11/15/07

Friendly and personal atmosphere

by gobosox22

We're new to the area and trying all the local restaurants. The service at Roselena's was slow, but not unattentive. Our main courses took a while to come out, but with several courses in between and ample (delicious) bread offerings we weren't left starving. We were served by the owner herself, who was very friendly and accomodating. She even offered to create a special vegetarian meal for me if I didn't find anything to my taste on the menu. The food was delicious, but unassuming its like eating at your Italian grandmother's house- traditional, hearty, flavorful, and personal. The owner even went so far as to give us some biscotti as a welcome to the neighborhood gift. We'll definitely be back. And we're looking forward to some modern updates that we were told were on the way - like a piano bar and liquor license.

• Pros: Owners are present everyday and are very accomodating.
• Cons: Long wait for the food.

Dine in an Italian-American granny's parlor or the upstairs dining room--without the chaperone.

by Contributor

In Short
South Philly Victorian, replete with golden swags and lace curtains, aged doilies on each table, mismatched silverware and defunct fireplaces with mantles bearing old wedding photos, ceramic cherubs, scattered silk rose petals and dried flower arrangements. Like so many neighborhood residences, Roselena's is much larger--and even more decorated--inside than it appears outside. Great for Sunday brunch or a quick afternoon sandwich. Stick to the simpler fare at dinner.

11/10/06

Good coffee

by sandy30

I like this place. My Mom loves it. We often come for Sunday brunch . They make excellent sweet pancakes and their coffee is great. In general the atmosphere is a little too frilly for my tastes.

• Pros: Coffee, Pancakes
• Cons: Too many nick-nacks

10/26/06

sit and relax...

by ktodaaren

ok it may take a little longer but if you aren't in a rush sit back and enjoy this charming little spot. Decked out in all it's victorian slendor it is a perfect place to have a moment away. Enjoy some pressed coffee or some seeped tea as you wait for a lovely dessert. I have enjoyed Roselena's on several different occasions and each time I enjoyed it a little more. Sitting in the window with my mom as we sipped from pretty tea cups , birthday celebrations with my best friend and of course some sweets with my sweetie, I had a lovely time.

• Pros: sweets and caffiene, what else do you need except someone to go with!
• Cons: I never had dinner upstairs!

04/29/06

25 minutes

by nigel611

We went there for desert... which ended up taking well over an hour... after 10pm. The waiter brought us our check after we indulged on some lovely desert action... and we literally sat there like dead people for 20 minutes before the kind waiter came over and asked if we were ready for him to take the check... We were nearly insulted. I very munch enjoyed the deserts but sitting there rotting after we got the check was ridiculous. THEN, after we turned in our check which required $10 in change, we waited an ADDITIONAL TEN MINUTES! NO THANK YOU! NOt coming back.

• Pros: deserts
• Cons: service, service, slow service

10/31/05

Roselena's Goes Old School

by coldsteel5

I took my girlfriend to Roselena's and had a great time. We arrived late for dessert and coffee. We were warmly greeted and got a seat, in a tiny place, with no problems. The choice of coffee is great and the dessert menu is like going to grandma's. The ambience is between going to your old Aunt's living room and something out of a silent hollywood movie. Service is definitely casual (not slow, but definitely not fast). Overall a great date place, and I intend to try brunch there some time in the future.

• Pros: Ambience, Food, Friendly
• Cons: Location

04/27/03

best romantic dinner ever

by vimspot1

WOW, 2 valentine's days ago I took my girlfriend and had the best time. 5 courses, free flowing champaigne, amazing ambience. I would definitely reccomend this place for dates, though Valentine's day prix fixe here is expensive (50% off for vegetarians, ask about that...)

• Pros: ambience, good food, excellent service
• Cons: far from anywhere, hard to get a cab out, expensive on v-day