We decided to check out yet another new spot that just opened on Mulberry Street. It’s a pizza joint, or so they say. We decided to try the other menu fare and we were very pleased. Although now we need to go back for the pie, which looks awesome.

The decor is very rustic with lots of wood and steel. It’s also a rather narrow space with a bar to the right and two-seaters to the left. In the back by the kitchen there are 3 larger tables. We were ‘lucky’ to be seated at a 3-top in the corner where we could each sit on the banquette. We were not so sure this was lucky since we dined early and the place was empty. The entry is more vibrant and we feel like next time we will try the bar.

We enjoyed every one of the bruschetta, the grilled octopus turned out to be a large salad, and the hand rolled Manicotti was house made and deliciously cheesy. We heard the lasagna for two is very good, but we wanted to try a few tastes.

BRUSCHETTA:
Meatball $2.50
Cannellini beans, peppers, olives $2.50
Caramelized Onion braised duck, pecorino $2.50
Broccoli Rabe sausage, besciamella
SALAD:
Roasted Octopus potatoes, celery, tomato $15
ENTREE:
Hand Rolled Manicotti imported ricotta, mozzarella, tomato $12

How good do these pizzas look?

May 14, 2011 – Second Visit
http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/rubirosa/menu

We tried the pizza.  It was amazing.  We went with something a bit non-traditional although from its description one would never know.  We had the mushroom pie with prosciutto, peas and pecorino.  There was no tomato sauce, rather it was the most awesome, rich dark brown mushroom sauce.  Admittedly, it is not the most photographic pie, but it makes up for it in flavor.  There was just a smattering of snap peas with shells, which had a freshness that complemented the saltiness of the finely shaved prosciutto.  The crust is thin and crispy.

I had a rather small glass of Pino Nero for a steep $14, but it was a nice glass of wine.  Steve tried the Captain Lawrence Ale, which he also enjoyed for a more reasonable $7.

Rubirosa is a keeper for sure.  I could see going there regularly.  We did try the bar this time and we liked the vibe.  Our bartender Chris was very personable and helpful.

http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/rubirosa/ (no website)
235 Mulberry Street – NoLita