This IS a Hidden Gem! In the neighborhood of Worcester's Grafton Hill. It was going back in time to a family rest. in Italy. The Calamari, Fresh, was the best. The Blue cheese salad was spot on and the dinner? Incredible! 5 homemade stuffed raviolis top by chicken parm and eggplant. Who does this? Not the North End or Prov. A Valentine's meal to remember Can't wait to return. The menu is beyond read more

Rosalina's Kitchen - Italian Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

I've read about this place for a few years in a local food group and either people didn't care for it or loved it, so I was skeptical to try it out. We finally decided a few months ago to give it a try and I'm so glad we did! On first impressions the restaurant is on the bottom floor of a 3 story apartment house and when we walked in we were instantly in love with the place! It has the feel of sitting in your grandmothers house, there is probably only about a dozen tables and the kitchen is in the back with partitions blocking their work area. Very old home feel. On our first visit my husband ordered Willie's Chum Bucket and announced this is new favorite Italian restaurant. I ordered a special of the day which was eggplant, chicken and veal parmigiana along with pasta...there was enough to take home leftovers that was enough for us both to have a meal the next day. One of our favorite parts is that it is BYOB!! Not being cheap, but most places don't have a very good beer menu and my husband loves to try new craft beers. This seems to be a restaurant that is popular amongst the grey haired crowd (my husband pointed that out), but I noticed a lot of couple friends meeting up here with their bottles of wine! We've been back several times since our first visit. read more

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Do not let the appearance or the waitstaff mislead you. It's all part of the experience! They serve some of THE best Italian food anywhere! The sisters could go up against any restaurant in the North End! read more

Classic Italian. Amazing food with an atmosphere of a simpler time. Service is as though you are eating at your Grandmas. We all felt welcome as though we were family. We ate the eggplant appetizer and Caesar salad to start~ Unbelievable! I got the Aliisa's duo and it was out of this world. My husband got the homemade ravioli and meatball and said it was delicious. We ended with a cannoli and gelato, which was also great. Would definitely come back. **Almost forgot, it is BYOB. Which I thought was another cool aspect. Prices were extremely reasonable for everything on their menu. Highly recommended. read more

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Everything. Great food. Great service. Great people. Great everything. Bring your wine. It's BYOB read more

Homemade Italian Food at it's best! Rosalind takes so much pride in the recipes handed down from her Mom and Grandmother. This small quaint little gem is a MUST TRY!!!. I, on the other hand am on the MUST REVISIT train. read more

When we first started going we loved their food but the last few times we have been, it's been absolutely terrible. The normal waitress wasn't there one of the times and they messed up the pasta on our dishes and I asked "did you change the sauce" and the young girl said "no, we got a different brand in and mixed stuff together" it was terrible. The last two time we went once we dined in and other we got it to go BUT I went ziti or penne and I was told they only had medium shells that were over cooked and water logged. I think it may be some time be we think about going back. , read more

Outstanding home cooked italian classics that provides tremendous comfort like mom's Sunday suppers did growing up.

Best Italian in the city and likely state when you factor value. Lovely ladies and quaint homey atmosphere.

Great place to go. My wife and I go often. I think the staff is great but some do not agree. They are to the point no sugar coatings. LOL. Food is the best. Going again today. From Dudley read more

Went for a drive. To find some chicken parm. This place been on the radar for awhile. Pulled up front not the fanciest place ever. Walked in. Umm. Ok sure. Was sat right away wasn't busy. Waitress sitting eating dinner. The other one took my drink order. ( a can of Diet Coke). I ordered the special for the day. Was stuffed chicken parm (ricotta and spinach sandwiched between chicken cutlet and eggplant It was tasty trying to lay off pasta so I had broccoli with it. Was a bit undercooked but the smaller cuts were good. $32 for the meal and a can of Diet Coke ? What planet are we on Now. The place is a bit dumpy. Sauce was tasty to me not $32 although. read more

If you're considering attending the "pasta class" save your $$. Google it and get the family together and you'll have more fun without the confusion. Not worth attending. Reasons #3 - Invest that $2,400 you make per class and reinvest in a mic and amplifier machine for $99.00 so the entire restaurant can hear instructions. Reason #2 - Serve a decent lunch that is impressive and expressive of the culture rather than a few tortellini's. Reason #1 - Dump the ignorant attitude. Owner is not welcoming and pleasant. read more

