued setting without compromising the enjoyment of the food.
Roberta’s owners, Carlo Mirarchi and Brandon Hoy, partnered with Vornado Realty Trust to bring this new location to life. First reported by The Post in 2022, the project is part of Vornado’s larger effort to revitalize the West 30s. The company has invested heavily in the area, redesigning office buildings, demolishing the Hotel Pennsylvania for future development, and introducing new retail spaces and eateries aimed at attracting a younger, more sophisticated crowd.
While some might have doubted whether the new location could live up to the original, Roberta’s has successfully replicated its winning formula. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Sam Pollheimer, the kitchen uses the same type of wood-fired ovens as the Brooklyn location, cooking pizzas at 800 degrees in just 90 seconds. A second oven on the ground floor is dedicated to takeout orders, including pizza by the slice.
The menu features classic offerings like the margherita pizza, priced at $22. This 12-inch pie, with its thin, blistered crust, fresh tomato sauce, house-made mozzarella, basil, and olive oil, remains a fan favorite. Patrons can also customize their pizzas with 18 different toppings, though the pies are delicious on their own.
One standout is the Alt Normcore pizza, an all-white pie with buffalo mozzarella and Sungold tomatoes, priced at $27. Another popular choice is the Bee Sting pizza, which features a hint of chili and is priced at $25.
In addition to pizza, Roberta’s offers a variety of appetizers and entrees. The salted flatbread, served with creamy stracciatella cheese, anchovies, and cultured butter, is a $31 indulgence worth trying. The lobster spaghettini, priced at $32, is a dish not to be missed, combining al dente pasta with gremolata breadcrumbs. The Heritage porchetta, priced at $36, is another highlight, served in crescent-shaped wedges with a touch of fat for added flavor.
As the colder months approach, the outdoor dining area will become less accessible, so now is the time to experience Roberta’s new Manhattan location. Enjoy a slice of their famous pizza while taking in the view of Manhattan’s skyline — and perhaps even catching a glimpse of Alicia Keys on a nearby billboard.
