Rossella is a family run Italian restaurant and deli on Highgate Road, rooted in a food tradition that began with the Meola family in Benevento in 1960. The Kentish Town restaurant brings that history into a relaxed neighbourhood setting where regulars, families and visitors are welcomed with the same generous spirit. Its identity is shaped by recipes, ingredients and stories passed between generations rather than by a formal approach to dining.
The kitchen focuses on familiar Italian food prepared with care, including handmade pasta, pizza, seafood, meat dishes and seasonal specials. Sauces are allowed to develop depth, fresh ingredients remain visible on the plate and the menu offers the kind of variety that suits both a quick meal and a full evening at the table. Vegetarian choices and lighter starters help groups build a meal around different appetites.
Rossella’s deli extends the experience beyond the dining room with carefully selected Italian produce, cheeses, cured meats and pantry goods. Wines include bottles connected to the family’s roots, giving diners another direct link to Benevento and its surrounding countryside. Desserts, coffee and aperitivi complete the sense of a neighbourhood Italian address where eating and shopping naturally meet.
The atmosphere is informal enough for a weekday lunch but warm and polished enough for birthdays and other celebrations. Kentish Town and Gospel Oak transport links are both nearby, while the surrounding residential streets help maintain a strong local following. Rossella also operates in Muswell Hill, but this article concerns the original London restaurant and deli at 103 Highgate Road.
Address: 103 Highgate Road, Kentish Town, London NW5 1TR, United Kingdom
Rossella Menu
LUNCH
UOVA AL POMODORO
Baked eggs in a rich Napoli sauce with roasted courgette, crispy pancetta, aged Parmesan & fresh basil, served in a skillet with focaccia for dipping
FOCACCIA ALLA BURRATA
Soft scrambled eggs & avocado on warm homemade focaccia, topped with creamy burrata & a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
SMALL PLATES
GARLIC BREAD
Italians do it best! Freshly baked garlic pizza bread topped with rich garlic butter
DUO DI OLIVE
Kalamata & nocellara olives marinated in garlic, lemon & oregano
BRUSCHETTA DI POMODORO
Plum vine tomatoes, basil, olive oil & balsamic glaze on Rossella’s homemade bread
ZUCCHINI FRITTI
Ribbons of courgette in a crispy batter & topped with aged Parmagiano
ARANCINI AL RAGÙ E MOZZARELLA
Crispy rice balls filled with beef ragù & mozzarella, served with a rich aged Parmigiano sauce
STARTERS
BURRATA E PESCHE
Creamy burrata served with grilled peaches, heritage cherry tomatoes, toasted pumpkin seeds & fresh basil
GAMBERI AL LIMONE
King prawns pan-seared in butter, garlic, white wine & lemon served with homemade focaccia to soak up the sauce
CALAMARI FRITTI
Crispy fried squid served with creamy aioli for dipping
CARPACCIO DI FILETTO
Hand-beaten beef carpaccio, dressed with a classic lemon & mustard vinaigrette, finished with aged Parmigiano shavings
MOZZARELLA FRITTA
Crispy, gooey mozzarella sticks coated in breadcrumbs, served with a rich & tangy tomato dip
MELANZANA ALLA PARMIGIANA
Layers of slow-cooked aubergine in a tomato sauce topped with mozzarella & aged Parmagiano
PASTA & RISOTTO
PICI POMODORO
A classic Napoli sauce with sautéed onions, garlic, plum tomatoes & Genovese basil
RISOTTO AI FRUTTI DI MARE
Creamy Arborio rice, slowly cooked in a classic Napoli sauce with white wine & a touch of chilli, with king prawns, calamari, mussels & clams, finished with fresh parsley & a splash of lemon
RICOTTA E TARTUFO
Raviolini filled with ricotta & black truffle, served in a wild mushroom, aged Parmigiano, cream & white wine sauce
BRASATO AL VINO ROSSO
