Restaurant Profile: Rosie’s in Miami – A Comprehensive Look at the Menu, Ambiance, and Service

by | Nov 12, 2023 | Restaurants | 0 comments

Rosie’s is a popular Southern American restaurant located in Miami, Florida. The restaurant is well-known for its delicious food and excellent service, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Rosie’s is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Chef Akino and Jamila West, who have received numerous accolades for their culinary skills.

The restaurant’s menu offers a variety of Southern American dishes with Italian influences, including some of the best brunch options in Miami. Rosie’s is also a Bib Gourmand-rated restaurant in the 2023 MICHELIN Guide USA, which recognizes good quality, good value cooking. The restaurant’s cozy and welcoming atmosphere, along with its friendly staff, make it a perfect spot for a casual meal or a special occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Southern dish or something with a unique twist, Rosie’s has something for everyone.

History of Rosie’s

Rosie’s started as a popular brunch pop-up in Overtown, Miami in 2020. The founders, Akino West and Jamila Ross, both hospitality professionals, established Copper Door Properties in 2017 as a gateway to a life of entrepreneurship. The duo decided to create Rosie’s to showcase their love for Southern American cuisine with Italian nuances.

Due to the overwhelming response to their brunch pop-up, Rosie’s moved to a permanent location in Little River in 2022. The outdoor-only space has an expansive patio with ample shade and dangling garden lights, creating a breezy atmosphere for diners.

Rosie’s menu covers a generous amount of ground, with notable dishes such as Fried Chicken and Biscuits, Shrimp and Grits, and a variety of Italian-inspired pasta dishes. The restaurant is also known for having some of the best brunch in Miami, with excellent food and service.

Rosie’s has quickly become a staple in the Miami food scene, with locals and tourists alike flocking to the restaurant for their unique take on Southern American cuisine.

Location and Ambience

Geographical Position

Rosie’s is a restaurant located in Little River, Miami, at 7127 NW 2nd Ave. This neighborhood is one of the oldest in South Florida, showcasing Miami’s unique history and culture. The restaurant is situated in a vibrant and bustling area, making it easily accessible to locals and tourists alike.

Interior Design

The interior design of Rosie’s is the perfect blend of Southern charm and modern elegance. The restaurant’s decor features a mix of rustic and contemporary elements, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The space is filled with natural light, thanks to the large windows, and the walls are adorned with colorful artwork that adds to the overall ambiance.

Outdoor Seating

Rosie’s boasts an enchanting and expansive courtyard with an open-concept space that includes outdoor seating for up to 70 guests. The courtyard is shaded by a massive Banyan tree and twinkling lights, creating a magical and romantic ambiance. The outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or loved ones in a relaxed and serene environment.

Menu Highlights

Rosie’s is a Southern American Restaurant with Italian nuances, offering an extensive menu that features a wide range of dishes. Here are some of the menu highlights of Rosie’s that you should try:

Signature Dishes

Rosie’s is known for its signature dishes that are a perfect blend of Southern and Italian flavors. The following are some of the must-try signature dishes:

  • Chicken Fried Chicken: This dish is a Southern classic, which features a boneless chicken breast that is battered and fried to perfection. It is served with mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans.
  • Orange Chicken: This Italian-inspired dish features crispy fried chicken that is tossed in a tangy orange sauce. It is served with jasmine rice and stir-fried vegetables.
  • Creamy Fish: This dish features a tender and flaky fish fillet that is coated with a creamy sauce made with white wine, garlic, and herbs. It is served with a side of roasted potatoes and sautéed spinach.

Vegetarian Options

Rosie’s offers a range of vegetarian options that are just as delicious as their meat-based dishes. Some of the vegetarian options include:

  • Ricotta Cheese: This dish features a creamy and tangy ricotta cheese that is served with grilled bread, honey, and toasted almonds.
  • Smoked Sausage: This dish features a smoked sausage that is grilled to perfection and served with roasted vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes.
  • Catfish: This dish features a crispy fried catfish that is served with a side of coleslaw and hushpuppies.

