Our Story
Who We Are
About La Bocca Ristorante & Vineria
Since 2007, La Bocca has been a cozy home for real Italian food in downtown White Plains. For nearly two decades we’ve proudly served White Plains and Westchester, welcoming generations of guests around our tables. In 2025, La Bocca Ristorante & Vineria was lovingly revamped with a new menu and refreshed concept. The room, the wine list, and the dishes have evolved—but our heart has stayed the same. Our goal is to let you experience Italy without having to fly to Italy.
Why “La Bocca”?
Our name is inspired by the Bocca della Verità (“Mouth of Truth”), the famous marble mask in Rome.
Carved in ancient times—probably as a fountain or manhole cover—it became legendary in the Middle Ages as a kind of “lie detector”: if you put your hand in its mouth and told a lie, it was said your hand would be bitten off.
Bringing the Spirit of Rome to Westchester
Today the Bocca della Verità sits in the portico of Santa Maria in Cosmedin in Rome, greeting visitors from all over the world. For us, it’s a reminder of what we strive for every day:
• Truthful, authentic flavors
• True hospitality
• A real taste of Rome in Westchester
Discover Our Cuisine
At La Bocca Ristorante & Vineria, we serve Italian cuisine the way it’s meant to be:
• Fresh ingredients, many imported directly from Italy
• Classic recipes from Rome and across Italy
• A carefully selected wine list that celebrates both Italian regions and thoughtful pairings
Our kitchen marries decades of personal experience with centuries of Italian culinary tradition, bringing you dishes that are comforting, seasonal, and made with care.
Meet the Team
Marcello Yubi (Executive Chef)
Crafting a menu that balances Roman favorites, regional Italian specialties, and a few modern touches, always with respect for tradition and ingredients.
AnnaMaria Crocco (General Manager)
Welcoming guests, guiding the dining room, and making sure every visit feels like you're eating in a friend's home in Italy.
Alessandro Crocco (Proprietor)
An Italian-American deeply passionate about food, wine, and hospitality, committed to keeping La Bocca a true neighborhood institution for White Plains and all of Westchester.
