La Speranza Restaurant, a new Italian eatery in Rockville is already making waves. Nestled off the beaten path at 806 Baltimore Road on the edge of Twinbrook, this charming spot is part of a strip mall better known for Jonathan’s and 7-11. Despite its unassuming location, La Speranza boasts a bright and inviting interior with a dozen tables, a small bar, and a view into the kitchen showcasing its wood-fired oven.

The highlight of La Speranza is undoubtedly its homemade pastas with tomato sauce, complemented by Neapolitan-style pizzas. This culinary excellence is thanks to chef and owner Neptali Mendoza, who brings a wealth of experience from his time as the sous chef at Baronnessa in Rockville, kitchen manager at RedRocks Pizzeria in Alexandria, and his training with Peter Pastan at Obelisk in DC at the start of his career.

As a frequent diner over the past month, I’ve had the pleasure of sampling their diverse pasta menu. While the cream sauces are a bit too heavy for my taste, every other dish from the chicken alla marsala to the lasagna to the eggplant alla parmigiana have been terrific. The wine selection, especially the Montepulciano, is a cut above most Italian restaurants in town. A boscaiola pizza to-go has become a regular treat for me. Additionally, La Speranza offers a variety of chicken, veal, and seafood entrees, panini, soups, salads, daily lunch specials, and even an American-style brunch on weekends. Pizzas $12-19, lunch specials $13, dinner entrees $17-27.

If you’re on the hunt for an exceptional Italian restaurant and want to support a local business, La Speranza is the perfect choice.