VIA ROMA PIZZERIA

Via Roma’s Partner and Operator, Biagio Cepollaro, hails proudly from Naples, Italy and got his first taste of hospitality while completing his studies at the University of Naples Federico II. This would be Biagio’s first foray into the pizza business, but thankfully not his last. Arriving to the States in 2008 he successfully opened the first Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana restaurant in Maryland, offering Marylanders their first taste of real AVPN “Neapolitan” style pizza. Seven fruitful years later Biagio ventured out to run some of the finest restaurants in the DMV. His wealth of experience and friendships led to the creation of Biagio’s newest concept – the first “Pinseria” in Maryland.

At the helm of Via Roma’s kitchen Chef Partner Tonino Topolino not only brings his southern Italian roots but a quick wit and a friendly conversation. Known as “Mickey Mouse” to friends, his surname translates to “baby mouse”, Chef Topolino began his culinary career at the age of 18 in a Neapolitan pizzeria. He graduated quickly to the next endeavor, opening a small, romantic seaside seafood Restaurant in the heart of Naples, Italy. In 2012, Chef Topolino and family opened DC’s AVPN certified Menomale which has since expanded to two locations. After studying under DC Chef Roberto Donna (Esquire’s 2012 Best Chef in America), Chef Topolino honed his skills in some of the top pizzerias around all the while searching for the next “big thing” in pizza.

Chef Topolino and Biagio go back years together. Their shared passion for pizza turned great partnership now invites guests to the first Pinsa certified restaurant in Maryland: Via Roma Pizzeria. They’ve created a restaurant that reflects the ambiance, colors, and vibrancy of the beautiful street in Naples, Italy called Via Roma.