Restaurant Review: Roma Pizza
Denis Baldwin | Mar 30, 2009 | Comments 0
It’s no doubt that 7th Avenue in Ybor would be home to a number of pizza joints. After all, drunks on the go need fuel for their jagermeister-drenched bellies and pizza is a logical choice. It’s portable, relatively self contained, relatively cheap and it can be served in portions from slice to pie, depending on the needs of the individual patron. It’s this reason that keeps so many Ybor City pizza places in business and Roma Pizza (1724 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, (813) 241-2240) steps it up a notch.
Roma is more than just pizza, and that’s what I love most about it. The atmosphere lends to a combination of casual family and friends sit down dining as well as the drunks-on-the-go quick stop pizza oven at the front of the store. Roma’s is in the thick of it all, jammed between a number of bars and small stores. This makes it subject to a lot of food traffic, both during daily hours and it’s extended nighttime hours til 3AM on Friday and Saturday nights.
Kara and I sat down for drinks and calzone, thinking that we’d be amongst the minority who were there to enjoy a meal. I was pleasantly surprised to find that we were actually in the majority, being one of many booths filled with people having a good time without being obviously wasted.
Service was quick and friendly. Our server came back several times to check on us and was happy to pose for the camera. It’s this kind of open attitude which can really make or break a place like this, as I’m sure this guy sees all kinds and deals with all sorts of interesting folks and he never stopped smiling. Based solely on service, I’d recommend Roma.
The food is also quite good. Made in the traditional Old World way, their calzones come out piping hot with a side of cold red sauce for dipping. The first fork into the calzone will release a piping hot air bubble and a lava flow of cheese and meat. The smell is incredible, and filled the booth with the essence of an Italian Villa. Since the kitchen is open, you can both see and smell what’s cooking, and it’s delivered to plate with precision.
Trying not to burn myself on the very hot calzone, I forked off a chunk and let it sit for a moment. The suspense you feel while trying to be patient in the face of such deliciousness is almost maddening. After a moment of diligent cooling, I took the first bite and it was wonderful. There is a taste of butter and garlic in every subsequent bite which continues the experience. In a world of rock hard pizza rolls, overly done stuffed and baked Italian sandwiches and every format of roll, wrap and sandwich, I’m glad that a taste of Old Italy can still be found in the calzones of Roma’s.
When you realize how much food you get for the price, you may be drawn aback by the value. The portions are really exceptionally large for the price. Kara and I both left full, and with a takeout container. Including tip, two drinks and the calzone, our bill was under $20.
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Filed Under: Food & Drink • Italian • Ybor City
