While some people may only think of heading into Boston’s North End for great Italian fare, there is an authentic spot in Newton, Mass. that is setting the bar high for the suburbs.
Executive chef/owner and Head Pizzaiolo Mario LaPostawas looking to transform the dining scene in the quaint village of Newtonville when he opened da LaPosta in 2021. LaPosta brings to the suburbs more than 20 years of his personal cooking experience, including apprenticeships in Rome and Campania where his family hails from.
Over the past two decades, he has perfected his pizza-making craft churning out fire-kissed pies from the wood-fired oven. Not only does he create some of the most creative pizzas here, but he has also developed his very own naturally leavened seven-year-old sourdough starter called Farino da LaPosta, which was created in partnership with Keith Giusto of Central Milling Company based in Utah and Petaluma, CA.
There is plenty of seating at the spacious bar or in the main dining room. A pet friendly patio is also a delightful option for al fresco dining to soak in the limited warm weather days here in New England.
A visit to da LaPosta would be remiss without trying their freshly baked and uber soft focaccia bread served with a side of Campania olive oil for dipping.
We recommend an order of house made creamy ricotta to go alongside it.
While Sardinian orange honey, Sicilian oregano, sea salt, and olive oil may seem like an unusual combination, it works so very well in providing a sweet, savory, and addictive flavor.
Other standout appetizers include Funghi Marinati, a seasonal blend of mushrooms served in a garlic and herb sauce.
The eggplant parmigiana app should not be missed: endless layers of fresh eggplant are complemented by fresh mozzarella and pecorino in a tangy tomato sauce.
If you prefer to stick with tradition, the lightly fried calamari, a familiar favorite, is accompanied by a flavor-filled lemon aioli.
Other starters include antipasto, charred Spanish octopus, and Nonna’s recipe for beef meatballs in a pomodoro sauce with smoked ricotta.
Be sure to try one of da LaPosta’s signature pizzas. You can opt to create a specialty pie from toppings like fennel sausage, prosciutto, pepperoni, or Gaeta olives, or order up one of their signatures like the simply prepared 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 love their Meatball pizza, a delicious combination of fresh ricotta with beef meatballs in a tangy tomato sauce.
Comfort fare never tasted so good, especially when paired with an Aperol spritz.
When it comes to main events, their Instagram-worthy chicken parmigiana is one of the biggest servings you may ever find. A semi-boneless cut of tender and juicy chicken is lightly fried, topped with fresh mozzarella, and accompanied by a generous side of wood-roasted broccoli rabe.
Another dish that sounded appealing that we look forward to trying next visit is the potato gnocchi and mushroom ragu with bufala butter and marsala.
If you didn’t save room for dessert, friendly servers will happily pack up a sampling of Mom’s tiramisu or Italian cookies that can be enjoyed at home.
Da LaPosta is located at 825 Washington Street in Newtonville, Mass.
