Rose Pizzeria

Pizza Restaurants in Berkeley, California

4.6 (436)

CategoryPizza Restaurants · Restaurants
Address1960 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704, United States
AreaBerkeley, California
Google rating 4.6 (436)

Hours

MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday12–9 pm
Thursday12–9 pm
Friday12–9 pm
Saturday12–9 pm
Sunday12–9 pm

About Rose Pizzeria

Rose Pizzeria, located at 1960 University Ave in Berkeley, California, has quickly established itself as a standout destination for pizza lovers since opening in 2021. Nestled in a modest blue storefront in downtown Berkeley, this restaurant has earned national acclaim, including recognition by the New York Times as one of the best pizzerias in the country. Despite its small size and a kitchen that fits only six pizzas at a time, Rose Pizzeria has built a loyal following by focusing on quality, thoughtful ingredients, and a dedication to crafting exceptional thin-crust pies that stand apart in a region known for its sourdough and artisanal pizza culture[1][2][5].

The founders, Gerad Gobel and Alexis Rorabaugh, have cultivated a unique dining experience that goes beyond just pizza. Rose Pizzeria also operates as a bottle shop and features a wine patio, creating a welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy carefully selected wines alongside their meals. This combination of a pizzeria and wine-focused venue reflects the owners’ commitment to pairing great food with an equally thoughtful beverage selection, enhancing the overall dining experience. The wine patio offers a relaxed outdoor setting, perfect for enjoying Berkeley’s mild climate while savoring a slice or two[5].

Rose Pizzeria’s rise to fame was rapid and intense. After the New York Times spotlight in 2024, the restaurant experienced a surge in demand that overwhelmed its small kitchen and staff. The owners had to make operational adjustments, such as temporarily removing oysters from the menu to free up refrigeration space for essential pizza ingredients. Despite the challenges, the recognition brought a wave of new customers eager to experience what many consider some of the best pizza in America. This surge highlighted both the restaurant’s popularity and the challenges of scaling a small, high-quality operation without compromising its core values[2].

Building on their success, the founders are expanding their culinary footprint. In early 2025, they launched Cafe Brusco just down the street at 2000 University Ave, an all-day café offering coffee, sandwiches, pastries, and evening wine and snacks. This new venture complements Rose Pizzeria’s focus on quality and community, providing a versatile space for Berkeley residents to gather throughout the day[1].

Further growth plans include a new location in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond neighborhood, expected to open between late 2025 and early 2026. This expansion is being funded through an innovative approach involving small business bonds via SMBX, allowing supporters to invest directly in the restaurant’s growth. This strategy reflects the owners’ commitment to community involvement and sustainable business practices while maintaining the high standards that have defined Rose Pizzeria’s brand[3][4].

Financially, Rose Pizzeria has demonstrated strong performance with a 29% year-over-year revenue increase, profitability as of 2024, and a gross margin of 73%. These figures underscore the restaurant’s successful balance of quality, pricing, and operational efficiency in a competitive market[4].

In summary, Rose Pizzeria is more than just a pizza restaurant; it is a carefully curated culinary destination that combines exceptional thin-crust pizza, a curated wine selection, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Its strategic growth, innovative funding, and dedication to quality position it as a notable player in the Bay Area’s dynamic food scene, continuing to attract both local patrons and visitors seeking an authentic and memorable dining experience.

Is this your business? Claim this listing to update details, add photos and get a verified badge; every verified claim gives $1 to charity. Want more customers? Feature it at the top of pizza restaurants in Berkeley.

Latest Google reviews

The 5 most recent reviews shown on Google Maps. Reviews belong to their authors; read all of them on Google.

