Via Rosa 11 — Restaurant in Bainbridge Island

We visited Bainbridge Island for a weekend car-camping trip with friends, and stumbled upon Via Rosa 11 — a charming little Italian market and restaurant. I was pleasantly surprised to find an Italian grocery and deli in the middle of Washington State! It felt like a unique discovery, so we decided to grab some food to-go.

The atmosphere was lovely and the selection of food and Italian products was impressive. However, I can’t say the food lived up to my expectations. I ordered the seafood pasta with squid ink, hoping for something truly special — especially from a place that brands itself as authentically Italian. But unfortunately, the pasta was overcooked and sticky. In Italy (and in any good Italian restaurant), you’d expect it to be al dente. Here, that texture was completely missing. It felt like just another generic American pasta dish.

My husband ordered the prosciutto pizza. I love prosciutto and was excited to try a more traditional Italian-style pizza — not the overloaded American version. I was confused that there was no sauce at all on the pizza. No tomato base, no creamy sauce — just some cheese and toppings. Maybe that was intentional, but it left the pizza tasting a bit flat and dry for my liking.

All in all, we’re thankful for a decent dinner at a reasonable price. But if you’re looking for a true taste of Italy, remember that...

I was unimpressed with this establishment. When I heard “authentic Italian food” I was elated as I am Italian and it’s hard to find good food here. We ordered bruschetta, a chicken pesto sandwich, lasagna and 2 sodas.. over $60 which for decent food I would understand, but this was terrible. The lasagna was pre made and microwaved, hard as a rock, the bruschetta bathed in a sea of olive oil so it wasn’t edible unless you just wanted to taste pure oil and you couldn’t even properly eat it due to the fact that they packed a single slice with a whole tomato, the sandwich was messy and drenched in balsamic. Not only was the food below standard Italian quality but it’s not easily consumed without making a mess. The staff ignored us when we stood at the counter needing a bottle opener for our sodas. 5 people looked at us but did nothing to ask what we needed as it wasn’t their station they were working. The table next to us had even listened to what we were talking about in terms of frustration and agreed with us and said their pizza was soggy and they literally couldn’t pick it up. This is a poor establishment for Italian food because it’s anything BUT that. Italian food is family food, made with a lot of time but theirs is pre made and shoved in a microwave. I’d never...

🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗 Via Rossa 11 on Bainbridge is truly a gastronomic gem. This restaurant impresses not only with its authentic cuisine, but also with the attention to detail in every dish served.

The prices might be on the higher side, but the culinary experience is entirely worth it. Every dish is a testament to excellence, with flavors that are both authentic and wonderfully executed. The meatballs, a personal favorite, are so delectable they justify a visit to the restaurant by themselves. They're incredibly flavorful, and their texture and taste epitomize the restaurant's dedication to authenticity and quality.

Additionally, the provisions are a joy to the palate. The truffle chips, a must-try, are a luxurious treat. They add a bit of indulgence to your meal and make for a splendidly rich side or snack.

No meal at Via Rossa 11 would be complete without their authentic espresso. It’s robust, aromatic, and provides a perfect finish to the dining experience.

Overall, dining at Via Rossa 11 is more than just a meal, it's an experience. It's a place where every dish is a journey and every bite is a new discovery. Despite the price point, you'll walk away feeling that every penny was well-spent. I highly recommend a visit to Via Rossa 11 - you...