Went for my birthday with a party of eight after almost 2 hours still did not have our dinner. The owner and my girlfriend got into an argument and profanities were sent both ways which was completely unacceptable. From an owner of a restaurant. We have been multiple times with no issues, and the food has been excellent but this ensures that we will never be back. read more

Food was great Best calamari ever. Very fresh and tasty. Best Italian in the city I say. read more

We came into the restaurant and was greeted by a waitress who was so rude and said something sarcastic when they didn't have our reservation. At that point I wanted to leave but my wife was insistent that we stay. We were seated right next to the kitchen door but there were at least 10 open tables. The food was fair and our overall experience was horrible. read more

Delicious Great Sauce Home made Ravioli incredible Nice little place great service and waitress-Owner

My fiancé and I really enjoy Rosalina's Kitchen. Rose Ellen and Angela always take great care of us. The food is always fresh and so delicious. Some of our favorite items are the raviolis, Alfredo sauce, chicken broccoli Alfredo, chicken parm, and chicken piccata. The raviolis are the BEST raviolis I've ever had in my life and I'm obsessed with their Alfredo sauce. Oh yeah, I can't forget about dessert! We always get a piece of bread pudding, it's our favorite! We were so excited to eat our last meal from there that I only remembered to take pictures after we almost devoured the whole meal... read more

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ok food, terrible customer service. We went on a friday night a few weeks ago in a party of 4. aps and entrees came out really slow. Despite the slow service we were told we exceeded the 90 minute policy and had to take our entrees to go. Covids over....stop the covid policy! The check and to go boxes were presented and we were rudely told people are waiting....Well, we were waiting for the food. Long story short....We were headed out for drinks, to celebrate my girlfriend s birthday...now on an empty stomach. Unbelievably rude servers. There are too many good places in the area to put up with treatment like this. I have friends who had same experience but during covid so i didnt think this would happen. But happen it did. Never returning. read more

Best Italian food excellent!! Eggplant is the best! BYOB so enjoy your favorite wine! So reasonably priced too

If you know what you are getting into before you go, then you won't be disappointed. By word of mouth, I heard about this place and the yummy food. By review, I read complaints about service/servers. People need to chill. It's a BYOB place which cuts down on over priced restaurant up-charged wine. The servers are down-to-earth and very "New England"-- meaning no nonsense and having dry wit. If you leave the door open and it's 10 degrees outside, someone will loudly ask you to "close the DOOR". Thank goodness for the people sitting near the door! Our first time there, our server pulled a chair up to chat about dessert and shared a few stories.... The food is always fresh. Regardless of the eggplant dish, the eggplant is consistently fabulous. We have been back several times and it has been consistent. Give it a try and bring your wine! read more

Rosalina's Kitchen - Eggplant Rollitini - Italian Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

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When a place claims to be Italian and constantly uses the word "raviolis", reconsider.

When people on social media ask for "hidden gem" Worcester restaurant recommendation, I'm so tired of people suggesting the same, well known places over and over. Tonight we ventured into the Vernon Hill area of Worcester, and had our first visit to Rosalina's Kitchen . Not THIS is a hidden gem!! What a welcome first, second and third impression. First, just the old school ambiance and great 'oldies' playing through the speakers. From my memory, the same chairs and tablecloths I find in the Italian restaurants back in 'the day'. Second, the owner (Angela) was very welcoming, and no nonsense at the same time. Love that she takes her business seriously, was so knowledgeable on everything, and just so refreshing and delightful to speak with. Third, they go to Gloucester every day for fresh seafood, the sauce is Angela's mother's recipe, and honestly, one of the best sauces I've had in years! Yes they make their own raviolis, but to me the star of my dinner was the eggplant. OMG, so thin, fried so lightly, and even a little crunchy on the edge, just perfect. I mentioned the fresh seafood earlier, the fresh calamari was so good, you could taste just how fresh it was and so lightly fried. Nina's dish was made with fresh mozz and fresh tomatoes between samples of both chicken and eggplant parmesan! Can't wait for our second trip, and love that it's BYOB, as I had one of my favorite beers! North End quality in Worcester, and not on the over priced Shrewsbury Street. read more

