Rosemarino D'Italia Brings Its Italian Cuisine Back To Del Ray

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A Del Ray favorite for Italian food has made its return to the neighborhood.

Rosemarino D'Italia opened Monday at 1905 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA. It is the same original location opened by Chef Rosemeri Espinoza in 2013.

The restaurant previously closed in 2021. But with support from the landlord and customers, Rosemarino D'Italia is back for a second time. A ribbon cutting will be held at 4 p.m. Friday.

The co-owners of Rosemarino D'Italia are Espinoza and her son, Edward Camacho. Originally from Bolivia, she arrived in the U.S. at age 18 and developed a passion for Italian cuisine working for Italian chefs in DC. After becoming a sous chef in Alexandria, she opened her own restaurant in 2013. They also have a location in DC's Dupont Circle that remained open amid the Del Ray location's closure.

The restaurant specializes in Northern and Southern Italian cuisine with a menu of pastas, risotto, seafood and more. Some highlights include a twist on spaghetti carbonara with pancetta, onions, egg yolk, parmesan and basil pesto; the Rosemarino with clams, shrimp, scallops, bell peppers, spinach, sun-dried tomato pesto and linguine; and Amatriciana with pancetta, onion, garlic, basil pesto, hand crushed tomato and rigatoni. Different styles of chicken or veal are also available as entrees, and risotto options include sausage and spinach as well as shrimp and scallops. Desserts like tiramasu, cannoli and affogato round out the menu.

Food can be paired with a selection of cocktails, wines and beers. A few signature cocktails include the Limoncello Express with empress gin, limoncello, lemon juice and club soda; and Gin Delight with blood orange malfy gin, orange bitters, egg white, lemon juice and triple sec. During happy hour, expect specials on select cocktails, beer, wine and snacks.

Reservations are recommended to guarantee a table during the opening week. For more information, visit rosemarinoditalia.com.