Ohio might be best known for Cincinnati-style chili and Graeter’s ice cream, but the Buckeye State also has quite the Italian culinary repertoire. LaRosa’s was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1954 by Donald “Buddy” LaRosa, its flagship restaurant located at Boudinot Avenue. Nearly 75 years later, the original and oldest LaRosa’s in Ohio still stands, serving delicious pizzas and calzones to the fine folks of Ohio.

What does "Italian food" mean to you? In Ohio, "Italian food" is synonymous with one restaurant: LaRosa's.
Jeffy Martin/Google Local
In 1954, LaRosa's opened its doors on Boudinot Avenue in Cincinnati, Ohio, offering a taste of the Old Country in a city best-known for German fare and brews.
LaRosa's Pizzeria/Facebook
Everything on the original menu was inspired by Buddy's family recipes. His Sicilian-born father didn't think the concept would take off, but Buddy had a vision *and* heart, two ingredients essential to a longstanding restaurant.
LaRosa's Pizzeria/Facebook
From pizzas and calzones to spaghetti and minestrone, the menu at LaRosa's is all about classic Italian comfort food. It's love on a plate. Ohioans loved LaRosa's then, but today, it's become a bona fide Buckeye State icon.
LaRosa's Pizzeria/Facebook

Related Stories

This Ohio Food Trail Highlights The Iconic Dish That Is Columbus-Style Pizza

This Ohio Food Trail Highlights The Iconic Dish That Is Columbus-Style Pizza

 The Secret Door That Takes You To The Best Little Italian Restaurant In Ohio

The Secret Door That Takes You To The Best Little Italian Restaurant In Ohio

 One Of The First Pizzerias In Columbus, Ohio, Massey's Pizza Is A Longstanding Buckeye State Favorite

One Of The First Pizzerias In Columbus, Ohio, Massey's Pizza Is A Longstanding Buckeye State Favorite
While the restaurant has since become so much larger than Buddy LaRosa could have ever imagined, the original location at Boudinot Avenue remains -- and it's a fan favorite.
LaRosa's Pizzeria/Facebook
Inside this charming and long-standing restaurant, you'll find rustic booths, tables topped with parmesan and red pepper shakers, and classic pizzeria decor.
Lela Marshall/Google Local
LaRosa's is, above all, a family restaurant, and you'll be warmly welcomed as soon as you walk through the doors.
chel sucher/Google Local
This is what Buddy envisioned when he opened his first restaurant on Boudinot Avenue: a place where families and friends could gather and enjoy food and fellowship.
LaRosa's Pizzeria/Facebook
While the flagship restaurant has undergone renovations and changes over the years, its heart and soul have stayed true to Buddy's original concept...
Phillip Pastore/Google Local
...as have the delicious pizzas and calzones!

Have you dined at the oldest LaRosa’s in Ohio before? This historic restaurant on Boudinot Avenue is an Ohio icon!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Ohio

Featured Addresses
LaRosa's Pizza Boudinot, 2411 Boudinot Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45238, USA