Tortelloni stuffed with slow-cooked beef shin served in a classic Napoli sauce topped with grated aged Parmigiano
TORTELLONI AI GAMBERI
Tortelloni stuffed with king prawns, finished in a white wine & cream sauce with lemon, dill & a touch of chilli
MAFALDE ALFREDO
Sautéed chicken & wild mushrooms in a rich aged Parmigiano, cream & white wine sauce
MAFALDE RAGÙ DI AGNELLO
Slow-braised lamb ragù topped with smoked stracciatella
PENNE ALL’ARRABBIATA
Black olives & chilli cooked in a classic Napoli sauce with Genovese basil
PICI BOLOGNESE
Ragù sauce made with beef, pork, red wine & tomatoes slow-cooked for 8 hours with parmesan crisp
PICI CARBONARA
Crispy smoked pancetta, aged Parmigiano, black pepper & rich egg yolk
RISOTTO AI FUNGHI
Slow-cooked Arborio rice with wild mushrooms, truffle oil, white wine, aged Parmigiano & mascarpone
PICI COZZE E VONGOLE
A mix of clams & mussels sautéed in garlic & white wine with cherry tomatoes, chilli, extra virgin olive oil & a sprinkle of bottarga
LASAGNA AL RAGÙ
Traditional Ragù with béchamel, fresh mozzarella & aged Parmigiano baked to crispy golden top
MAFALDE STRACCIATELLA
Sautéed aubergine & cherry tomatoes in a classic Napoli sauce topped with smoked stracciatella
MAIN COURSES
POLLO SALTIMBOCCA
Chicken breast wrapped in prosciutto & fresh sage, pan-seared & finished with a white wine butter sauce, served with sautéed potatoes & tenderstem broccoli
POLLO OR VEAL MILANESE
Chicken or veal escalope panéed with breadcrumbs & oregano served with pici in a light Napoli sauce
BRANZINO AL LIMONE
Pan-fried sea bass fillet in a sauce of baby prawns, brown butter, lemon & white wine served with sautéed potatoes & green beans
BISTECCA TAGLIATA
Chargrilled & sliced fillet steak drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze, served alongside rocket, sweet cherry tomatoes & aged Parmigiano shavings
SALMONE AL FORNO
Oven-roasted salmon fillet with lemon & garlic, topped with a vibrant tomato & red onion salsa, served with roasted asparagus & sautéed potatoes
SIDES
SAUTÉED POTATOES
MIXED SALAD
GREEN BEANS
TENDERSTEM BROCCOLI
CHIPS
Add Parmigiano & truffle oil +2
ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH AGED PARMIGIANO
INSALATA DI RUCOLA E PARMIGIANO
LARGE SALADS
INSALATA POLLO
Chargrilled chicken breast, rocket & spinach, Kalamata olives, Parmesan shavings, sundried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts & basil pesto dressing
INSALATA SALMONE
Oven-roasted salmon fillet with rocket, fine green beans, heritage cherry tomatoes & avocado, finished with fresh pomegranate & our honey & mustard house dressing
INSALATA CAPRINA
Baked goat’s cheese on mixed leaves, beetroot, roasted red peppers, walnuts & pomegranate seeds with house dressing & a drizzle of balsamic glaze
INSALATA FRESCA
Creamy burrata, avocado, sundried tomatoes, artichokes hearts, cucumber, mixed leaves & Genovese basil with house dressing & a drizzle of balsamic glaze
PIZZAS
MARGHERITA
Fior di latte mozzarella, basil & a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
NONNA
Roasted aubergine & rocket topped with smoked stracciatella & toasted pine nuts
NOCCIOLA
Gorgonzola dolce, toasted walnuts, basil & marinated in-house
PEPPERONI PICCANTE
Pepperoni & salami Milano drizzled with a sweet & spicy honey
FRIARIELLI
Sicilian pork & fennel sausage, sautéed friarielli (broccoli rabe) & a touch of red chilli
SALSICCIA
Sicilian pork & fennel sausage with caramelised onions
MEDITERRANEA
White based – sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, goat’s cheese & a drizzle of truffle oil
DIABLO
Spicy pepperoni, prosciutto cotto, chilli flakes & black olives
NAPOLI
Sicilian anchovies, capers, black olives & Genovese basil
QUATTRO STAGIONI
Pepperoni, artichoke hearts, chestnut mushrooms & black olives
CALABRESE
Spicy Calabrian Nduja, aged Parmigiano shavings & Genovese basil
