Chef Anthony Sitek brings his Italian Roots to Rosie’s Italian downtown

If there’s one thing Chef Anthony Sitek knows, it’s crafted multicultural dishes from scratch. Sitek, a Cincinnati transplant, has a knack for creating an eclectic menu of dishes that feel like home. One restaurant of his that’s captured hearts in the Queen City is Rosie’s Italian. 

Rosie’s Italian is owned by Sitek and his wife, Haley. The couple also own several other restaurants in Cincinnati through Crown Restaurant Group, including Crown Republic Gastropub, Losanti, Five on Vine and Crown Cantina. 

The recipes featured at Rosie’s Italian are the Italian recipes and traditions that Sitek grew up with. “The menu features from-scratch pastas and comforting mains like Amish chicken piccata and eggplant parmesan,” says Sitek. “These dishes spark memories of time spent in the kitchen, utilizing every ingredient to its full potential, and never letting anyone walk away from the table hungry.”

The Siteks were inspired to create Rosie’s Italian so they could celebrate family while also inviting guests to explore a full spectrum of Italian influences. These influences include light and shareable antipasti like the House Salad to rich, flavorful entrees like the Bistecca—a prime rib eye with Calabrian chili butter, a nod to Calabria, Italy, the birthplace of Sitek’s grandmother.

“Rosie’s is a place to bring some of what I loved about where I grew up on the East Coast to Cincinnati,” says Sitek. “Now, under the refreshed identity of Rosie’s Italian, we are excited to give guests the opportunity to taste and explore these Italian influences.”

And for the pizza lovers who appreciate an East Coast pie, Rosie’s features 12-inch Trenton-style pies including the Honey Pie, Tie-Dye and Margarita pizzas. Other featured menu items include stromboli, ricotta toast, meatballs, baked ziti and shrimp scampi. 

Rosie’s Italian. 300 E. Seventh St., downtown. Su-Th 4:30-9 p.m., F-Sa 4:30-10 p.m. 513-381-1243, rosiesitaliankitchen.com.