Instead of only considering Boston’s North End for exceptional Italian dishes, there exists an authentic dining spot in Newton, Mass. that is raising the standards for the surrounding neighborhoods.
The head Pizzaiolo and executive chef/owner, Mario LaPosta, aimed to revolutionize the culinary scene in the charming village of Newtonville when he established da LaPosta in 2021. LaPosta brings to the suburbs more than two decades of his personal culinary expertise, acquired through training in Rome and Campania, his family’s place of origin.
Over the past twenty years, he has honed his art of pizza-making by delivering wood-fired pizzas. Apart from crafting some of the most innovative pizzas, he has also developed his own naturally leavened sourdough starter named Farino da LaPosta, created in collaboration with Keith Giusto of Central Milling Company in Utah and Petaluma, CA.
The establishment offers ample seating options at the bar or in the main dining room. Additionally, a pet-friendly patio presents a charming setting for outdoor dining to enjoy the fleeting warm days characteristic of New England.
A trip to da LaPosta would not be complete without indulging in their freshly baked, incredibly soft focaccia bread served alongside Campania olive oil for dipping.
We highly recommend ordering their house-made creamy ricotta to accompany the bread.
Despite the unusual combination of Sardinian orange honey, Sicilian oregano, sea salt, and olive oil, it succeeds in providing a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and addictive flavors.
Noteworthy appetizers include Funghi Marinati, a seasonal medley of mushrooms served in a garlic and herb sauce.
Do not overlook the eggplant parmigiana appetizer: multiple layers of fresh eggplant paired with fresh mozzarella and pecorino in a tangy tomato sauce.
If you prefer a classic option, the lightly fried calamari, a familiar favorite, is served with a flavorful lemon aioli.
Other appetizers include antipasto, charred Spanish octopus, and Nonna’s beef meatballs in a pomodoro sauce with smoked ricotta.
Make sure to savor one of da LaPosta’s signature pizzas. You can either create a custom pie with toppings like fennel sausage, pepperoni, or Gaeta olives, or choose from their classics such as the straightforward Margherita with fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil.
Other popular pies include Bianca with fig marmellata, lardo, pecorino, and arugula; La Romagna with green tomatoes, smoked mozzarella, prosciutto, arugula, Grana Padano, and aceto balsamico; and Boscaiola topped with fresh mozzarella, toasted tomato, speck, Hen of the Woods mushrooms, and caciocavallo.
We especially enjoy their Meatball pizza, a delightful blend of fresh ricotta along with beef meatballs in a tangy tomato sauce.
Indulge in comfort food like never before, especially when paired with an Aperol spritz.
When it comes to main dishes, their Instagram-worthy chicken parmigiana is one of the largest servings you might encounter. Tender and juicy chicken, semi-boneless, lightly fried, topped with fresh mozzarella, and served with a generous portion of wood-roasted broccoli rabe.
Another appealing dish that we anticipate trying on our next visit is the potato gnocchi and mushroom ragu with bufala butter and marsala.
If you haven’t saved room for dessert, the friendly staff will gladly pack a selection of Mom’s tiramisu or Italian cookies for you to enjoy at home.
Da LaPosta is situated at 825 Washington Street in Newtonville, Mass.
Image Source: fornStudio / Shutterstock