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Being Italian this place deserves 0 stars. I've had delicious gravy in my life and warm welcoming people. Both are non existent here. The owners need to go back to social school and learn how to treat people. The "Italian" food here is a joke. They own another restaurant Padavanos and the food and service there is horrible as well. If you want bland tasteless food and like giving your money to owners who clearly are nasty unhappy people good luck. read more

I always feel welcome when I walk in the door, the specials are always fantastic and it's BYOB. The menu has all of your Italian favorites but always go for the specials! Service is fast and portions are big. I love eating here. read more

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I went to this restaurant with another couple. The service was slow but I was ok with it. I was excited to try this restaurant because it was on the phantom Gormet. The food was good but wasn't that great compared to how we're were treated by the owners. We, 4 of us, were there 1 1/2 hours, not because we were hanging there but because we had an appetizer and the main course was slow to get to us. After we paid the bill we were finishing our bottle and had a last sip. The owner came by and said "You need to leave now, you have been here to long and there are people waiting for your table". We were about to leave and there were 3 other tables open around us. She was very RUDE and we will never be back. There is a way to tell customers you need the table and that was not the way. I've told everyone I know to stay away from that place that's how pissed I am as a customer who paid good money to be there. read more

Everything was delicious! We had fried ravioli, eggplant caprese, eggplant parm, chicken broccoli Alfredo, homemade ravioli, and a shrimp dish. It was all perfection! BYOB a bonus! I wish we had taken pictures before eating it all but we were hungry and it was good! read more

Food is always great. We've been here several times and never disappointed. The raviolis and the red sauce are fantastic, along with many of their other dishes. read more

3 words to describe this (9 actually). Save your money. Do not go. It was awful. 2 experiences here dinner and ravioli making class (?). Both were not good. Wouldn't have done the class but didn't want to bail on friend and thought I'd at least give it another chance after a very bad first experience. First experience, dinner. They said they overbooked so were left hanging hovering very close to diners waiting for staff to tell us if they could accomodate our reservation. When we FINAlly got seated had to wait quite awhile for server, even longer longer for water and bread. Ordered right away, our entire order. Took a good half hour to get appetizer and grilled veg antipasto (devoid of grilled veggies) then another half or longer before our entrees came. We asked for bread in between but were told they had no more bread (?). Entrees finally came. I had ordered scampi but it smelled very lemony so I asked waitress if it was scampi. She very gruffly barked "It's SCAMPI" and went on her way. I took a bite and puckered up. It was a bowl of pasta and chicken in lemon juice..not what I ordered. We were close to 2 hrs in now overall, so I wasn't sending it back. My husband asked server again when she finally came back with grated cheese if it actually was scampi and told her there was no garlic in it. Again, was grufffy told it's scampi. 5 or 10 minutes later a small bowl was put down on table beside me. I asked what it was and she said "garlic". It was garlic but it was burnt and swimming in oil. Didn't eat my entree and in fairness to them, looked up their description of scampi in case they made it different. Their description said garlic, butter and wine. None of those 3 ingredients were in my bowl of pasta. Just pure lemon juice. FAST FORWARD to ravioli class a few weeks later (I'd already committed to do this with my friend). Crowded to the max. Sat at table with 2 small (soup cup) containers of flour. Nothing else on table.. We had to bring our own bowls, rolling pins, cutting boards which I was ok with. I was not okay with the cluster that this was. Some tables had ravioli molds, spray water bottles, glasses if water, others did not. Ours had only flour. The woman said a few words (couldn't really hear her) then it just started. No one could hear her but she really wasn't saying anything. If there was any instruction happening, only the tables closest to her could even hear it. We had to pretty much wing it. They bring out premade dough for ravioli. We had to save the dough we made to "learn" how to make pasta shapes. No one at our surrounding tables even heard this so people were using their own dough in the ravioli mold (if they had one). Then, all of a sudden a man was sitting up in a corner of resteraunt demonstrating pasta shapes. Couldn't really see or hear him at all. When i went up and was standing in line waiting for the restroom, asked what he was doing and he very nicely showed me how to make tortellini ( which he had to fill with a piece if dough to properly demonstrate because it's a filled pasta but they gave no filling (?). We could take our shapes home but the boxes they gave (1) were small like a very small side salad box. Oh, and for the $60 "class" you left with your ravioli.to take home.. FIVE of them because it was working in "teams" and the molds only made 10! We didn't stay for the lunch which appeared to be tortellini in cream sauce. I hope for the people who did, that the tortellini was actually filled! I had wanted to try a bite to give the food there a 2nd chance (everyone can have an off night) but decided against it, because I know I won't be ever going back here. I've never, ever posted a review but felt I needed to. I'm italian, I've worked in Italian resteraunts, I waitressed for almost 30 years and this was all a very good example of how NOT to do good business and customer service or relay the warmth of the Italian culture. One final observation, for the thousands of dollars made per class (do the math $60 CASH only person, probably 75 ppl there in that class), they should have enough supplies for each table taking the class. read more

