Explore authentic Italian cuisine in Archbald.
Anthony Rossi and his wife, Karen, have owned and operated Rossi’s Ristorante for more than two decades. The 150 S. Main St. restaurant continues to pay tribute to Rossi’s mother and father and their Italian origins.
Chef’s Table chatted with Anthony Rossi about the eatery that also offers catering, curbside pickup and takeout.
CHRISTOPHER DOLAN/ STAFF WRITER
Q: What is the history of the restaurant?
A: The restaurant was originally started by my great-uncle, Chris Rossi, approximately 50 years before selling (it) to Gino Coccetti, who then sold it to Art Thomas. (My wife and I) took over the business in 1994 and have been in business together for the last 26 years.
Q: What kind of food do you serve, and what is available for people with special diets?
A: We primarily offer authentic Italian cuisine with a variety of gluten-free and vegetarian meals.
Q: What are your most-ordered menu items?
A: Homemade Ravioli, Gnocchi and Chicken Parmesan.
Q: How did your menu come to be?
A: Our menu is made up of family recipes and personal favorites from both of the Calabria and Perugia regions of Italy. My mom is from Calabria, and my dad is from Perugia. I love my mom’s homemade Cheese Ravioli, which we make here at the restaurant. A lot of places claim they have homemade pasta, but we really do make them here on (the) property. And from my dad … it would have to be the Polenta. The Polenta was served on a large board that covered the entire table (at home), but here at the restaurant, we serve it on an individual board for each person. Recipes are passed down from generation to generation.
Q: How would you describe the restaurant’s atmosphere?
A: Family casual — we offer quality food at a fair price in a casual dining atmosphere.
Q: What kinds of promotions do you offer?
A: We offer daily specials. Tuesday nights we do an 8-ounce Brazilian Lobster Tail, and on Wednesday night we offer Polenta, and then we always have daily specials as well. The Lobster Tail special comes with choice of potato and vegetable or pasta, and it also comes with an all-you-can-eat salad. The Polenta special also comes with an all-you-can-eat salad.
Q: Do you offer catering, event space, etc.?
A: Yes, we have a 140-seat banquet room and a 25-seat loft area. Catering is available through our Rossi’s website, rossisristorante.com, or by calling the restaurant at 570-876-4241 and asking for Karen.
Q: Are you currently offering delivery, takeout or curbside pickup?
A: We are now open for indoor dining and takout. We also do deliveries for catering events as well.
Q: Where do you see the restaurant headed in the future?
A: We are trying to stay alive during this challenging time.
Laura Rysz is the features copy editor and calendar editor at The Times-Tribune and runs the Talk of the Times column, which focuses on local fundraisers and other events. She also writes Chef’s Table that profiles restaurants around the region. Additionally, Laura curates events online on AccessNEPA.com. Laura is involved in the special Mother’s Day edition and curates occasional features Marry Memories and Times Travelers. She is a graduate of Haddonfield Memorial High School, New Jersey, and earned an English professional writing degree with a minor in mass communications from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. She also earned a certificate in Social Media Marketing from Rutgers Business School. Contact: lrysz@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5228.
