La Ragazza: Trendy Café Brings Fresh Taste of Neapolitan Pizzas to Makati

Italian cuisine has long since won over the hearts of many foodies around the world, thanks to its diverse and scrumptious flavors.

Join us as we embark on a gastronomic adventure that feels like you’re dining along the lively alleys of Naples! Home to Neapolitan pizza and fresh pasta, La Ragazza is one of the newest pizzerias and cafés in Makati that serious foodies with a penchant for the aesthetic should not pass up on.

Venue

La Ragazza, which just opened in May 2023, is located a few steps away from Glorietta 4’s entrance and marries convenience and delectable fare.

The pizzeria’s prime location offers a synergistic interaction of comfort and inviting setting, which exudes the spirit of Italy. It allows patrons to have a delightful meal before embarking on their shopping itinerary, while also saving time and effort wondering where to eat. Mallgoers and passersby will inevitably catch a glimpse of the restaurant’s vibrant and alluring ambience.

Food and Drinks

Those who have succumbed to the irresistible allure of perfectly cooked al dente pasta will be drooling over La Ragazza’s Amori Al Tartufo (P390) and Wagyu Lasagna (P540). The former is a creamy pasta that can be enjoyed by vegetarians and made with tagliatelle al tartufo, black truffle, and Grana Padano cheese, while the latter is savory layers of tender pasta sheets made with Wagyu ground beef and demi-glace. Both pastas are gratinéed with bechamel and for di latte, and the result delivers harmonious flavors in every bite.

The menu seems like you’re reading an ode to Italy's culinary heritage featuring a wide selection of pizzas, such as the Spinach & Bechamel (P390) and Margherita Fior Di Latte (P320). If you’re looking for a new way to up your greens intake, the Neapolitan Crust-Spinach & Bechamel is perfect, combined with a generous portion of Mozzarella Fior de Latte and pecorino cheese smeared on top.

We also love the Margherita Fior Di Latte. Its San Marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella for di latte, and Parmigiano-Reggiano give a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.

La Ragazza’s pizza offerings measure about 12 inches and are baked in a wood-fired oven. It comes in either a Neapolitan or thin crust depending on your choice. Those who enjoy fiery flavors will appreciate the intense heat of its hot sauce, but there's no need to worry about permanent damage to one’s taste buds because the spiciness wears off quickly.

Our culinary adventure doesn’t stop there. We also tried some of the café’s appetizing pastries, such as the Glazed Cronut (P80), Chocolate Croissant (P95), and Lemon Tart (P240).

The Lemon Tart will have your palate dancing with its tangy and refreshing taste from freshly squeezed lemon juice zest. Although cronuts are not originally from Italy, the flaky and buttery croissant-doughnut is infused with Italian pastry creams. Similar to cronut, the Chocolate Croissant makes a delectable treat for your Italian cravings because of its flaky dough and a bit of chocolate within its flaky pastry.

And let’s not forget these perfect blends: Lychee Popping Iced Tea (P120) and Salted Caramel Shake (P240). As the name implies, the caramel shake is blended with a salty undertone taste that balances out the sweetness. Lychee Popping Iced Tea is also a refreshing drink because of its tropical fruit, bursting with a sweet and grassy note.

Atmosphere

As you step into the restaurant, you'll immediately fall in love with the decor, which is awash in delicate shades of pink and peach. True to its name, La Raggaza is an Italian term for “the girl,” hence its interiors have been meticulously curated to evoke a sense of femininity.

The café is adorned with a replica of “David,” Michelangelo’s masterpiece and a symbol of Italian Renaissance sculpture, as well as artworks featuring dogs, food, women, and more.

With its pastel-colored, vintage-style café seats and plates embellished with imaginative animal paintings, the dining area surely enhances diners’ Italian dining experience.

It also features a bustling open kitchen where you can see the chef and staff showcase their culinary marvels. You can smell the aroma of freshly cooked pizzas and simmering pasta sauces that permeate the air. Plus, a relaxing soundtrack of soft Italian music plays in the background.

Verdict

With our recent dining escapade at La Ragazza, the overall quality of both the food and service was impressive. The menu offered a diverse range of delectable options, each expertly and carefully crafted and bursting with flavor. The attentive and skilled staff ensured that every need was met, which made our gastronomic experience more convenient.

La Ragazza is highly recommended for those who love good food, café-hopping, and Instagram-worthy moments.

This food review is based on a complimentary media tasting provided by La Ragazza  in exchange for a truthful review and no compensation. The opinions expressed within represent the views of the author.