Exceptional meal! Rolo’s menu offers a good range of different things from type of cuisine to flavor profile.
We got the polenta bread, fried green tomatoes + tuna tartare, woodfired shrimp, snow pea salad, and (of course) the two sheet lasagne.
The snow pea salad was bright with hints of pistachio. The tuna tartare and friend green tomatoes brought a freshness contrasted with the (not too fried) green tomatoes. The shrimp small plate is one of their most popular dishes and is truly so tasty, we ate with skin on. It was garlic-y but a spritz of lemon brings out a little tanginess that pairs well with the char. 2-sheet pasta is good for 2 people. It mixes a crunchy exterior with a chewy inside that features a perfect balance of cheese and…something that feels like vodka sauce.
We also got a blackberry tart which, personally, thought it was okay. I think the pastry to blackberry ratio was a little off for my taste.
Overall vibe is really cool. The kitchen is open to view in the middle part of the restaurant and it’s cool seeing everything get made as well as the wood fire oven blasting away.
OMG, I have absolutely no regrets about going to this restaurant. Every dish we ordered was incredibly delicious. There were three of us, and we kept saying "wow" the entire time until we finished everything on the table.
We originally came for the hamburger, but unfortunately it was sold out. The server mentioned that it usually sells out within one hour, or two hours if you are lucky.
Instead, we ordered the lasagna, wagyu beef skirt steak, grilled salt and pepper head-on shrimp, crispy potatoes, and grilled greens. Every single dish was amazing. Even the potatoes were outstanding, and the sauce that came with them was just as good.
Now I am even more curious about how good the hamburger is, since this place is known for it. Parking in the area is definitely a challenge, but I would absolutely come back to try more dishes, especially the burger.
I also tried the cocktail called "The Carrot Drink." | originally wanted the pandan colada, but it was sold out, and I have no regrets. I would definitely order the carrot drink again.
I strongly recommend this place. Thank you for such an amazing meal!
5
The service was incredible. They checked on us often and refilled our water as soon as our glasses were halfway empty. The fettuccine with Italian sausage and fennel was our favorite dish. The pasta tasted very fresh and had great depth of flavor without being overwhelming, so it is something you can enjoy beyond just a couple of bites. The lasagna was exceptional as well. While it is not my favorite lasagna in New York, it is still a dish I think people should definitely try.
The burger was good, though it tasted like any other solid burger and was a bit greasy. I did love the peppers served on the side. The bread was excellent as an appetizer.
I was initially skeptical after reading some reviews saying it was not worth it or that the service was bad, but I am really glad we went and formed our own opinion.
3
Came here for the burger, was not blown away.
I think a lot of reviewers came here for the same reason that I did - the double cheeseburger. Tried it, and I truly do not think that it is worth the hype. It is a good burger, but nothing that justifies the trip from Manhattan. I came here hoping that this burger will dethrone Minetta, but alas, it is just a good burger, not a great one.
The polenta and the crab were the stand-outs for me. I would rate both of these higher than their burger. The worst item on the menu was definitely the wagyu steak. They served it for brunch as a salad, and the flavor of the steak was completely covered by the bitterness of the leaves and the cheese. I would rate it zero out of ten. Truly one of the worst crimes against beef.
Overall, good place, but would not go back again.
5
This place is really really solid. Nothing changed my life but everything was really really good. I got an awesome drink called the oh snap! The green lasagna was pretty great it didn't disappoint. The potatoes reminded me of Pomme Frites in the city including the sauce. Pork Chop was excellent that little spicy green sauce was really good on it. The mortadella and bread was pretty great even though the bread a little bit too charred for my taste. Overall I can see the hype I will return.