Restaurateur Poised To Take Over Popular UWS Restaurant, Rosa Mexicano

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — A popular Italian restaurant chain with six other locations across New York City is set to open on the Upper West Side, taking over the current home of a neighborhood staple.

At the recent Business & Consumer Issues Committee meeting of Community Board 7, Mark Barak, the proprietor of La Pecora Bianca, disclosed his intentions to launch the restaurant's second location in the area, expanding its presence to seven establishments across the city.

Barak told the board that he intends to acquire the space on 62nd and Columbus, a location that has housed Rosa Mexicano for several years.

Rosa Mexicano, best known for its tableside guacamole and wide variety of creative margaritas, opened its flagship restaurant on the Upper East Side in 1984.

Barak clarified that the transition will not happen immediately.

Rosa Mexicano is likely to continue operating until the end of this year, with Barak taking possession of the space in early 2025, Barak said. He anticipates opening La Pecora Bianca's new location around October 2025, pending a successful process.

“They’re actually out of term right now,” Barak told the board. “They’re in holdover technically, so the landlord is working on getting them out.”

A spokesperson for Rosa Mexicano, however, told Patch that this information is "completely false," and that the company has no plans of leaving the Lincoln Center community.

La Pecora Bianca describes itself as a "stylish bright-all-day dining restaurant featuring market-driven Italian cuisine."

It has an extensive wine list and a food menu that includes Cacio e Pepe Fritters, Zucchini Fries, Whipped Ricotta, Roasted Cauliflower, different types of pasta, Branzino, Scallops, Dry Aged Ribeye and more.

You can check out the full menu here.

The eatery's first Upper West Side location opened in 2022 at the corner of West 77th Street and Columbus Avenue, at the former home of Isabella's — a Mediterranean restaurant that operated in the neighborhood for 30 years before abruptly closing in 2017.

"We're excited to expand in the neighborhood," Barak said.