RUSTICA
Vegan mozzarella, aubergine, roasted red peppers & marinated in-house sundried tomatoes
DESSERTS
HOMEMADE TIRAMISU
Rossella’s classic homemade tiramisu with coffee-soaked savoiardi, Tia Maria, Amaretto & cocoa
CRÈME BRÛLÉE
Rich & creamy custard base with a brittle top of melted sugar that cracks when you gently tap it with a spoon
CHEESECAKE FRUTTI DI BOSCO
Mascarpone & raspberry Chantilly cream, mixed berry cheesecake on a butterry biscuit base
GIANDUJA TORTA
Soft cocoa sponge layered with hazelnut praline, a heart of dark chocolate & a light hazelnut mousse
CLASSIC AFFOGATO
Vanilla gelato topped with a shot of hot espresso
1 SCOOP
2 SCOOPS
3 SCOOPS
DESSERT WINES
RECIOTO VALPOLICELLA
Veneto
VIN SANTO
Toscana
KIDS MENU
TASTY MINI CANNOLI OR PISTACHIO CHOCOLATE
STRAWBERRIES + CREAM
Bowl of fresh strawberries & yummy whipped cream
A SCOOP OF GELATO
Made the Italian way! Ask your favourite waiter for the flavours available
EXTRA SCOOP
VEGETABLE + BREAD STICKS
Carrots, cucumber & bread sticks with a tasty tomato dip
JUICE
APPLE • ORANGE • PEAR • PEACH
MILK OR OAT MILK
BABYCHINO
CHICKEN GOUJONS
Breaded chicken breast with broccoli & roast potatoes or chips
GRILLED CHICKEN
Half grilled chicken breast with cucumber, tomatoes & roast potatoes or chips
VINO ROSSO
MERLOT DEL VENETO
Via Nova, Veneto Merlot from northern Italy, bright, light & friendly, offering a mouthful of cherries, plums & red berries
BARBERA AMONTE
Piemonte Fresh & fruity, easy drinking a lighter red wine made from the Barbera grape, cheerfully giving out blueberries, cherries & raspberries
PRIMITIVO SALENTO
Boheme, Puglia Beautiful & generous, spilling over with plums & black cherries, with a fine aroma of cracked black pepper
NERO D’ AVOLA
Molino a Vento, Sicily Charming, elegant red from Sicily, filled with red cherries & raspberries, with a fine minerality on the finish
GROTTA ROSSA
Cantina Santadi, Sardegna A full-bodied red with notes of dark berries, plum & warm spice, rounded & smooth. Truly delicious
PINOT NERO
Puiatti, Friuli A light & elegant red with flavours of red cherry, raspberry & gentle spice, soft & silky. Can also be enjoyed chilled on sunny days
AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA
Arco dei Giovi, Veneto Classic full bodied italian wines with Intense aroma & strong hints of dried fruit, dark & red cherry, hints of chocolate. Bold & round
BAROLO, FONTANAFREDDA
Piemonte Beautiful concentrationof red fruit, hints of roses savoury & herbal. Evident notes of liquorice & thyme. Full bodied with a long-lasting complex flavour
CHIANTI RISERVA
Castellani, Tuscany Delight in its fruity aroma reminescent of maraschino cherry, packed with floral mediterraneant scents. Pleasantly spicy with a long vibrant finish
AGLIANICO, VINO DI FAMIGLIA
Our House Red Wine A red wine produced by the Rossella Restaurant on the family vineyard in Ponte, full bodied earthy & rich with aromas of ripe black fruits & smoky notes
MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO
Bosco Nestore, Abruzzo Bright ruby red with wild cherry & red berry flavors, leading to enticing spice notes. Perfect pair with red sauces pastas & pizzas
VINO BIANCO
TREBBIANO
Rometta, Emilia Romagna A delicious fragrant white wine with flavours of white peach, lemon & green apple
PINOT GRIGIO
Via Nova, Veneto A very refreshing light to medium bodied Pinot Grigio, with a floral bouquet & scents of lime & herbs
FRASCATI
San Marco, Lazio A classic Italian wine from the region surrounding Rome, with flavours of peach, lemon & honey
CHARDONNAY
Molino a Vento, Sicily Balanced Sicilian Chardonnay, floral & lemony on the nose, honeyed & buttery in the mouth
VERDICCHIO
Castelli di Jesi Classico, Marche Tangy Verdicchio, perfumed with aniseed & a mouthful of pear & apple, with a pleasant, almond-flavoured finish
