Italian Eatery Opens in Robbinsdale
Risata Cucina, a new Italian restaurant, has opened in downtown Robbinsdale, MN. The spot features classic pasta, pizza, and entrees in a modern setting, with an emphasis on using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
The new restaurant at 4168 W. Broadway Ave. takes over the space formerly occupied by Nonna Rosa's Ristorante Italiano, a local favorite that closed in June 2025 after a 15-year run in downtown Robbinsdale. The closure of Nonna Rosa's was attributed to decreased sales and rising costs, a challenge faced by many in the restaurant industry. Risata Cucina is helmed by chefs and co-owners Brendan Denne and Bryan Gooding. Denne has a history with the acclaimed Travail Collective in Robbinsdale, where he has been involved in creative culinary events. Gooding and Denne aim to create a neighborhood standby that focuses on executing classic Italian-American dishes to their highest potential. The menu will concentrate on comforting, familiar dishes such as chicken parmigiana, calamari, and rigatoni alla vodka. Most entrees are priced under $30, with a commitment to using high-quality ingredients, including flour sourced from a single farm in Italy. Co-owner Bryan Gooding stated, "We're not riffing. We're just doing the best versions of what we do." The bar program will complement the classic food with cocktails like Negronis and Aperol Spritzes available on tap, with prices in the $13-$15 range. The wine list is designed to be approachable, with no bottle exceeding $100, and an extensive collection of nearly 50 amari will be available for after-dinner drinks. Risata Cucina's opening on March 9, 2026, adds to the evolving and increasingly recognized "eat street" of downtown Robbinsdale. The city's main thoroughfare has become a destination for food enthusiasts, featuring a diverse collection of dining options within a compact area.