My friend Chris and I were starving but tired of the same ole places and we really wanted to try something new. We decided on Rosalina's Kitchen after several recommendations by friends. We had never tried it because it is on the other side of the city from where we both live and there isn't really any reason to go to Grafton Hill. When we arrived a group was just leaving and as they passed us I overheard them talking about how good the food was. The entryway has one of those entrance curtains which many of you know I am not a fan. Good news is rather then feeling like I walked right into a dirty dingy rag all I could smell was the scent of fresh home cooked Italian goodness. The place was packed with only 1 table available and almost immediately there was another group behind us. We were seated promptly by the host and told our waitress would be with us shortly. I took the opportunity to start looking over the menu and immediately I saw three or four things that sounded delicious. The host returned with some homemade seasoned focaccia and when I asked for her opinion on a dinner selection she recommended the Ricotta Puff's. The staff was friendly and engaging and certainly made us both feel as welcome as a member of their own family. The Ricotta Puff's at $16.95 are described as "An exquisite entrée served exclusively at Rosalina's Kitchen. Fried, savory ricotta puffs on eggplant served on top of a light broth of diced tomatoes, fresh basil and gemelli pasta." Let me just tell you that the description doesn't do this entrée justice. The savory ricotta puffs with their lightly fried shell melt in your mouth. The eggplant was as tender and tasty as any I have ever had and it to melts in my mouth. The light broth/sauce was a burst of flavor. You could taste the fresh garlic and basil and it was balanced perfectly by the gemelli pasta. It was the perfect size and I left satisfied but not over stuffed. I passed on the deserts because I couldn't have eaten another bite but they sounded and looked as delicious as my meal was. I will definitely be back for more. read more

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Why did I wait so long to try Rosalina's? I got take out so I could do the pandemic pig out at home. The chicken broccoli Alfredo was great. Just know it's not the pasty cheese sauce you might be accustomed to. It's a little thinner and It tasted like it may have had a touch of wine in it? Soo good. The insanely tender and flavorful chicken was mmmmmm worthy. I can't wait to try their picatta because of that chicken. I got a side of eggplant rollatini. I make my own but haven't had time to cook. I wanted to try their "gravy" so I figure this would be a more indulgent way instead of having more pasta. The dish was perfect. And the sauce? I need to find out if they sell it in buckets. It was perfect!! Onto the bread. It's was sort of ciabatta style. Almost a little sweet? I'm pretty good at identifying tastes but a few herbs I can't pinpoint. There may have been cardamom seeds in it? Whatever it was, it was the best bread I've had in forever. I'm sad to be moving after I finally tried them. I need to try their bolognese and homemade egg noodles I saw in their Facebook page. It looked other worldly. I also want to try the homemade ravioli Fortunately, I'll still be close enough to make the drive. It'll be worth it!! PS- in response to people commenting on the attitude of the workers. I didn't get a big fake ball of excitement when I called. But when I asked if bolognese was available, she apologetically said it wasn't tonight. She almost sounded disappointed that it wasn't on special for me. I thought that was the tell of a person who cares About her restaurant. I also got a very sincere thank you for the tip in the take out. Many places say nothing and leave me feeling like a fool for giving ungrateful people extra money. Read the good reviews and try it for yourself. I bet you'll agree that Rosalinas is a wonderful restaurant in a sea of generic food establishments. read more

