Great Italian dining in Washington doesn’t require a flight to Rome — it just requires a reservation at Rosselli.
Downtown DC’s Highly Anticipated Italian Restaurant Finally Opens Its Doors
James Beard Award finalist and Knightsbridge Restaurant Group founder Ashok Bajaj officially opened Rosselli on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 1100 New York Avenue NW — right at the corner of 12th and H Streets in the heart of downtown Washington.
The restaurant occupies the former Modena space, now transformed by designer Martin Vahtra of Project Design Associates into something altogether different: a dining room that feels like a private apartment in Milan, with soaring ceilings, ornate moldings, gilded frames, velvet drapery, and a layered artwork collection sourced from both major international cities and lesser-known rural artists.
Rich earthy tones — caramel, gold, burgundy, and cinnamon — anchor the palette, while expansive windows flood the space with natural light. Three private dining areas accommodate intimate groups of 12 or parties up to 35, making Rosselli equally suited for a business dinner or a celebration worth remembering!
Michelin-Starred Chef Carlos Cardona Leads the Kitchen
At the center of Rosselli is executive chef Carlos Cardona, a Michelin-starred talent born in Bogotá, Colombia, whose 15-year international career spans kitchens across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas — including Michelin two-star NOI in Hong Kong and Ánima, his celebrated fine-dining launch in Bogotá.
Formally trained at Le Cordon Bleu London and certified as a Sushi Master through Maussi Sebes in Argentina, Cardona brings rare technical range to an Italian-focused menu.
Opening dinner selections include Agnolotti del Plin with taleggio, sea urchin, and brown butter; Linguine alle Vongole with Manila clams and guanciale; Ossobuco with braised veal shank and Calabrian gremolata; and Ribeye alla Griglia at $42 — plates that honor Italian tradition without freezing it in time.
From the Bar to the Private Dining Room, Every Detail Is Considered
Guests enter through a welcoming U-shaped bar before moving into dining rooms that flank both sides of the entry, with intimate alcove seating woven throughout. Lunch service runs Monday through Friday, dinner Monday through Saturday, and happy hour from 5:00 to 6:30 PM daily. Valet parking is available Thursday through Saturday for $15 — a rare convenience in this part of downtown.
A long business lunch, a celebratory multi-course dinner, or a well-made Negroni at the bar on a Tuesday — Rosselli was built for all of it!
The Washington Lobbyist Recommends Booking Early
The Washington Lobbyist covers the best of DC dining, travel, and lifestyle so our readers never miss what’s worth their time. Rosselli is exactly the kind of opening this city waits for — a serious restaurant backed by serious talent, designed for guests who expect more. Visit rossellidc.com to explore the full menu and make your reservation before the city fills every table.
Rosselli. 1100 New York Avenue NW (corner of 12th & H Streets), Washington, DC 20005 | Hours: Monday–Wednesday 5:00–9:15 PM | Thursday–Saturday 5:00–9:30 PM | Closed Sunday Lunch: Monday–Friday | Happy Hour: 5:00–6:30 PM. Valet: Thursday–Saturday ($15). | Website: rossellidc.com Average dinner entrée: $26–$42.