D 3 months ago

*For context, this review is largely for vegans (3.5/5 stars). Had a reservation on a Friday evening on the back patio. Beautiful weather for the back patio. I had emailed the restaurant in advance to check on vegan menu items, and they assured me that most of the menu items can be made vegan. There seems to be some confusion between the staff and management though since when I came to the restaurant it wasn't as vegan friendly as advertised (e.g., it turns out the gigante beans could not be made vegan). That being said, they were still able to make vegan the two pizzas I was interested in the She Wolf and the Old Faithful. They use Daiya cheese which looks great, but doesn't have the strongest taste profile and texture isn't amazing when it cools down. We asked for salt to increase the taste on the pizza, but think they could do a lot more to increase the flavor profile on both pizzas, since we've had similar pizza toppings elsewhere that were more flavorful. (Honestly, the toppings combination for both pizzas were excellent, but a little undersalted with the current vegan cheese choice.) Both pizzas were still solid though. I am bummed I missed my opportunity to try the pizza ba

jkubr 5 months ago

This place is so special! I am not sure if it is the size of the establishment or the taste of the exquisite pizza, but Rose is a great place to bring friends or go on a date. The ambience is loud but warm and friendly. The service and staff were extremely timely and professional. I had a great dinner here with friends, and will be back for more. Parking is a sore, but what is new in Berkeley!? 10/10!

Jude B 8 months ago

If you’re just looking for a reliably good pizza place, this spot definitely delivers. They’ve got a really nice dough, tasty cheese, and a sauce that pulls everything together into a pretty satisfying personal pizza. They also have some nice drink options and a good range of wines if that’s your thing. Overall, it’s just a really nice place to grab a good pizza.

Erin Mann 11 months ago

Our pizza aficionado friend had told us about this place. It delivers! Ambiance: The outdoor seating in the back is chill and a great place to hang out and enjoy. Food: We ordered a red sauce pizza and a white sauce pizza. Honestly I normally prefer white sauce but the red sauce at Rose is next level tasty. The crust was superb and the pizza was great with their house red wine. Service: friendly and attentive Price: Bay Area fair price for the best pizza around I’d be happy to go back

Justin McClelland a year ago

Highlight: Delicious vegan-friendly pizza in a spotless space with a patio you’ll want to linger on. Restaurant: This cozy Berkeley pizza spot takes pride in crafting high-quality pies with fresh ingredients and thoughtful flavor combinations. The atmosphere is relaxed yet well-kept, and the charming patio is the kind of space that makes you want to extend your meal just to soak it all in. Service: Service here is warm, welcoming, and attentive without feeling rushed. Staff members know their menu well and seem genuinely happy to guide you toward great choices. The care they put into the dining experience is evident from start to finish. Food: We enjoyed a vegan pizza topped with sausage and peppers, and it was packed with flavor—savory, well-balanced, and cooked to perfection. The vegan Caesar salad was another standout, with a creamy, flavorful dressing that didn’t feel like a compromise. Every bite spoke to the attention paid to quality and freshness. Recommendations: Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just a pizza lover, this is a must-visit. Grab a spot on the patio if the weather’s nice, and don’t skip the vegan Caesar—it’s a pleasant surprise. The spotless dining area

All reviews on Google ↗

Frequently asked questions

Where is Rose Pizzeria located?

Rose Pizzeria is at 1960 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704, United States, in Berkeley, California. Use the “Open in Google Maps” button on this page for directions.

What kind of business is Rose Pizzeria?

Rose Pizzeria is listed as a pizza restaurant and is also tagged on Google as restaurants.

What are the hours of Rose Pizzeria?

Published hours are Monday: Closed; Tuesday: Closed; Wednesday: 12–9 pm; Thursday: 12–9 pm; Friday: 12–9 pm; Saturday: 12–9 pm; Sunday: 12–9 pm. It is closed on Monday, Tuesday. Hours can change on holidays, so call before a special trip.

Is Rose Pizzeria open on Sunday?

Yes, on Sunday it is open 12–9 pm.

How is Rose Pizzeria rated on Google?

Rose Pizzeria has a Google rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 436 reviews.

Does Rose Pizzeria have a website?

Yes, the website of Rose Pizzeria is rosepizzeria.com (linked on this page).

Are there other pizza restaurants near Rose Pizzeria?

Yes. Berkeley also has Curry Pizza House Berkeley, Zachary's Chicago Pizza, State Flour Pizza Company among others; see the full list of pizza restaurants in Berkeley at the bottom of this page.

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