It’s been two years since Rosmarino opened its doors on the ever-bustling Abbeydale Road strip, and the family-run restaurant continues to pride itself on a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Its new menu stays true to its tried and tested ethos of traditional Italian dishes with a few creative twists from head chef Abdellatif Nabili. Co-owner Lidia Nabili sat down with Exposed to discuss the new offerings, their popular 2-4-1 deal on cocktails and why their place is about slowing down and taking it easy.
“When people visit, we want them to feel like they’re being welcomed into our family home,” says Lidia. “It’s not just about serving food; it’s about creating an experience where guests feel cared for and can take their time, just like you would in a family kitchen in Italy.”
Rosmarino’s latest menu changes bring some exciting new options for fans of homemade, hearty food. While the core of the menu remains focused on fresh pasta dishes, the specials feature a selection of hearty meat and seafood dishes that add variety to the offerings.
“Our main menu is pasta-based, but our specials are where we introduce more meat and fish dishes,” explains Lidia. “At the moment, we’ve got sirloin and fillet steaks on offer with either wild mushroom or peppercorn sauce, alongside other favourites like fresh mussels.”
The restaurant’s pasta options remain at the heart of their menu, with dishes like the tagliatelle with wild mushrooms and truffle oil offering a creamy, indulgent experience, and the tagliatelle ragu combining lamb, aubergine and lemon rocket for a burst of bold, Mediterranean flavours. “That one flies out of the kitchen,” says Lidia. “It’s been a crowd favourite from the start.”
The restaurant’s pasta options remain at the heart of their menu.
A nod to family heritage is also present in the form of Nonna Maria’s Meatballs, a dish that holds special meaning for Lidia. “It’s inspired by my grandma, who taught me how to roll meatballs every Saturday as a child. When I see that dish, I think of her and I’m just so proud to have it on the menu,” she tells Exposed.
Rosmarino has added another reason to visit during the week: their popular two-for-one cocktail deal. Available on Thursdays and Sundays from 5pm to 9pm, it’s the perfect opportunity to unwind and enjoy some quality drinks at a great price.
“We introduced the happy hour as a way for people to relax midweek or wrap up their weekends with a treat,” Lidia explains. “There’s nothing better than sipping cocktails with friends after a long day and watching the world go by.”
The cocktail menu offers a wide range of options, with both classic and bespoke creations on offer. Margaritas and Espresso Martinis are a consistent favourite, while there’s always a special in-house concoction or two thrown in to keep things interesting. Whether you’re stopping by for a pre-dinner drink or staying for a few rounds, the relaxed, friendly atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for catching up with friends or starting your night out.
Rosmarino takes its inspiration from neighbourhood Italian restaurants, where dining is unhurried and the focus is on enjoying good food and good company. “In Italy, people stay in restaurants all night – it’s about the experience, not just the meal,” Lidia says. “We want that same atmosphere here. Of course, when we’re fully booked, we have to move things along a little bit, but we never want people to feel rushed. It’s all about the feel and ambience of the place.”
As such, the restaurant’s layout includes a comfortable seating area near the bar, where guests can enjoy a drink before their meal or relax afterward with a coffee or nightcap.
Their location on Abbeydale Road couldn’t be more ideal; it’s an area known for its variety of independent businesses, and the sense of community among them is strong. “We love being part of the Abbeydale Road community,” Lidia says. “There’s always something new popping up, and it’s great to be surrounded by other passionate, independent business owners.”
As the festive season approaches, the restaurant is preparing to welcome more group bookings for Christmas meals and celebrations. While the main menu will remain, the restaurant will offer special festive dishes through the season. For parties of five or more, Lidia encourages customers to call the restaurant directly to ensure all dietary needs and preferences are accommodated.
To book a table, visit rosmarino.co.uk or follow them on Instagram @rosmarino_sheffield for updates on their latest specials and events.
Happy hour is available on Thursdays and Sundays from 5pm to 9pm.
