At Russo’s, It’s Easy to Taste the Difference

In the Russo’s kitchen, we use all-natural ingredients to prepare our pizza with quality toppings that contain no nitrates or additives. We personally select the finest ingredients. Our fresh, from-scratch pizza concept is constantly catching the attention of consumers and the community.

From the in-house, hand-pulled mozzarella cheese in entrees and on pizzas to the fresh, never-frozen vegetables and herbs adorning each delectable, authentic Italian dish, we don’t skimp on quality.

Plus, we’re passionate about using as many authentic Italian ingredients as we can. Our extra-virgin olive oil comes directly from Italian olive groves, and our balsamic vinegar is aged for generations, thoughtfully sourced from one of Chef Anthony’s friends in Southern Italy. Our meats are responsibly sourced and nitrate-free.

“My parents brought me up in an authentic Italian kitchen and the most important lesson I learned was to take care in the ingredients that go into every dish,” Russo said. “We’d gather as a family and make everything from scratch – the pizza dough, sauce, toppings – even homemade pasta. True Italian cooks know that a little extra effort often makes a big difference when it comes to the end product.”

That mentality is evident at each location of Russo’s New York Pizzeria, Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen and the newly unveiled Russo’s Next Generation Pizza & Italian concept.

“If it isn’t fresh, don’t serve it,” is the simple Russo’s family promise that drives our success, and Chef Anthony takes that seriously. Each of the restaurant franchise’s locations is trained thoroughly to be able to intelligently offer customers information on the sourcing of each ingredient.

When it comes to offering customers with dietary restrictions authentic Italian options, Russo’s leads the pack. Chef Anthony puts an emphasis on gluten-free pizza, pasta and other dishes, which thrills an often-underserved population with serious gluten allergies. Prior to adding gluten-free items to the menus in each of his restaurant franchises, he spent nearly two years developing a gluten-free pizza crust recipe that doesn’t skimp in flavor, texture or quality.

“I have young children, and many of their friends have dietary restrictions. I knew that it was important to be able to give these kids the same opportunities to enjoy delicious pizza that is widely available, just like their peers – I can’t imagine a kid’s birthday party without pizza!” said Russo. “I worked for several years to come up with a recipe that doesn’t compromise in terms of quality, and it’s the best feeling to see a kid’s face light up when they learn that they can enjoy great-tasting pizza alongside their friends and family. Some kids have never been able to eat pizza, and now it’s possible when it’s produced free of cross-contamination in a safe place.”

Russo’s gluten-free menu is extensive and includes salads such as the Mediterranean, with Romaine lettuce, Dolce gorgonzola, artichoke hearts, pine nuts, garden vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes and balsamic dress alongside our delicious gluten-free tomato basil zuppe (soup) with roasted Roma tomatoes and garden-fresh basil cooked in a creamy tomato bisque.

All of our signature pizzas can be made with Russo’s iconic gluten-free pizza crust – meat lovers will adore the Mulberry, with Italian sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, hamburger, mozzarella and our homemade gluten-free pizza sauce. Veggie fans will love the Greek, with fresh spinach, Roma tomatoes, Italian black olives, feta, mozzarella, garlic and organic extra-virgin olive oil.

Pasta lovers who are sensitive to gluten need not suffer at Russo’s, either – most of our pasta dishes can be made gluten-free. From the Spaghetti Carbonara with prosciutto, red onions, Romano cheese and a garlicky alfredo sauce, to the Chicken Picatta, which is an antibiotic free chicken breast sautéed with Portobello mushrooms, capers and sundried tomatoes in a white wine lemon garlic sauce served over gluten-free fettuccine, there are options for everyone.

“The opportunity to provide great-tasting options to all our guests, regardless of their dietary preferences, is essential to the fiber of who we are as a business,” said Russo. “We want all our guests to feel welcome.”

But don’t take it from us – come in and try some of our delicious food for yourself today! Looking for Italian food or pizza near you? We have locations all throughout the state of Texas in areas including Houston, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, McAllen and South Texas, as well as throughout Oklahoma, Tennessee, Florida and overseas in Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E and Qatar. Click here to find a location near you.