Rossi

162 Greville St
Prahran, VIC 3181
https://www.rossi.bar/

The original plan was to come to Rossi for their $35 all you can eat Mussel Monday. That fell through due to a series of unfortunate events, so I’m now here on a Wednesday to try out their a la carte menu. Shoutout to the Rossi team for being flexible with the booking! Rossi is very popular with the younger crowd, with flawless vibes even on a weeknight. There is a definite streak of glam, whilst remaining still down-to-earth, and really quite cosy. The menu is crowd-pleasing, but despite the higher prices, the overall quality seems to be a bit hit or miss. I wouldn’t go out of my way to come back, but I still want to try their Mussel Mondays.

Rating: 12.5/20 – gimme mussels.
Hot: vibes.
Not: too much hot honey on the pizza.

Wednesday happens to be Gnocchi Night, and whilst you can get one of three options with a glass of wine for $35, I opted for the Gnocchi Carbonara ($30) by itself. And this was surprisingly excellent, with pillowy soft dumplings in a sauce that is rich but not cloying, and plenty of proper guanciale, with its fat well-rendered. Definitely get this one if you see it.

The Rossi Diavola ($38) on the other hand was a disappointment. Though promising on paper, the combination of salami and ‘nduja failed to deliver on the promise of heat. Meanwhile the use of chilli honey was much too liberal, and the spicy sweetness overwhelmed pretty much all other flavours. The base was also mediocre; though once again correct on paper – thin in the middle and puffy at the edges – it lacked complexity of flavour, unless you want to talk about the charred parts.

Guys. It’s 2026. You can’t charge this much for a plate of Broccolini ($18), and simply serve it steamed with melted butter and chopped anchovies. At least you get a good serve of the veggies.

The Berry Suave ($15) – which Chris insists is his whole personality – is good if you love a strong berry flavour. It tastes like a Boost Juice made with mixed berries and berry sorbet, but aside from the slightly astringent aftertaste from the non-alcoholic gin, lacks complexity.