Rose's Italian Restaurant — Restaurant in Windham

TL/DR: 10 stars for server and hostess who were SLAMMED yet still delightful. 10 stars for Chicken Parm with Linguini that we ate in the restaurant 10 stars for Chicken Parm with Linguini that I picked up for take-out the next day 7 stars for Chicken Parm with Linguini leftovers from take-out reheated Thursday August 5th - Visited a friend at Sebago Lake. After a 2 hour drive, she said "let's go for a lobster roll" yet as we were driving she talked about the "BEST" Italian Restaurant in Maine. Well why aren't we going there? We changed direction and headed to Rose's Italian.

Walked in to total chaos. The take-out orders were lined up on a table, people lingering everywhere, the hostess station had 3 people behind it doing the best they could. One of the them was answering the phones, directing staff, handling take-outs, and never stopped smiling or being kind to people. I asked her if she was an owner and she said "No, I've been the hostess for 10 months". Because the kitchen was short staffed, they stopped seating people for about 1 hour so they could catch up. I was STARVING but if it's the best, it must be worth the wait. IT ABSOULTEY 100% WAS.

We both got the Chicken Parm with linguini. It was seriously fantastic. The sauce was on the thinner side but had a weight to it because of their magic. (I don't cook, I have no idea what was in it, but it was sweet and delicious). The chicken was fork tender and was DEE-LIGHTFUL

Our server had a million other people she was serving yet she was super kind and really seemed to love her job. We don't drink so the check was going to be for 2 meals and a couple of sodas, yet she didn't blink an eye that she might not make as much money on our ticket vs someone else's.

As we were leaving I asked what the best time would be to call for a take-out order on Friday (following day). The hostess said that I could call as early as when they open but give a few hours notice and she would make sure it was ready to be picked up when I arrived (some of the take-out orders had to wait more than an hour on Thursday).

I called on Friday for pick up at 4:30. After picking it up (it was ready when I got there) I put it in an insolated shopping bag and drove 2 hours home. I had forewarned my husband and he had the table set and ready to go. OMG IT WAS STILL WARM!!!! We didn't even have to microwave it. It was almost as good as the night before when it was super fresh and hot. HE LOVED IT.

Day 3 I reheated the portion I hadn't eaten the night before. It was yummy and held up in the Microwave.

I do have a question though.... Why does the ladies room have 2 toilets...

Let’s start with the Atmosphere; as it is the first thing anyone notices. The building itself on the outside is well kept. The inside is dimly lit, so it was slightly dark, however it’s something that I personally appreciate greatly! My company and I were greeted promptly and shown to a table just as quickly, but that’s because we arrived just a few minutes after they opened, so I can’t really comment on how that would go when they’re busy.

Service; Our waitress “Dakota” was kind and friendly, she never rushed us, never pressured us towards a dish choice, she was patient and pleasant.

Food: The food was quite tasty. The person I was with, was told that their portion sizes were quite large and for the dish she chose.. it was. However the dish I chose; The Steak Tips.. It didn’t seem like “large portions”. It was maybe a handful of steak and a bowl of fries, I believe they gave me more fries in place of another item that I didn’t want (by the way, the fries were quite good). But, it still wasn’t a whole lot of steak for the price tag.. it was quite expensive compared to other restaurants and their prices. The steak was very pleasant, however it wasn’t cooked how I wanted it, it was a little rarer than I like.. but the steak tips were quite thick and cooking it to my desired taste without burning the outside may have been a bit difficult for the cook.

Overall, it was satisfactory. However, this isn’t a place that my company and I are dying to return to. This is a.. once every 6 months to a year, kind of place for us.

As always, this my own opinion. I urge you to give it a shot and make your own mind up on what...

What a great experience! We were a party of 6 with 2 kids on a busy night. They had us sat in no time and got drinks to us right away. They were great as far as I was concerned but my father didn't love the scotch options. Our waitress was obviously getting food out to her other tables but still apologized every time she came by while completing other tasks. Once we ordered food came quickly. First a delicious and fresh salad that allowed everyone two bowls worth and there was enough left for a few more. As well as warm bread and butter. Then our appetizer sampler of delicious garlic bread and decadent fried ravioli and mozzarella sticks. Then then entrees did not disappoint. Each was easily two meals (including the kids meal portions) and so delicious. I had a great brick oven pizza with salami and prosciutto, my father had an amazing looking steak with some fried potatoes, his wife had the meat lasagna which looked like it could feed three and my sister had a stuffed chicken parmesan that also looked like it was for a family. The kids got spaghetti and red sauce and fettuccine Alfredo that they took the majority of home. Then the kids who (miraculously) saved room for desert split a chocolate mousse bomb that I will be ordering, to go, the next time I overeat here. The young girls chuckled quite a bit about the Ladies room having side by side toilets with no partitions but there is a lock on the door. Then I used the mens room and inside there was a chair set up facing the toilet. This door also had a lock, but it made me wonder what sort of bathroom hyjinks go on here. All in all a fabulous meal and I can't...