The space that No. 12 currently occupies has been, to this point, a mishmash of settings. For example, earlier incarnations include a hotel lobby, a village grocery store and even a frame shop. That is, until one couple saw the 700-square ft. space in a new light. Now, No. 12 is a dash of mystery, a pinch of intrigue and a whole mess of fun in Ridgewood.
Open since September, No. 12 can be found next door to its sister restaurant, Stella Artisan Italian; there, Heather Bertinetti Rozzi serves as executive chef and pastry chef. Her previous work includes time spent at the Four Seasons and Marea in Manhattan. At No. 12, however, she works alongside her husband, chef Ted Rozzi. Ted has experience working at Bobby Van’s Steakhouse, Picholine, the Waverly Inn and Café Centro in New York City. The new restaurant shares staff and kitchen space with Stella Artisan Italian.
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Heather describes No. 12 as eccentric, with a fun, vibrant and quaky atmosphere. “The vibe is a cool, laidback, feed-me feel,” she says. For instance, you’ll find cat-like lemurs on the wallpaper, which has become their spirit animal. In addition, the 50-seat restaurant frequently plays ’90s hip hop music. (Something Heather grew up listening to.) “Even the bathroom is shocking,” says Heather. “We want people to have fun and enjoy themselves.”
Perhaps the most adventurous aspect of the restaurant, though, is finding your way inside. You won’t find a prominent door on a main street. Instead, guests must check in at Stella, where they are given an access code. Then, they must head to a secret door and punch in a code that finally reveals No. 12. “It’s part of the mystique of the whole experience,” says Heather.
No. 12 is a New Kind of Dining Experience in Ridgewood
Once inside, you’ll find an eatery that specializes in tapas-style (i.e. shareable), small-plate dishes from various cuisines. The menu changes weekly, with the only constant being the raw bar and its oysters. “Sitting at the oyster bar is one of the best seats in the house,” says Timothy Hanley, restaurant partner. “You’re sitting across from 10 varieties of oysters and it’s fun. Guys are shucking oysters right in front of you.”
With such a frequently-in-flux menu, don’t expect to find a paper menu when you sit down. In fact, they write everything on mirrors and walls. “Your waiter will guide you through the menu,” says Heather. In other words, the team cooks whatever they feel like cooking that particular night. The restaurant is a culinary playground for the chefs, who use their cooking to express what they’re feeling. “We’re not stuck in a box. People are intrigued,” she adds.
Previous menu items include a wedge salad, foie gras and creative chicken, steak and fish dishes. They also have vegetarian items like a pot pie with fall veggies, Heather says. For dessert, the chefs recommend the freshly fried beignets with their French press coffee. “The beignets are travel worthy,” says Hanley.
No. 12 is BYOB, though they do offer a small selection of wines from Alba Vineyard & Winery. You can find the restaurant at 12 East Ridgewood Avenue in Ridgewood. So far, they are only open on Fridays and Saturdays, with seating starting at 6:00 pm. To reach them by phone, call the Stella Artisan Italian line at 201-857-2677. For more information, visit their website.
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © No. 12 / Instagram
Additional Images (in Order) Courtesy:
No. 12 / Instagram