We arrived at 5:00 pm. 5 people In the whole restaurant. We really weren't hungry. My fiance and I decide to order 1 meal and split it. We're told when we ordered..there would be a 6.00 charge for splitting meal. We finish meal. Pay bill leave more than a 20% tip. As we are finishing our bottle of wine..we were told they had other folks coming in with reservations. As, there were 3 other vacant tables..told to leave. We have been there before. Food ALLWAYS GOOD. On our way out was a disagreement..we were told to tell all our friends how bad the restaurant was and to tell them not to go. We were told don't come back. As we never will. read more

I love Rosalina's and am so disappointed to see all the negative reviews. I've been about 6 times now and every time the food is absolutely delicious. Usually I have the chicken Parmesan with 3 cheese ravioli (you can sub this for regular pasta) and it's one of my favorite meals in Worcester! Tonight I had Parmesan crusted haddock with lemon basil angel hair off her specials menu- phenomenal! The woman I see many people on here complaining about is certainly not the bubbly type, but who cares? She is still very nice and welcoming in her way. I kind of love that they are real people and not the fake over-the-top cheesy types like you see elsewhere. Great Italian food in a cozy neighborhood setting. It truly feels like you're sitting in someone's kitchen. Bring your favorite bottle of red and you're in for a great night! read more

I love this place. It is owned by hard working women, I think that it is one of the best places for Italian food in Worcester. Food is always good, have a great meal every time. We have been there many times. read more

I love this place. The staff are friendly and helpful, and the food is excellent! Stop on by and try a breakfast burrito, or their lunch salads are all great. read more

Happy 10th Anniversary to Rosalina's Kitchen in Worcester! Rivals anything in the North End. Food is amazing, home made, fresh and incredibly flavorful! It would be rare if you don't have take-home given the generous portions. Staff is incredibly friendly, like walking into someone's home! And a thumbs up as well to the classic music that is always playing in the background. We have now been 3 times and could not recommend it more highly. read more

Rosalina's Kitchen - 4-Parm Avalanche - Layer of chicken parm, eggplant parm, meatball, sausage and topped with bacon! - Italian Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

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Best Italian food in Worcester. Always fresh, always delicious and always consistent. Try the raviolis or the chicken parm!

First time here and the food was actually good (but the pasta was very very VERY starchy). We each got the 3 course for $20. However.... The hostess had no personality at all and we felt a little out of place. She was very curt and seemed to be irritated...like we didn't belong there because we weren't regulars?? Maybe she was just having a bad night. Might consider giving it a second chance because of the food (and BYOB)! read more

I was really looking forward to this meal. Everyone had told me about this neighborhood restaurant as being the real authentic Italian food place that We had missed since we moved to Massachusetts from NY City due to a job transfer. My wife and I both made a mistake in ordering Chicken Francaise. It isn't a hearty Italian dish with heavy red sauces. what we got was one piece of thick tough chicken breast with a ton of pasta plopped into some type of lemony broth that made the chicken taste that it was boiled rather than sautéed gently in a rich butter sauce with tender slices of deliciously breaded chicken. This meal was slopped together and dropped on the table. I should have ordered the pasta and meatballs that looked ok. Alas a poor choice of entree in a small old place to eat. read more

This place is awesome, I enjoyed hearing the oldies playing in the background while eating some of the best Italian food I've ever had. It is BYOB so that saves you almost 1/2 on the bill. We started with the calamari, I am not kidding it's the best I've ever had. I was prepared to order the avalanche but they had a special called steak bomb ravioli that was recommended by the waitress that I had to try and was not disappointed at all. My gf got the chicken parm with eggplant special that was really good also (of course I tried it). service A+, Setting A+ and food A++++++++++++. When They said come again I said are you kidding I never want to leave. Living in Pawtucket RI it's a little hike to get there but it was well worth it. Rosalina's is a foody destination and I am so glad I caught their episode on the Phantom Gourmet, I will surely be back in the near future to get my avalanche. read more

The best Clam Caprese I've had in the area. Fast and friendly service. My go-to for Italian during COVID-19. read more

Rosalina's Kitchen - Clam Caprese, Chicken Parm, Chicken Marsala, Linguine with clam sauce - Italian Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts