Spotlight on Miami's New York Roma Pizza: A Slice of American Dream
- eileen strauss
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Walk into any New York Roma Pizza location, from the buzzing streets of Downtown Miami to the laid-back vibes of Coconut Grove, and the first thing you’ll notice is the unmistakable aroma of old-school Brooklyn pizza. The second? Slices so big you’ll need two paper plates.
With crispy crusts, bubbling cheese, and that no-frills, hole-in-the-wall vibe that screams NYC, New York Roma Pizza is the kind of place where locals pop in for a quick slice, office workers run in for lunch, and night owls refuel after a sizzling Miami night. It's not just a pizzeria—it’s part of the neighborhood fabric.
American Pie
Behind the counter is a story as rich as the sauce on their signature pies. The owner, Tomas Euvin, originally from Ecuador, came to New York in 1982 in search of a better life. His first job? Working in a Brooklyn pizzeria alongside Italian pizzaiolos.
That job turned into a calling—and a few years later, he opened his very own pizza shop.
Fast-forward to 1996 when the dream expanded south. Trading the chilly streets of Brooklyn for the sunny sidewalks of Miami, New York Roma Pizza opened its first South Florida location on the corner of 9th Street and Washington Avenue. Since then, it’s grown into three locations—Downtown, Pinecrest, and Coconut Grove—serving up the same hand-tossed, sauce-drenched, cheese-loaded slices that started it all.
Brooklyn Roots. Miami Flavor.
“We do things the traditional way,” says co-owner, Erika Bayona. “Fresh dough every day, the best ingredients, and a lot of heart.”
The menu is a love letter to classic Italian-American cuisine:
New York-style pizza (classic cheese or pepperoni, naturally)
Hearty meatball and Italian hoagie subs
Crispy wings, cheesy lasagna, and pasta dishes
Vegetarian and gluten-free options
From quick lunches to late-night cravings, New York Roma Pizza serves a wide slice of life: kids after school, families on weekends, downtown workers, and midnight snackers. “We don’t have a specific audience,” Bayona adds.
“We serve everyone who loves good pizza.”
Built for the Hustle
Running a restaurant in Miami isn’t always a walk in the park. From costly city permits to pandemic-era pivots, the team has weathered more than a few storms. “The pandemic hit our Downtown location hard,” he admits. “Most of our lunch crowd started working from home.” But that challenge sparked new strategies—like expanding delivery directly through their website.
And behind the scenes? It’s a family affair. His wife, Erika Bayona, leads the charge on marketing, handling everything from partnerships to social media, with support from
Sauce, a restaurant-focused marketing platform. “She’s been amazing—creating the relationships that help us grow.”
Secret Sauce? No Gimmicks. Just Grit.
New York Roma Pizza isn't built on flashy trends. It's built on hustle, hospitality, and the kind of street-smart charisma that turns first-timers into regulars. The secret to their success? “There’s no secret,” Tomas shares. “I’ve just always been willing to work hard, stay involved, and support the people around me. That’s what keeps a business alive.”
With around 20 employees across the two main locations and a newly franchised shop in Pinecrest, the brand is still growing—but the soul remains the same: a humble kitchen, a crisp crust, and a whole lot of heart.
Whether you’re after a late-night slice or craving that Brooklyn flavor in the middle of Miami, New York Roma Pizza is the kind of place that welcomes everyone—and leaves you full in every sense of the word.
*Two plates not included. But highly recommended.
Locations
Downtown
125 SE 2nd Ave, Miami
2985 McFarlane Rd, Miami
8237 SW 124th St, Pinecrest
By Eileen Strauss
