About Us

Our Story

In a city rich with tradition-from its famed healing spas to the thundering excitement of the racetrack-there's one family-owned restaurant that has stood the test of time: Panza's.

Our story began in 1897, when Panza's Bakery first opened its doors in Mechanicville. It was the first time Upstate New York experienced the treasured family recipes our ancestors brought with them from Napoli, including early brick oven pizza that quickly became the talk of the neighborhood. Unable to speak English, Ma Panza and her husband Joseph let their food do the talking-and it spoke volumes.

What started as a humble bakery soon grew into a culinary legacy. In 1938, Ma Panza and Anthony Gouckey opened The Starlight Room, a restaurant where locals and visitors alike gathered to enjoy honest Italian cooking crafted with care and the freshest ingredients. That spirit still lives on at Panza's today.

In the 1950s, the family expanded west with Panza's Lazy Susan, a glamorous California hotspot that 

rivaled The Derby in popularity. It became a favorite among Hollywood's elite, drawing stars and tastemakers from across the country. Back in Saratoga, Panza's continued to welcome racing greats like Willie Shoemaker and Eddie Arcaro, as well. as legendary guests including Feak&natra, BB King, Liberace, Cab Calloway, Alex Trebek, and Lloyd Bridges. RUBIN: Lefert, EARy COLLINS, KBE

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Now located at 129 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs, in the historic former Tradewinds building, Panza's has been proud to continue its legacy in the heart of town. While our address has changed, our dedication to heartfelt hospitality, timeless Italian cooking, and family tradition remains exactly the same.

Four generations later, we're still doing what Ma Panza did best-serving meals made with love, and treating every guest like family.