Rose Pizzeria, located at 1960 University Avenue in Berkeley, California, is a distinguished restaurant that has quickly become a beloved local gem since its opening in December 2021. Owned and operated by the dynamic duo Gerad Gobel and Alexis Rorabaugh, this pizzeria offers a unique dining experience that blends the charm of a neighborhood eatery with the sophistication of a bottle shop and wine patio. The restaurant’s intimate setting, seating up to 22 guests, is complemented by a picturesque rose garden patio, providing a serene and inviting atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their meals.

The culinary philosophy at Rose Pizzeria centers on crafting exceptional thin-crust pizzas that marry the best elements of Neapolitan and New York styles. This fusion results in a crust that is both sturdy and tender, capable of supporting a variety of thoughtfully selected toppings. The menu features nine distinct pizza varieties, each made with vegan dough and high-quality ingredients such as burrata, garlic confit, olives, capers, and oregano, exemplified by their popular She Wolf pizza. Beyond pizza, the restaurant offers fresh salads, bread sourced from Starter Bakery, and two delectable desserts, rounding out a well-curated menu that appeals to a broad range of tastes.

Rose Pizzeria’s commitment to quality extends to its beverage offerings, which include natural wines and craft beers carefully chosen to complement the flavors of their dishes. The wine patio enhances the dining experience, allowing guests to savor their meals alongside a thoughtfully selected glass of wine in a relaxed outdoor setting. This combination of excellent food, drink, and ambiance has earned Rose Pizzeria significant acclaim, including being named one of the 22 best pizzerias in the United States by The New York Times in 2024—a remarkable achievement that highlights the restaurant’s rising prominence on the national culinary stage.

The story of Rose Pizzeria is also one of passion and expertise. Gerad Gobel and Alexis Rorabaugh, a married couple with deep roots in the Bay Area culinary scene, previously operated an Italian restaurant in Chicago before returning to California to open Rose Pizzeria. Their experience and dedication to authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine are evident in every aspect of the restaurant, from the carefully crafted dough to the selection of natural wines. Their journey reflects a commitment to creating a space that feels both welcoming and exceptional, where community and culinary excellence intersect.

Looking ahead, Rose Pizzeria is poised for growth. The owners plan to expand their successful concept to San Francisco, with a new location slated to open in the Inner Richmond neighborhood between late 2025 and early 2026. This expansion will allow more diners to experience their celebrated pizzas and thoughtfully curated wine selection. Additionally, they are preparing to launch Cafe Brusco nearby on University Avenue, a versatile space that will serve sandwiches, pastries, and coffee by day and transform into a wine bar by night, further enriching the local dining landscape.

In summary, Rose Pizzeria stands out as a beacon of quality and community in Berkeley’s vibrant restaurant scene. Its blend of artisanal pizza, natural wines, and a charming outdoor patio creates a memorable dining experience that has garnered both local loyalty and national recognition. Whether you are a pizza aficionado or simply seeking a welcoming spot to enjoy great food and drink, Rose Pizzeria offers a unique and satisfying destination that embodies the spirit of Berkeley’s culinary innovation and warmth.