From Humble Beginnings

Nolberto Berganza's Journey
Born in Guatemala, nestled between the borders of Honduras and El Salvador, Nolberto Berganza embarked on a life-changing journey to Washington DC in 1992 at the tender age of 16. To support himself and his family, he juggled two jobs: landscaping by day and dishwashing by night.

At 17, Nolberto's passion for the culinary arts ignited. He honed his skills at renowned restaurants and hotels in Georgetown and downtown DC, including Calamari Ristorante, Café Milano, Filomena Ristorante, The Beacon Hotel, and Nage Bistro. Here, he mastered diverse cuisine styles, from Italian and French to American.

In 2008, a new chapter began as Nolberto and his family settled in Hyattsville, MD. His culinary journey took him to the heart of Washington DC, where he became the Chef de Cuisine for Noelia Italian Kitchen, a mere five blocks from the iconic White House. His role as the Executive Task Force Chef for Crescent Hotels & Resorts saw him traveling across the US, bringing his culinary expertise to various states.


La Forchetta: A Dream Realized

After dedicating 25 years to the food industry, Nolberto's perseverance bore fruit. He seized the opportunity to acquire an Italian Grill and Pizzeria from an Italian family in Wharton, NJ. Leaving behind nearly three decades of memories in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia, Nolberto and his family relocated to New Jersey to breathe life into his dream.

Today, La Forchetta Pizzeria and Italian Grill stands as a testament to Nolberto's journey. Owned and operated by the Berganza family, the restaurant is nestled at 350 North Main Street, Suite 5, Wharton, NJ 07885. Patrons can indulge in a comprehensive Italian menu, boasting an array of pizzas, sandwiches, salads, soups, pastas, meat and seafood dishes.


Our Commitment to You

Nolberto's promise is simple yet profound: unparalleled customer service, top-tier products, and the freshest of ingredients.


What Sets La Forchetta Apart?

We believe in the magic of fresh ingredients and the art of cooking from scratch. Our homemade soups, including favorites like Escarole and Beans, Stracciatella, Pasta Fagioli, and Tortellini in Brodo, are crafted upon order. A brief wait ensures an explosion of flavors, a testament to our commitment to quality. After all, why settle for anything less than homemade perfection?

Spero di vederti presto!

Nolberto Mejia
     Chef & Owner