diRiso Risotto Balls

Riccardo Befi’s passion for food was a natural extension of his upbringing in Avellino, Italy, where he grew up savoring his mother’s cooking. After relocating to New York to pursue his interest in gemstone identification, he was presented with an opportunity to sell crepes at the Hastings-on-Hudson farmers market. However, staying true to his Italian roots, Riccardo decided to offer homemade lasagna instead.

This decision marked the start of an exciting new chapter. Every Saturday, Riccardo began selling not only lasagna but also fresh focaccia sandwiches and risotto balls at the market. While he continued his work as a gemologist, selling food became a heartfelt passion for him. Eventually, his son, Matteo, joined him in the kitchen, helping to prepare and sell their dishes. Matteo observed firsthand how their food brought joy to local shoppers, with the lasagna providing a convenient meal for busy weeks and the sandwiches evoking memories of Italy.

After graduating from university, Matteo expanded the business by selling at more local farmers markets and hiring the company’s first employees. He noticed that the risotto balls were especially popular, leading him to create a brand centered around them. Thus, DiRiso Risotto Balls was born, with the name inspired by the Italian term for rice balls, "arancini di riso.”

In early 2021, Riccardo and Matteo opened their first take-out shop in Hastings-on-Hudson. DiRiso has since become known not only for its variety of risotto balls, but also for its diverse sandwich menu and lasagna options. For Riccardo and Matteo, the mission of their business is straightforward and embodied in their company motto: “Making People Happy, That’s Our Purpose.”