Bronx Spotlight: Patricia’s of Morris Park

Patricia’s of Morris Park: An Italian Culinary Tradition in the Bronx

Patricia’s of Morris Park is a well-known Italian restaurant nestled in the vibrant Morris Park area of the Bronx, celebrated for its authentic Southern Italian cuisine.¹

What Makes It Unique

Patricia’s distinguishes itself through a unique blend of casual charm and culinary sophistication.²

• Dual-Oven Pizza: It offers pizza from both a wood-fired brick oven and a standard gas deck oven, allowing customers to compare how different baking methods affect the final product.³

   

• Cuisine Philosophy: The restaurant’s approach focuses on the finest ingredients, respecting their integrity through precise and innovative preparation that reflects a passion for the cuisine, wines, and regions of Italy.⁴

   

• Ambiance: The interior marries old-world charm with modern elegance, featuring rustic brick walls, dark wooden beams, and the aroma of wood-fired ovens, evoking a cozy trattoria.⁵

   

• Recognition: Patricia’s has earned a mention in the Michelin guide, a recognition that underscores its quality and consistency within New York’s dining scene.⁶

   

History and Ownership

The restaurant has been a neighborhood fixture for a significant period:

• Established: The eatery, owned by Patricia and Calogero Borgognone, has been providing Italian food to the Bronx for nearly 30 years.⁷

   

• Original Location: The original location in Morris Park is the only one of three former Patricia’s restaurants in the Bronx that remains in the possession of the original owners.⁸

   

Highlight Menu Items

The menu showcases classic Italian fare with a focus on high-quality ingredients and includes:

• Pizzas: Wood-fired pizzas are renowned, including the classic Margherita and the Regina (featuring D.O.P. San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella).⁹ A unique aspect is the option to order from the Brick Oven Pizzas or Gas Oven sections.¹⁰

   

• Specialty Pasta: Highly-praised dishes include:
  • Spaghetti Frank Sinatra (with shrimp, clams, black olives, capers, and tomatoes).¹¹

     

  • Rigatoni Pavarotti (with shrimp, broccoli rabe, garlic, and oil).
  • Cacio E Pepe, which the restaurant is known to prepare tableside in a cheese wheel upon request.¹²

     

  • Ravioli Mantovani (stuffed with Mantua pumpkin, Parmesan, and butter).
• Other Popular Items: Grilled octopus, prosciutto pizza, pork chop Milanese, and Lobster Bisque are also highlighted.¹³

   

Customer Feedback

Customer reviews are mixed, though the restaurant is generally considered a very busy and active place with a family-friendly atmosphere.

• Positive Highlights: Many praise the delicious dishes, amazing grilled octopus, prosciutto pizza, and the family-friendly atmosphere with great service.¹⁴ The pizza is frequently called “excellent” and the “best thin crust in the area.”¹⁵

   

• Criticism: Some reviews express disappointment, citing issues such as food being cold (especially on delivery), long wait or delivery times, and an occasional lack of consistency.

Significant Events

Patricia’s has hosted or participated in several notable community and culinary events:

• Savor The Bronx: Patricia’s has been a key venue for the annual “Savor The Bronx” Restaurant Week kickoff event, hosted by the Bronx Borough President, helping to promote the borough’s diverse restaurant scene.
• COVID-19 Resilience: During the pandemic, the restaurant reportedly thrived due to its existing delivery/takeout service and strong relationships with local hospitals and loyal customers, continuing to operate while many other establishments were closed.

Contact Information and Address