Terrible Food, Slow Service
I've eaten at just about every place in Portsmouth and was eager to try the Rosa. That being said, if you've ever eaten Italian in the North End, Federal Hill, NYC or anything prepared by anyone's Italian grandmother, you will be horribly disappointed. Service was incredibly slow (met friends there at 6.30, did not leave until after 9). The flavors in the food were bitterly disappointing. The "herbs" were all dried (nothing fresh) and tasted like McCormick's "Italian Seasoning." The red "sauce" tasted like straight canned tomato paste. My "stuffed clam" arrived without a shell because they, "wash and reuse the shells and the new busser threw them away." This shouldn't be an issue if you're actually using the clam formerly inhabiting the shell to make, the stuffed CLAM. Ironically, the stuffed 'clam' was the best thing I had there. Again, if you're accustomed to NH or ME "Italian" and have never had anything else, you might think this is okay. Trust me, however, it's not. I was SO turned off by the taste of the food, I am now writing my first review. Paying the bill was an exercise in self-control. Don't be fooled by their valet parking, this was the worst food I've ever eaten in Portsmouth.    [02 Jul 2007 11:00:36]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Cook at Home Instead

     ­Anonymous, Portsmouth, NH   

Bad experience at The Rosa
I ate at The Rosa over the weekend with my family. The food and service up to the main dish was very good. After receiving my seafood dish, I looked down and noticed a small worm crawling across my plate!!! I notified the host and they immediately removed my dish. However, they "comp-ed" my dish and only discounted $20 off the check...and, to add insult to injury, offered me a free desert for the inconvenience. When I told them that no one in my party had an appetite any more, they took an additional, $30 off the tab. I still had to pay $30 for the meal and the manager never came out to our table. The price discounts were negotiated between the host and me, with the host running out back to "talk" to the manager. So, a worm in my main dish and a used car negotiation makes this the absolute worst dining experience I have ever had! I should say that our server was very upset by this incident and her service was outstanding.    [25 Sep 2007 19:56:40]

Food: -   Service: -   Ambiance: -   Overall: 

     ­NHLou