What Makes It Unique
The restaurant’s uniqueness stems from its culinary approach, which is a blend of Italian and Mediterranean fusion. The menu draws inspiration from the diverse flavors and spices of the Mediterranean rim, including Italy, Spain, Morocco, Greece, Israel, and Lebanon.
- Italian-Mediterranean Fusion: It combines beloved Italian dishes with the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.
- “Apericena” Style Dining: Many dishes are served in a shareable, small-plate format (similar to tapas), encouraging guests to enjoy a communal dining experience over wine, beer, or cocktails.
- Family Recipes with a Modern Twist: The dishes often feature “secret recipes” passed down through generations, presented with a contemporary flair.
- Special Seasonal Menus: Rosalia’s Kitchen frequently introduces unique seasonal menus for holidays and specific times of the year, adding variety and a festive element to the dining experience.
History
Rosalia’s Kitchen started as a family-owned and operated special events catering company before expanding its operations to include a full-service restaurant. This background in diverse catering (offering dishes from many different cuisines) likely influenced the restaurant’s current fusion concept. The business is rooted in a family passion for cooking and feeding large groups, stemming from its Italian family origins.
Highlight Menu Items
While the menu is extensive and includes various categories, some highlight items mentioned in their offerings include:
- Shareables/Apericena Style:
- Rosalia’s Sampler (e.g., arais rolls, spanakopita, potato cigars, bourekas).
- Meatballs (e.g., Cranberry-Pinot Noir, Peach Bellini).
- Hummus Platters (Classic, with Mushrooms, or with Shawarma).
- Pastas:
- Handmade ravioli (e.g., Pear & Ricotta Ravioli, Osso Buco Ravioli).
- Comfort pasta dishes like Amore al Forno (baked rigatoni in a sourdough bread bowl).
- Poseidon’s Bowl (spaghetti with seafood).
- Unique Entrees & Dishes:
- The White Lotus (gnocchi with creamy lemon sauce and crispy sesame chicken schnitzel).
- Waffles for brunch with unique flavors (e.g., Waffle Haus of Horrors, The Purple Goddess).
- Pinsa: A Roman-style oval pizza with a light and airy crust (e.g., Pistachio Pesto Pinsa).
- Desserts:
- Israeli Cheesecake with Butter Cookie Crumble.
- Sicilian Pistachio Cheesecake.
Customer Feedback
Customer feedback generally praises the dining experience, noting:
- Delicious and High-Quality Food: Patrons often describe the food as delicious, high-quality, and well-prepared with attention to detail.
- Great Ambiance: The restaurant’s atmosphere is frequently mentioned as cozy, romantic, and casual, suitable for families or groups.
- Strong Catering Service: Reviews for the initial catering service highlight the staff’s professionalism, responsiveness, and the food’s quality, which was a “big hit” at events.
- Fast Service: Highlighted as a positive amenity.
- Reservations Recommended: Due to the small, intimate size of the dining room, reservations are highly suggested, especially during peak hours.
Significant Events
Specific, singular “significant events” are not widely publicized, but the restaurant’s focus on special occasions and events is a major part of its business:
- Seasonal Menus/Themes: The frequent introduction of unique seasonal menus (like a “Bewitched Brunch” or a Christmas menu) creates recurring “events” that draw in customers.
- Event Catering: The catering division focuses heavily on special events like weddings, corporate gatherings, and private parties, where they offer custom menus and full-service options.
Contact Information
While often associated with Pembroke Pines, Rosalia’s Kitchen is officially located in Miramar, FL, which is part of the same regional area.
