When it comes to north London ’burbs, Muswell Hill already has plenty to love. Great pubs, scenic views stretching out over north London and easy access to great parks like Highgate Woods and Ally Pally – what’s not to love? Now, a small slice of Italy in the form of family-run restaurant Rossella is adding another string to the neighbourhood’s bow.
Yep, the Kentish Town fave is opening a second site in N10. The original spot has been serving faithful locals since 2012, and we can expect the same cosy atmosphere and hearty Italian classics from the Mussy outpost when it opens on May 12.
Fan favourites like slow-braised lamb ragu tagliatelle and seafood spaghetti in Napoli sauce will be on the menu, which owner Luca Meola says he plans to bulk up with ‘more expansive à la carte’ options like sliced steak served with a rocket and parmesan salad and putanesca salmon. Local institution Dunn’s Bakery is also providing the ciabatta for its bruschetta di pomodoro.
What would an authentic Italian be without a little fanfare? Bringing the decadence will be the ‘tiramisu trolley’ dishing up – you guessed it – Rossella’s homemade tiramisu, served tableside.
Alongside the all-day restaurant, Rossella Muswell Hill will be home to a separate bar with small plates and pizzas, so we can expect Rossella’s 48-hour slow-fermented dough baked to order. It’ll also serve aperitivo and cocktails – think limoncello spritz, negronis made with Sacred Vermouth (distilled locally in Highgate) and espresso martinis alongside wines from the family vineyard in Benevento. If that doesn’t scream authentic Italian we don’t know what does.
Plus, the Rossella deli will offer the restaurant’s house-made products and curated Italian hampers, including in-house chilli oil, balsamic glaze and bottles of limoncello and meloncello. That’s Christmas sorted then.
After a soft launch from May 5-10, the doors to Rossella Muswell Hill will officially swing wide on May 12 at St James’s Square (107 Muswell Hill Road, N10 3HS), taking over the spot which was previously the Giggling Squid.
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