My next dining adventure took me to a popular Italian restaurant, Rosebud Italian Specialties & Pizzeria, located at 22 East Chicago Ave. They’re open 11AM-10PM Monday-Thursday and Sunday, 11AM-11PM Friday and Saturday.
I was very impressed with the décor and atmosphere. It was loud, but not in a bad way, in a way that made you feel like you were at a big family dinner at home. As they describe it on the Rosebud website “Family friendly experience that’s perfect for any dinning occasion.”
In 1973, Alex Dana started his first restaurant and 35 years later it’s still going strong. He opened Rosebud of Naperville in 2005.
The wait staff and other staff were all so nice and attentive! From the moment you are greeted by the hostess to the moment you meet your server!
For the appetizer we choose the Mamma’s Meatballs, which came highly recommended by my mom’s friend, Kristi. Two big thumbs up on this one. The meatballs were hand rolled veal and beef meatballs, very moist and a flavor in each bite.
The meatballs were accompanied with their Sunday salad which is crisp lettuce, onions, peppercorn tomatoes with a red wine vinegar dressing.
For my main course I choose the signature pizza, “The Rosebud,” which is San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, basil and parmesan. I added pepperoni and it was not an issue! The crust was cooked crispy in the wood burning over. Delicious flavor. The pizza had a perfect amount of sauce – not too much. The flavor was unbelievable. Again, flavor in every bite.
My mom and Brad split the Grandma’s gravy which was braised beef and pork, San Marzano tomatoes, rigatoni giganti and ricotta salata. This was a very generous portion and really good for a growing teenager. Very warm and inviting meal, just like your grandma’s kitchen. Both mom and Brad loved the taste beef and pork were very tender. The noodles were homemade and delicious. Luckily there was enough to bring home a meal for me.
For dessert we all shared the Profiterole cake. It’s a very rich and sweet chocolate cake with pastry and ice cream in the middle and whip cream.
We definitely will be back to Rosebud to try several more items in the very near future. If you are planning a family dinner or even an office Christmas party, I would highly recommend Rosebud of Naperville. Tell them Jack The Foodie sent ya!
