This article is a paid promotion sponsored by an SOC advertiser and designed to share valuable info with our readers.
If there’s one meal in the Short North you won’t want to share with anyone, it’s at The Rossi Kitchen & Bar. I can’t believe it took me this long to finally step inside, because now I’m kicking myself for every time I walked past without stopping in.
From the cocktails and vibe to the entrees and desserts, The Rossi over-delivered on every single front.
Grab a handkerchief or some paper towels, because you’ll be drooling like a toddler by the end of this…
Starters That Actually Steal the Show
The lamb lollipops were easily some of the best cuts of lamb I’ve had in recent memory. Juicy, tender, just the right amount of fat, and drizzled with balsamic reduction and dry rub so you get that sweet-savory punch. I could’ve stopped right there and been happy.
But then came the burrata. Creamy, fresh, and topped with cherry tomatoes and what tasted like tomato honey or jam. Absolute sweet-and-savory perfection.
Pizza Worth Obsessing Over
Rossi’s pizzas are thin, crispy, and completely underrated. The Ohio pepperoni pie comes with house-made dough, basil, and chili-infused honey that takes it to another level. We ordered the Margherita on gluten-free crust, which might be the thinnest, crispiest crust I’ve ever had, and honestly, I felt like I could crush an entire pie solo.
This might be the first time I’ve been jealous of gluten free folks… are all of your pizza crusts this crispy?!
The Heavy Hitters
The meatball appetizer is legendary. A massive three-meat blend smothered in pomodoro, served with parmesan ciabatta and basil. Put the meatball on the bread, slather some extra sauce on it… I’m telling you, one bite of that and you’ll forget about everything else on the table.
Then there’s the Pasta Rossi, which was perhaps my favorite of the evening. It’s fettuccini with chicken, pomodoro, spinach, garlic, mozzarella, cream sauce, and chili flakes. I usually avoid cream sauces because they’re too heavy, but this one was balanced and packed with flavor. I didn’t feel guilty about polishing off the whole plate.
Sweet Ending
For dessert, the Limoncello Cake sealed the deal. Light vanilla cake layered with Limoncello icing and topped with berry jam — it’s the perfect finale to a ridiculously good meal.
The Deals You Need to Know
On top of the food, the happy hour here is no joke:
- $4 draft beers
- $4 off select appetizers
- $6 cocktails
- $7 glasses of wine
- $5 shaken-not-stirred cocktails (Mon–Fri, 4–6:30 PM)
And don’t sleep on Wine Wednesdays, where bottles under $75 are half off. That’s a Short North steal.
Bottom line: The Rossi isn’t just another spot in the Short North. It’s one of the most underrated restaurants in the area, and I’m mad I didn’t discover it sooner. Do yourself a favor and grab a table — but get ready to act a bit selfish.
You’ll want every bite to yourself.
This article is a paid promotion sponsored by an SOC advertiser and designed to share valuable info with our readers.