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The garlicky and cheesy Hot Mama Bread that was served at the original Rosie’s on Sylvania Avenue still lives large in my mind as an ultimate comfort food from childhood. When I was a kid, the cozy West Toledo spot was our family favorite.

While that humble deli and pizzeria is long gone, the Hot Mama Bread and other tried-and-true Italian recipes from namesake Rosie Barone’s kitchen live on at Rosaria’s on 3rd Street, a new and upscale eatery.  A “coastal Italian restaurant,” Rosaria’s on 3rd is the latest venture by the team behind Rosie’s Italian Grille. Its owners include Phil and Betsy Barone and Eric Kish, who also serves as executive chef. 

Rosaria’s on 3rd Street opened last June on the quiet side street that runs parallel to the railroad tracks, just off Louisiana Ave. in downtown Perrysburg. Formerly home to an auto body shop, small engine repair business and barbershop, this block at the edge of Perrysburg’s DORA district has undergone a transformation into a hub for food, drinks and nightlife.

Rosaria’s is adjacent to Inside the Five Brewing, with a small green space between the two restaurants where kids can run around a bit if you need to wait for a table. After dark, a brightly lit banner sign looms large over the entrance, beckoning guests toward the welcoming patio.

Pizza, pasta and seafood

Perrysburg residents, the Barones had long considered opening a restaurant there to complement Rosie’s Italian Grille, its sister restaurant on McCord in Toledo..

About a third of the menu maintains the beloved recipes of Rosie’s, including classics like the famed Hot Mama Bread, lobster bisque, lamb chops and lasagna. “Then we are pushing the envelope with some different things and trying to do some fun, creative stuff here as well,” explains Dustin Davis, Rosaria’s general manager.

People may think of pasta dishes with heavy sauces when they think of Italian food, says Davis, but Rosaria’s menu places a greater emphasis on the fresh seafood found more commonly in the southern, coastal regions of Italy, such as Sicily and Naples. 

If you are coming with your family and you have picky eaters, never fear: pizza is featured prominently at Rosaria’s on 3rd, and a kids menu offers a nice variety for those ages 10 and under, including pasta, pizza, chicken and fries and even salmon. 

Save room for dessert

We made a reservation for early dinner on a Saturday and were seated at a table on the lovely four-season patio. The space includes a comfortable lounge area with plush couches and chairs, a nice view of the modern bar and a stage that features live music several times a week. 

Our server was prompt and attentive, and our drinks and appetizer were served within 15 minutes of our arrival. The Hot Mama Bread ($13) disappeared quickly and was as good as I remember it, with garlic butter and mozzarella-provolone cheese melted perfectly over a crispy, light crust.

Since we have three kids who all wanted pepperoni pizza, we opted to order two 10×10 build-your-own traditional pizzas from the regular pizza menu ($11 for cheese, $3 per additional topping). I ordered the Spicy Papas Ultimate pizza, a gourmet 9×12 pizza topped with spicy sun-dried tomato puree, bacon, tomato, onion, oregano, cracked pepper and seasoned olive oil ($18). 

My pizza had a thin, flaky crust while the traditional pizzas feature a thicker crust that proved quite filling. While one traditional pizza would likely have been enough for all three kids, we were able to take home some tasty leftovers for the next day. 

My husband enjoyed the lasagna bolognese ($23) with its delicious beef, veal and pork red sauce layered with ricotta cheese, pasta, mozzarella and Italian herbs. 

We couldn’t resist the extensive dessert menu that includes Italian specialties made from many recipes handed down from Rosie Barone’s kitchen, as well as a variety of flavors of gelato. We shared the double chocolate and cookies and cream gelato ($6 each) and the decadent tiramisu ($10) at our table.

Bottom Line

Rosaria’s on 3rd Street offers Italian favorites the entire family can enjoy, as well as a classy fine dining experience that is perfect for a date night, an adults-only gathering or Sunday brunch. Carryout with online ordering is available, and you can even stop in for gelato to go — a perfect treat for strolling downtown Perrysburg during the Thursday farmer’s markets in the summertime.