5 /5 JESSE Travels: A Godfather-Level Pizza in the Middle of Nowhere. Who the hell would’ve thought that one of the best pizzas of my life would be in Borger, Texas—a town that looks like it was designed by a tired cowboy who ran out of ideas halfway through? But lo and behold, Roma’s Italian Restaurant is a diamond in the rough, an oasis of culinary sanity in a desert of mediocrity.
Now, I don’t throw around compliments easily. I’ve been burned before in the Panhandle—steak as dry as a tumbleweed, BBQ that tasted like a cow’s last regret, and Mexican food that tastes more like MexiTRY than Mexican. Come on, Panhandle, represent Texas better! So when I heard that one of the owners, Bruno, trained in New York and uses his Italian mother’s recipes, I walked in with high hopes but low expectations—because, well, Panhandle, you keep letting me down.
The Atmosphere – The Classiest Joint in Borger (Not Texas, Just Borger)
The place is decent-sized, clean, and actually looks like they gave a damn when decorating. You got your Italian murals, nice paintings, and flags—American, Italian, and Texas, because of course. They even have a bar and a pool table—a nice little setup away from the main dining area. A good spot to sip some wine or throw back a whiskey while shooting 8-ball.
Honestly? If you’re looking to take a date somewhere in Borger without looking like a total degenerate, this is your best bet.
The Food – Sweet Baby Jesus, This is Good
Complimentary Bread & Marinara – The First Test of Any Italian Joint
And Roma’s? They passed with flying colors.
The bread? Lightly oiled, buttered, and sprinkled with what I assume is Parmesan—but could also be pure magic. Soft, warm, and perfect.
The marinara? Thick, rich, and the way a proper tomato sauce should be. None of that watery nonsense you get from corporate chains where it tastes like they just waved a tomato near it.
Fried Ravioli – A Cheesy Baptism by Fire
I took one bite and immediately ascended to Italian heaven. Crunchy, seasoned to perfection, with an explosion of cheesy goodness inside that sent my taste buds into a full-blown baptism.
And get this—they serve sweet tea. Most Italian places try to class it up with unsweetened tea, acting like we’re in some European café. But Roma’s? They respect the Texas way and serve it up sweet and refreshing.
The Main Event – The Pizza That Changed Everything
Now, I was tempted to get the steak—mainly because my waitress, Desa, swore it was her favorite. And if the wife of a New York-trained chef tells you the steak is the best thing on the menu, you listen.
But listen, I didn’t walk into an Italian restaurant to eat a damn steak.
I was already dead-set on pizza because I had originally planned to hit up Jesse’s Pizza, but—plot twist—they were CLOSED on a Friday at 7 PM. (Seriously, Jesse? What are we doing, man?)
So, I ordered a half Margherita, half Hawaiian pizza. And let me tell you… this thing was a masterpiece.
Thin crust but somehow packed with flavor and a wonderful crunch on the crust.
Cheese? Perfectly melted, draping over each slice like a luxurious Italian robe.
Fresh veggies, juicy pineapple, and savory meats—each bite was a crime scene of flavor, and I was the detective trying to solve why the hell I was enjoying it so much.
Final Verdict – 5 Stars on Google, 6 Stars in My Heart
I am so grateful that Jesse’s Pizza was closed because this place? Roma’s Italian Restaurant is now my favorite dining experience in Borger. I’m already planning my next trip back to try that steak and whatever other witchcraft they have on the menu.
Borger, Texas, you officially have one restaurant worth a damn.
Oh, and don’t forget to read Desas story in the newspaper article on the wall or check out the pictures I uploaded. It’s an amazing story.
5 stars
