Ribalta, the beloved pizzeria in 12th street, is among the courageous New York eateries that have been resilient to the pandemic that has devasted the city restaurant scene. With pick-ups and deliveries of their famous Neapolitan pizzas, Italian delicacies, and artisanal cocktails, owners Rosario Procino and Pizza Master Pasquale Cozzolino kept serving their loyal clientele in quarantine and keeping their spirits up.

Soon after Governor Cuomo announced the Phase 1 in New York City, they felt that they could finally see some hope of reopening in the near future. During the weekend, protests in response to the death of George Floyd turned violent in their Union Square neighborhood and their storefront was heavily damaged by rioters.