Many of the dishes stem from the at-home cooking the chef did for himself during the quarantine days of the pandemic
WHO?: Rosa Ristorante
IT’S: A new suburban steakhouse with an Italian-American influence
OPENED: April 27, 2022
BRAINS BEHIND IT: Executive Chef & Owner Rob Moore, General Manager David Oseas and Head Mixologist Tommy Lundquist.
FUN FACT: A pair of stripper boots hanging by the kitchen entrance is a nod to the space’s previous incarnation as Blume, which closed after an audition for exotic dancers drew a large crowd.
LOCATION: 3145 St. Rose Parkway #120 Henderson, Nevada 89052
HOURS: Sunday-Monday, Wednesday-Thursday | 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday | 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
WEBSITE: Browse the menu and book a reservation online
INSTAGRAM: Check out photos of steaks, pizza and more
A Splash Of The Strip In Henderson
Rosa Ristorante follows the vision of Executive Chef Rob Moore, who previously led fine dining kitchens on the Strip for Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The restaurant takes over the space formerly home to Blume, keeping a few of the chandeliers, but adding fresh design elements that balance an Old Vegas feel with modern sophistication and neighborhood comfort. The banquets are now red, making a bold impression against hand-etched artwork and wood decor.
Steaks In The Suburbs
With a resume that includes Prime at the Bellagio and Jean-Georges at Aria, Moore knows his reputation is connected to perfectly cooked cuts of quality red meat. The chef goes with 1855 Black Angus steaks from Nebraska, wet-aged for 40 days for a “beefy” taste that favors leaner cuts like T-bones and filets. An order arrives with a choice of two house sauces: the Rosa Steak Sauce (a thick condiment with 30 ingredients) and the “Robchurri” (chopped herbs of sage, rosemary, oregano, parsley, dill and tarragon with garlic, chili flakes and extra-virgin olive oil).
Itailan-American Family Dining
The steaks may be the main event, but they’re a getaway to Moore’s affinity for East Coast Italian cuisine and comfort food. Many of the dishes stem from the at-home cooking the chef did for himself during the quarantine days of the pandemic.
His Rigatoni Alla Vodka, for example, brings a gourmet touch to a dish enjoyed growing up in New Jersey, adding a touch of heat with Italian sausage.
Pizzas are made with a dough, which he also perfected during lockdown, that produce a crust that’s crispy, crunchy and chewy—all in the same bite. The toppings seal the deal, inspired by the same produce Moore grows in his own backyard garden. Swiss chard and spinach add a clean, bright taste to the goat cheese, basil, pecorino and parmesan on the Vegetable & Herb Pizza.
A similar dedication to fresh ingredients is felt in the salads, including a Caesar (given a hint of saltiness with the inclusion of salami) and a Baby Beet with crumbled pistachios and aged balsamic.
Moore prefers his customers enjoy the meal family-style, especially at a chef’s counter that sits up to six people and faces the action in the kitchen. The format allows a party to share a little bit of everything, from cheese fritters and Clams Oreganata to a fantastic Swordfish Piccata, topped with capers and white wine sauce.
Sipping your Way To A Sweet Finish
The wine list is a thoughtful combination of Italian and California labels, while the cocktail list favors lighter, refreshing takes on classics. The Mid Town is similar to a Manhattan with the intensity of Woodford Reserve bourbon tempered with cherries. The St Rose Blvd offers a lighter, smoother spin on a Boulevardier. Save room for dessert with recipes served in bowls, including an “upside down” cheesecake with crumbles, glaze and strawberries on top.
The Cost
Small plates, appetizers and salads $12-$24, pizza $14-$18, pastas $22-$24, steaks and entrees $24-$105 and sides $8-$10. Cocktails are $15-$16. Glasses of wine are $11-$16.
The Gist
Rosa Ristorante brings a welcome dose of Strip-honed expertise to Henderson with a menu that thrives equally on ingenuity, tradition and attention-to-detail in sourcing ingredients. Even better—the restaurant is just getting started. A large lounge area next to the main dining room will be repurposed as a wine bar later this year, possibly with a retail component.
Looking for a casual steakhouse off the Strip? Try Saltgrass Steak House inside the Golden Nugget.
