I sat down with Phil + Rosie, his mother, who the restaurant is named after!

I had a wonderful conversation with him about when they first opened, which was in 1981. At that time it was just a small deli, there was no parking or anything. They served a limited menu of pizza, lasagna, stuffed shells, and sandwiches. After that they moved into an old 7-11 and it really began to take off! They began serving more specialty pizza + pastas and whenever there was a line, they would hand out “Mama Bread” to feed the guests while they were waiting to get in. 

It’s funny because their Mama Bread is now the #1 item on the menu. Thank goodness they decided to put it on the menu, because the mama bread is my favorite as well!

Now, let’s talk about the seafood at Rosie’s. The fish is caught from the Florida keys where Phil’s brother  has a residence and then it is flown into Toledo from Miami. Now the impressive part is that the fish is caught in the morning and then that night it is flown to Toledo. It doesn’t get fresher people! No wonder the grouper that night was out of this world amazing!

 

 I had to ask him the top things on the menu so that when you come in, you can try them all too. First of all, I’ve never had anything on the menu that I’ve disliked, but Phil stated that the top 2 items are seafood, it being the Grouper or The Mahi Mahi. Following his advice, I knew I had to try one of them and boy am I glad that I did!

I am NOT a huge seafood lover, but that is quickly changing, because I inhaled that grouper! I typically stick to the Italian classics- lasagna, pasta, pizza, BUT I am forever changed and will definitely be going back for more fresh from the Florida Keys Fish!

On the menu they have 6 cooking styles:

*Grilled             *Cajun           *Stacked 

*Key West           *California               *Lazy Days        

 I ordered the Grouper with the Stacked Style- which was completely phenomenal. It came with Asiago Whipped Potatoes…did you hear that?! Asiago.Whipped.Potatoes. Wow- absolutely delicious. 

Another entree that was featured as a special that night was the Lambchops. I saw lots of people ordering them and they went quickly that night!  The presentation  of them  was out of this world.

The grilled herb salmon was impeccable as well.  Here it is pictured with the risotto. 

  If that isn’t reason enough to get out of the house and drive out here, here is another fun fact about Phil & his restaurant. Phil is in a band, yeah….how awesome is that?! 

Here is a link for his YouTube Channel and he has some great videos…..p.s. He is the singer.

There really is nothing better than finding your passion and going for it, he plays in a 9 piece band and has done it for years. 

Rosie’s also hosts charity events, so if you are interested in connecting with them, check out the website for contact information.

 

And on a fun note, dinner wouldn’t be complete without dessert. 

They have a huge selection of Carrot Cake, Chocolate Hazelnut Panna Cotta, Tiramisu, Key Lime Pie, Chocolate Raspberry Layer Cake, and Cannoli’s.

and after you order one (to go) like I did because I was SO full…..you get it packaged up in this adorable pink box!

I mean seriously, how precious is that?!

 

So if you’re looking for a premier italian restaurant in Northwest Ohio, look no further! Rosie’s Italian Grille has you covered. Remember, its going to be a toss up between ordering the traditional Italian entree’s OR fresh seafood!

 

You can visit their website HERE. 

 

Yum