Rosa's Italian Restaurant

From it's old world exterior to it's prim interior, Rosa's attracts class. Voted
"Most Romantic Dining In The Inland Empire", I can certainly see it's nomination,
but a cozy booth would be requisite to win my vote. With lighting leaving little
opportunity to steal away amorous moments, and conversation levels a bit
high, the pianist succeeds in balancing the room, sending out waves of notes to
ease tensions, or create a sentimental moment. Rosa's is certainly the place to
go for a special occasion. The service is impeccable here with distinguished
waiters eager to please. One can go through the formality of choosing the right
wine, or place an order for a cocktail from their bar. By the time the freshly
baked fennel rolls arrive, I was pleased. As far as I was concerned there was no
need to go on with bread this wonderful, but my proper upbringing prompted an
order of Croquet Di Granchi. These Crab Cakes were delicately light, mimicking a
fond childhood memory of fish sticks, but the tarragon mustard cream sauce
which tasted more like gravy swept me back to reality. The beef Carpaccio was
gloriously tender, with paper thin slices of raw filet mignon, drizzled with olive
oil and lemon, then topped with capers and shaved parmesan. It's been the
climax both times we've come here. Salads and soups aren't included in the
meal, but shouldn't be missed. Their house salad, the Insalata Della Casa is an
excellent start with lettuce, roasted red peppers, mushrooms, radiccio,
tomatoes and chunks of white cheese in a superb Italian dressing. The Ravioli
con Granchi is an unusual presentation with one large ravioli stuffed with crab,
shrimp and lobster and served with a heavy lemon cream sauce, which
overpowered the delicate seafood and all to similar to the crab cake sauce.
Cioppino was impressive with a covered crock filled with an abundance of
seafood which included baby lobster tail, shrimp, scallops, calamari, mussels,
clams and assorted fish mingled in a tangy tomato soup served with a wide bowl
to ladle in as needed. The Agnello Calabrese was much like a tender pot roast
with a braised lamb shank in a rosemary, tarragon, sage, red wine and tomato
sauce. I enjoyed this even more the next day. Fettuccine Con Arogosta E
Sherry was another hit with sauteed lobster in a sherry cream sauce, topped
with diced green onion. Finales here might include a carefully chosen glass of
fine brandy or cognac, a dessert wine or cappuccino, or more likely, a selection
from their dessert tray. We settled on a Hazelnut Torte which was a bit dry, but
complimented well by an orange marmalade sauce. The menu leaves much to
discover and though we've only been to here twice, we find ourselves liking
Rosa's more and more each time.

Located at 425 N. Vineyard Avenue in Ontario.

Telephone (909) 937-1220