GAVI DI GAVI
La Minaia, Piemonte The famous Cortese, the grape behind Piedmont’s Gavi, offers aromas of acacia & white peach, with hints of wild herb & a palate of apple, lemon & melon
SAN VINCENZO
Anselmi, Veneto This is a ‘Super Soave’ from Juliet & Romeo town of Verona. Fresh & elegant with notes of peach, citrus & white flowers, vibrant & beautifully balanced
TIMORASSO
Vigneti Volpi, Piemonte A rich & textured wine with notes of ripe pear, honey & citrus, beautifully complex, savoury & mineral with a longlasting finish
ALASTRO
Planeta, Sicily Blend of Grecanico & Sauvignon Blanc, this is a vibrant & aromatic wine with notes of citrus, white peach & wildflowers, beautifully fresh with a crisp, elegant finish
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Puiatti, Friuli A crisp & refreshing white with flavours of citrus, green apple & fresh herbs, bright & lively
VINO ROSÉ
PINOT GRIGIO BLUSH
Sospiro, Veneto Easy drinking & very refreshing ‘blush’. Delicious on his own or to be paired with light dishes
COTES DE PROVENCE
La Vidaubanaise, Provence Delightful, light pink Provençal rosé, awash with wild strawberries, lavender & rosemary. Simply delicious!
FRIZZANTI
PROSECCO
Rossella Collection, Veneto Delicate yet persistent with a round, very elegant finish. Scents of golden apples & pear, flowing into delicate hints of acacia & wisteria blossoms
PROSECCO ROSE
Stelle D’Italia, Veneto A fresh, light sparkling rosé with vibrant red berries, hints of strawberry, a creamy mousse & a crisp finish
ASTI
Fontanafredda, Piemonte A sweeter sparkling wine with a hint of sage & honey, fabulous as an aperitif or with a celebration cake
VEUVE CLICQUOT
Yellow Label Brut, Champagne A happy marriage of apples, pears & hawthorn flowers, enlivened by bubbles
BOLE BIANCO SPUMANTE BRUT
Emilia Romagna A vibrant sparkling wine from Emilia-Romagna, bursting with green apple, pear & lemon zest, with aromas of jasmine, elderflower & citrus
MOCKTAILS
PEAR MOJITO
Refreshing mocktail with pear juice, basil, mint & sparkling water
SPARKLING PEACH SUNRISE
Simple & refreshing, the Sparkling Peach Sunrise combines peach juice, lemonade & grenadine
BOTIVINO
Refreshing bittersweet botanical aperitivo bursting with spicy ginger beer
AMALFI FIZZ
Inspired by the Amalfi Coast, fresh lemon, sugar & mint topped with soda. Crisp, zesty & refreshing
LEMON ROAST
A refreshing fusion of rich cold-brew coffee & zesty lemon, perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness
BEE’S KNEES
A refreshing mix of orange & apple juice & honey-cinnamon syrup, garnished with mint & a dusting of powdered sugar
SPRITZERS
APEROL SPRITZ
Italy’s favourite cocktail, 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol & a splash of soda water, served over ice & garnished with a slice of orange
LIMONCELLO SPRITZ
Our family recipe limoncello liquor topped with prosecco & a splash of soda, served over ice & garnished with slice of lemon & lime
ITALICUS SPRITZ
Italicus liquor topped with prosecco & a splash of soda served over ice & garnished with lemon, mint & olives
WILD STRAWBERRY SPRITZ
Wild strawberry liquor topped with prosecco & a splash of soda, served over ice & garnished with wild strawberries
COCONUT SPRITZ
Coconut liqueur topped with prosecco & a splash of soda, served over ice & garnished with pineapple
ENGLISH AMBER VERMOUTH SPRITZ
Highgate distilled English amber vermouth with delicate floral & distinct notes of sweet orange, topped with prosecco & a splash of soda served over ice & garnished with a lemon twist
CAMPARI SPRITZ
Campari topped with prosecco & a splash of soda, served over ice & garnished with a slice of orange, rosemary & olives
STREGA SPRITZ
Italian herbal liqueur Strega topped with prosecco & a splash of soda, served over ice & garnished with a lemon twist.
