In the heart of downtown White Plains, La Bocca Ristorante & Vineria has long been a trusted destination for authentic Italian dining—an intimate, welcoming place where meals unfold slowly, wine is thoughtfully poured, and hospitality feels personal. This spring, as Upper Westchester residents step into April with a renewed appetite for connection and community, La Bocca is celebrating a meaningful new chapter under the ownership of husband-and-wife team Alessandro and AnnaMaria Crocco.
The transition marks both continuity and evolution. AnnaMaria purchased the restaurant from her father, preserving the family legacy that has defined La Bocca since its beginnings. Joining her as co-owner, Alessandro brings a complementary skill set rooted in strategic planning, governance, and wine and hospitality investment—creating a partnership that honors tradition while positioning the restaurant for thoughtful, long-term growth.
The team brought in a talented new chef who is replicating authentic family recipes and adding innovative specials to the selection of antipasti, insalate, primi, secondi, and dolci (all made in-house). Signature dishes include Polpette Al Sugo, Nonna's" beef meatballs in tomato sauce, warm breadsticks; Sfornatino Di Melanzane, a slow-cooked eggplant soufflé with burrata fonduta and light tomato sauce; Filei Calabresi, homemade Calabrian fusilli with porcini mushroom, crumbled sweet sausage and pancetta; Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina Con Burrata, potato gnocchi baked in tomato sauce, topped with fresh burrata; Branzino Al Forno, filet of Mediterranean Seabass baked with fresh herbs, spices, white wine sauce, lemon, garlic, parsley, evoo; and Costolette Di Agnello Alla Griglia, grilled rack of lamb with mint-balsamic herb reduction.
And, for dessert, two popular options are the Zabaglione, a light, airy custard, whipped egg whisked to a delicate creamed texture, topped with mixed berries; or Tortino Al Cioccolato, a warm chocolate cake with a rich raspberry center, served soft and decadent with each bite served with a scoop of vanilla gelato. A new list of craft cocktails was designed, and noteworthy recommendations are the Bocca After Dark, a fresh espresso, coffee liquor, Grey Goose Vodka mix (topped with 3 beans never 2); and Malfy Twist, imported Malfy Rosa Gin, splash of lime juice, and tonic.
“La Bocca has always been about delicious food, family, and community,” says Alessandro. He continued, “My role is to help ensure the business is well-structured, financially sound, and positioned for the future—while protecting what makes it authentic and special.” Alessandro’s involvement focuses on strategic oversight, wine programming, financial planning, and business development, allowing the restaurant to grow with intention rather than trend-chasing.
AnnaMaria continues to lead the heart of the restaurant: the guest experience, culinary direction, and hospitality vision. A familiar and welcoming presence, she remains deeply connected to the day-to-day rhythm of La Bocca, ensuring that every guest feels the warmth and care that have become the restaurant’s signature. Together, the Croccos represent a modern family-led ownership model—one that clearly defines roles while sharing a unified commitment to quality, culture, and community.
That intention is already visible. La Bocca has strengthened its Italian wine program, curating selections that highlight both renowned regions and lesser-known producers, while maintaining an approachable, guest-friendly philosophy. The restaurant’s newly refined private event space has also emerged as a central part of its future, hosting intimate wine dinners, corporate gatherings, tastings, and cultural events that reflect La Bocca’s identity. “La Bocca was created as a place to come home — where friends become family around an Italian table,” said AnnaMaria.
She continued, “It is important to us to share Italian culture in a modern and innovative way. La Bocca is our foundation in the community—a place of hospitality—while collaborating with like-minded organizations offers a creative outlet that deepens connection and understanding.” Notable events include a Lemoncello making experience, an intimate Amaro tasting at the bar, and Aperitivo 101. To further its connection to customers, the restaurant recently introduced personalized nameplates for its most frequent guests– a thoughtful nod to Italian hospitality that marks when a regular becomes part of the family.
The restaurant’s evolution mirrors the broader transformation of White Plains itself, which continues to emerge as a dynamic hub for dining, business, and culture in Westchester County. Under the Croccos’ stewardship, La Bocca is intentionally positioned as a refined yet approachable destination—equally suited for family dinners, business lunches, celebrations, and meaningful gatherings.
More than a rebranding or relaunch, La Bocca’s new chapter is a study in stewardship: how a family-owned restaurant can modernize with clarity, preserve its soul, and continue to serve as a cornerstone of its community. As spring unfolds and diners return to familiar tables, La Bocca remains what it has always been—welcoming, authentic, and rooted in family—now guided by a vision built to last.
For more information, visit laboccaristorante.com or follow @labocca_ristorante_vineria.
“I want La Bocca to feel like coming home — a place where friends become family around the Italian table.” -- AnnaMaria