Dessert Specialties

Rosie’s offers a range of dessert specialties that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Some of the must-try desserts include:

  • Crème Brûlée: This classic French dessert features a rich and creamy custard that is topped with a layer of caramelized sugar.
  • Chocolate Cake: This decadent chocolate cake features layers of moist chocolate cake and rich chocolate ganache.
  • Key Lime Pie: This classic Florida dessert features a tangy and creamy filling made with fresh key lime juice, and is served on a graham cracker crust.

Chef’s Profile

Rosie’s Miami is owned by husband-and-wife team Jamila Ross and Akino West. Both chefs have a strong passion for creating Southern-inspired dishes with a modern twist.

Akino West grew up cooking alongside his mother in their Riviera Beach home, which sparked his love for cooking. He later attended culinary school in Miami and worked at various restaurants before teaming up with Jamila Ross to open Rosie’s Miami.

Jamila Ross has a background in hospitality and worked in the hotel industry before pursuing her passion for food. She honed her culinary skills by working in various restaurants and eventually opened her own catering company, JRoss Hospitality.

Together, Ross and West opened Rosie’s Miami as a brunch pop-up, which quickly gained popularity and became a permanent fixture in the Miami dining scene. Their menu features a variety of dishes, including classic Southern favorites like shrimp and grits and fried chicken, as well as unique creations like their popular “Biscuit Burger.”

Ross and West’s dedication to their craft has earned them recognition in the culinary world, including a Bib Gourmand rating from the Michelin Guide. They continue to innovate and create delicious dishes that keep customers coming back for more.

Customer Reviews

Positive Feedback

Rosie’s has received a lot of positive feedback from customers for its delicious food, friendly service, and cozy atmosphere. Many customers have praised the restaurant’s brunch menu, which features a variety of breakfast-inspired dishes such as chicken and waffles, wild mushroom polenta, and soft scramble toast. The deviled eggs and crispy fish sandwich have also been popular choices among customers.

Customers have also appreciated the restaurant’s outdoor seating area, which provides a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere for dining. The staff has been described as friendly and attentive, with many customers noting that they received excellent service during their visit.

Constructive Criticism

While the majority of customers have had positive experiences at Rosie’s, some have provided constructive criticism regarding certain aspects of the restaurant. One common complaint is that the restaurant can be quite busy during peak hours, which can result in longer wait times for tables and food.

Some customers have also noted that the restaurant’s prices can be a bit high, particularly for certain dishes. Additionally, a few customers have mentioned that the restaurant’s indoor seating area can be a bit cramped and noisy during busy periods.

Overall, the positive feedback for Rosie’s greatly outweighs the constructive criticism, and the restaurant has established itself as a popular brunch spot in Miami.

Community Involvement

Rosie’s has a strong commitment to giving back to the community. The restaurant has participated in various charitable events and donated to local organizations.

One of the ways Rosie’s gives back is through their partnership with the Miami Rescue Mission. The restaurant regularly donates food to the shelter and has also held fundraising events to support the organization.

Rosie’s has also participated in events such as the Taste of the Nation, which raises money for the No Kid Hungry campaign, and the South Beach Wine and Food Festival’s Best of the Best event, which benefits the United Way of Miami-Dade.

In addition to these events, Rosie’s supports local schools and sports teams. The restaurant has donated to the Miami Northwestern Senior High School football team and has also sponsored Little League teams in the area.

Overall, Rosie’s is dedicated to supporting the community and making a positive impact in Miami.

Future Plans

Rosie’s has made a name for itself in Miami with its delicious Southern cuisine and enchanting backyard dining experience. The restaurant has plans to expand its offerings and reach even more customers in the future.

One of the main goals for Rosie’s is to expand its menu. While the restaurant is currently known for its Southern fare, they plan to incorporate more international flavors and dishes to appeal to a wider audience. This will include dishes inspired by Latin American, Caribbean, and Asian cuisines.

In addition to expanding their menu, Rosie’s also plans to open more locations in the future. The success of their Little River location has shown that there is a demand for their unique dining experience, and they hope to bring it to other neighborhoods in Miami and beyond.

To support their growth, Rosie’s has also expressed a commitment to sustainability. They plan to continue sourcing their ingredients from local farms and suppliers, and to implement eco-friendly practices in their operations.

Overall, Rosie’s has big plans for the future. With their dedication to quality food, exceptional service, and sustainability, they are poised for continued success and expansion in the years to come.