COCKTAILS
ESPRESSO MARTINI
The Espresso Martini is a rich blend of Vodka, coffee liquor, amaretto & espresso ASK FOR DECAF
NEGRONI
Traditional Italian negroni balanced with Malfy gin, Highgate-distilled vermouth & Campari
AMARETTO SOUR
The classic Amaretto Sour is made with Amaretto Disaronno, lemon juice, & cherries in syrup
BELLINI
The famous Bellini from Venice is made with peach puree & Prosecco
ROSSINI
This gorgeous red bellini hails from Venice. It’s made with strawberry puree & Prosecco
LIMONCELLO FIZZ
Our family recipe Limoncello from Naples combined with vodka, a pinch of saffron, topped up with ginger beer
MELONCELLO SOUR
Our family recipe Meloncello from Naples mixed with Sacred Gin, lemon juice, Lillet Rose & topped with soda water
STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI
A classic mix of white rum, strawberry purée & lime, chilled & well balanced
ITALIAN MARGARITA
A smooth Italian twist on the classic Margarita, combining Tequila, amaretto & Cointreau with fresh lime for a perfectly balanced sweet & citrus finish
ROSSELLA OLD FASHIONED
A refined take on the classic, blending whiskey with Angostura bitters & sugar syrup, smooth, rich & elegantly balanced
LAGER, IPA & CIDER
BIRRA ICHNUSA UNFILTERED
Naturally cloudy & full-bodied, this Sardinian lager pours golden with soft bitterness & subtle hop notes. Unfiltered for a smooth, rustic finish
MORETTI ZERO
The ultimate Italian lager non-alcoholic 33cl ABV 0.0%
BIRRA PERONI
Crisp Italian draft lager with balanced bitterness ABV 5.1%
MASTRI BIRRAI UMBRI IPA
An artisan Italian Pale Ale, unfiltered & unpasteurized, with vibrant citrus & tropical hop aromas, smooth malt balance 30cl ABV 6.5%
SIDRO BALADIN
Italian craft cider made from selected apples. Light, crisp & refreshing with delicate apple notes 33cl ABV 6.5%
BALADIN NAZIONALE GF
Italy’s first craft gluten-free beer, brewed with Italian ingredients. Smooth & well balanced with gentle citrus notes 33cl ABV 6.5%
BIRRA MESSINA CRISTALLI DI SALE
A crisp Sicilian lager with sea salt crystals, smooth malt, subtle citrus & a clean, refreshing finish 33cl ABV 5%
SOFT DRINKS HOT DRINKS
TEA
Peppermint | Green | English Breakfast Earl Grey | Fresh Mint | Chamomile
HOT CHOCOLATE
SANTAL JUICES
Orange, Apple, Pear, Peach
CLASSICS
Coca-Cola , Diet-Coke, Coke Zero, Ginger Beer, Lemonade, Crodino
ITALIAN ICED TEA
Peach, Lemon
SAN PELLEGRINO
Lemon, Orange, Blood Orange
STILL OR SPARKLING WATER
Filtered, chilled and served in a re-usable glass bottle (700ml)
COFFEE
Espresso | Macchiato Cappuccino | Latte | Flat White Americano | Mocha
SPECIALIST LIQUORS & SPIRITS
AMARI
50ml Italy’s favourite after dinner ritual Amaro Averna | Fernet Branca | Amaretto Disaronno | Amaro Montenegro | Cynar
DIGESTIVI
50ml Grappa | Frangelico | Antica Sambuca Antica Sambuca Liquorice
BRANDY
Vecchia Romagna | Three Barrels
RUM
Captain Morgan | Bacardi White
WHISKEY & BOURBON
Jack Daniels | Famous Grouse | Jameson Highland Park 12 Years Single Malt Glenfiddich Green Label 12 Years Single Malt Oban 14 Years Single Malt
LIQUEURS
Tia Maria | Cointreau | Strega | Strega Cream Baileys Cream 50ml
GIN
Sacred Gin Malfy Italian Gin
VODKA
Sacred Vodka Grey Goose
APERITIVI
50ml Martini Dry | Martini Rosso | Campari Bitters Crema All’Uovo Aperol | Sacred English Amber Vermouth
COGNAC
Hennessy Courvoisier