Rosalina, Providence

By Will Demers

In a city of many, there’s an abundance of Italian and ItaloAmerican restaurants to choose from. Do you want pasta? Homemade, fresh, or dried? Good sauce, the kind that you’ll take a chunk and mop up the rest of it with crusty Italian bread and leave a clean plate. There aren’t as many of those places, but Rosalina is most definitely one of them.

Nearly hidden from the bustle of Downtown Providence, but really close to everything else, including the vibrant theater, arts, and sports scenes, on Aborn Street (a one-way connector), behind the high end Gracies, is a family owned ‘mom and pop’ restaurant which has graced our city and palates for 7+ years. Owner Lauren Lynch and her husband, Tom Bovis, had what many called an odd dream to bring Italian food to a city, where just a few blocks away, is Federal Hill, comparable to Boston’s North End, busting at the seams with Mediterranean fare.

You might already have a favorite place, but let me tell you why this can be a “new” favorite, especially if you haven’t been before. Chef Lauren’s creations are key comfort dishes and all of them are sure to please the masses of locals and newcomers. Start with the Pizzette Fritte, it’s fried dough covered with Pomodoro sauce, sprinkled with Pecorino Romano cheese and green onions, but this isn’t “pizza,” and you’ll want a fork and knife. Or their famous Eggplant Parmesan appetizer, which is layered and baked lightly breaded eggplant, baked in a cast iron crock and served with fresh cheese and crostini; honestly, you might not even want to share it with your companions!

For a main course, The Pork Chop, is a thick cut marinated bone in grilled delight, with a pan sauce, highlighted with wine and vinegar peppers. Or choose three huge ravioli, stuffed with cheese and more of that decadent Pomodoro sauce. If you’ve got a taste for seafood and a little spice, the Squid Ink Spaghetti highlights crabmeat, green chilies, and a light sauce that will make you come back for more. Also on weeknight, you can get some classics: Chicken or Veal Parmesan over pasta, which is fresh and locally sourced.

Squid Ink Spaghetti

Gnocchi

Pork Chop

is on the smaller side so definitely make a reservation so you won’t have to wait for a table. Of course all are welcome to this local delight, but on nights where there’s a show or a game, you’ll probably have to wait a bit.

And if dessert is your thing? Sorbet, of course, but you’ve gotta try the lightest Tiramisu in the area; it’s another thing you may not want to share.

Visit their Facebook page for hours and events (they cater, as well); you’ll be happy you tried this gem.