Lauren L.
6/28/2025
My second review in a few days! Went to The Rosa again on my stay in Portsmouth and I always sit at the bar. Today I got the Caprese Salad for a starter and it was delicious. Chicken Marsala which...
Rosa Restaurant
$$
Closed
(343)
Photos
70 State St
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Set directly beside the picturesque Prescott Park and in front of the colonial atmosphere of Strawbery Banke, this family-style Italian restaurant, once owned by Ralph Rosa, opened its doors on December 22, 1927. Encouraged by his mother, Domenica, an Italian chef, and after having been laid off from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard during a slack period in 1926, Ralph transformed his family home into The Rosa Restaurant. With authentic Italian recipes and an uncompromising desire to treat customers like family, Ralph graciously served patrons for fifty-four years. During that half-century, the Rosa weathered the Great Depression, only closing its doors for a two-month period, and has the distinction of having served the first glass of beer in Portsmouth, a twelve-ounce glass for ten cents, after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933.
Also at this address
Reviews
3.0343 reviewsEdward C.
8/25/2025
Went again last Saturday night & sat at the bar. Bartender was very cordial & knowledgeable, the service was excellent, specials & off menu amazing. Everything we ordered was as usual...
J M.
8/17/2025
Garlic bread not crispy just wet toast. Mussels cooked in pepperoni. The flavor of pepperoni towered over all else. Chicken Marsala came out too dry with very little marsala flavor. The solution?...
Nicky D.
7/20/2025
So it's definitely your hometown family in Italian restaurant made a very long day and it had some good items on the menu so we thought we'd check it out I think for majority of my family. The...
Susan L.
8/9/2025
Had a very mixed experience tonight at The Rosa. The patio seating was lovely, the service was excellent, the drink pours were ample, but the food was totally mediocre. I had the Caprese salad:...
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