Ragazza Awards

Ragazza Restaurant Review:

Gialina owner Sharon Ardiana took a risk in 2010, opening her second pizzeria in the seemingly cursed, street-level restaurant space of The Metro Hotel. Like Gialina, Ragazza is small and cozy with chic touches such as Ardiana's own black-and-white family photographs. Tables are packed tightly to accommodate the space's max capacity of 43, and seating is first come, first served, so waits can be long. But wispy, blistered pizzas make the line well worth enduring. Try the blissful amatriciana with roasted tomato, substantial slices of pancetta, chilies for bite and a poached egg. Also on Ragazza's menu: pastas, roasted meats and a range of sides and antipasti, such as a soulful crock of beans slow-cooked with tomatoes. Toast the meal with a selection from the Italian-only wine list. End it with Bi-Rite Creamery ice cream. There's a little heated patio in back.