Rossella is a delightful little Italian restaurant and deli located in Kentish Town that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. The warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with the mouth-watering aroma of homemade Italian cuisine, is sure to put a smile on your face. The family-owned establishment takes great pride in their heritage and their food, using only the freshest ingredients and authentic Italian recipes. Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic dinner for two or a casual lunch with friends, Rossella is the perfect spot to indulge in a delicious Italian meal.
As I began my dining experience at Rossella, I was presented with two mouth-watering starters – the Calamari Fritti and Bruschetta Burrata. The Calamari Fritti was an absolute delight, cooked to perfection with a crispy, golden exterior and tender, juicy flesh inside. The aioli was the perfect accompaniment, infusing the dish with just the right amount of garlic and lemon to elevate the flavours to another level. Equally as impressive was the Bruschetta Burrata, featuring juicy, fresh tomatoes piled high on toasted bread with mozzarella and drizzled with the perfect amount of olive oil. The combination of flavours and textures was an explosion of taste in my mouth, transporting me to the heart of Italy with every bite.
As my main course, I couldn’t resist the tempting Diablo pizza, topped with a generous amount of homemade chilli oil, savoury pepperoni, rich prosciutto cot, and plump olives. The pizza’s thin and crispy crust was a delightful canvas for the explosive flavours that followed. The fiery kick from the chilli oil mingled harmoniously with the salty tang of the prosciutto, creating a taste sensation that lingered long after each bite. I was impressed by the impeccable quality of the ingredients, which shone through in every aspect of the dish, from its vibrant colours to its mouthwatering aroma.
Next, I indulged in the Fresh Filled Pasta with braised wild boar, and it was a divine experience. The plump tortelloni were cooked to perfection, with a satisfying chewiness that complimented the luscious filling of tender braised wild boar. The dish was elevated even further by the classic Napoli sauce, a fragrant blend of sautéed onions, garlic, juicy plum tomatoes, and fragrant basil. The flavours were rich and bold, bursting with a depth of umami that enveloped my senses. It was the perfect comfort food to warm me up on a chilly winter evening, and every bite was pure bliss.
Last but not least, we couldn’t resist trying the homemade tiramisu, which our waiter had recommended with enthusiasm. And boy, were we in for a treat! The tiramisu was a marvel of culinary finesse, baked fresh daily to achieve the perfect balance of flavours and textures. The airy and velvety layers of mascarpone cheese blended seamlessly with the delicate ladyfingers soaked in coffee, creating a symphony of taste that was impossible to resist. The sprinkle of cocoa powder on top added a touch of bittersweetness, rounding off the dessert with finesse. We savoured each spoonful with delight, marvelling at the skill and attention to detail that went into crafting such a masterpiece. It was undoubtedly the perfect conclusion to an exceptional meal, leaving us with a lingering memory that we won’t soon forget.
Rossella’s menu is extensive, offering a range of classic Italian dishes, from pasta to pizza to meat and fish dishes. The restaurant also caters to vegan and gluten-free customers, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
The service at Rossella was impeccable, with the staff being friendly and attentive throughout the meal. The restaurant has a cosy and intimate feel, perfect for a date night or a special occasion. The ambience is warm and inviting, with Italian music playing in the background, making you feel like you have been transported to Italy.
In addition to the restaurant, Rossella’s deli is a foodie’s paradise, offering authentic Italian ingredients, cheese, meat, spirits and wines, as well as luxury hampers. The deli features products from the owner’s family vineyard in Italy, including wine, oil, and homemade Limoncello and Meloncello made using the family’s very own secret recipes. It’s the perfect place to pick up hard-to-find Italian ingredients or to create a special gift for a loved one.
Overall, my experience at Rossella was exceptional. The restaurant’s dedication to authentic Italian cuisine and quality ingredients was evident in every dish, and the warm and inviting atmosphere made me feel like part of the family. I highly recommend Rossella to anyone looking for a taste of Italy in the heart of London.
Images by Louis Mennear
