For Nicola and Agostino, pasta was more than a meal growing up; it was a family tradition that brought everyone together. They remember waking up on Sunday mornings to the smell of garlic, basil, and tomatoes coming from the kitchen while their mothers prepared bundles of fresh pasta by hand.

Named after Nicola and Agostino's mothers, both called Rosa, “Rosas” reflects the kitchens where their passion for food first took shape. The name honours the two Italian women who inspired their dream and fueled their passion for fresh pasta, along with the desire to share it with others.

The idea to open in Kingston came after Dean moved here and fell in love with the city. The three friends had already found success in the culinary world, but often dreamed of opening a place together to share fresh pasta and the feeling of Sunday family dinners. When Nicola and Agostino visited Kingston from Montreal, they knew this was the spot, and “maybe someday” became “why not here?”

What sets Rosas apart is its focus on freshness! Their pasta is made daily in-house using just water and fine double-milled organic semolina. Dean explains, “Fresh pasta has a lighter texture and more delicate flavour. Once you taste it, it’s hard to go back to dry pasta.”

If you’re lucky, you might stroll past their window and see them cutting the pasta into fun shapes right in front of you!

From my very first bite, I could taste the difference. The rich sauce coats the delicate, tender pasta, and combined with the other fresh, never-frozen ingredients, it creates an explosion of Italian flavours that feels comforting and elevated.

I ordered the campanelle pasta with bolognaise sauce, topped with Italian sausage and La Bomba for some spice. Highly recommend!

Seeing everything made in-house in their open kitchen makes it even more special. You can watch them cook the pasta and assemble each bowl, giving a clear view of just how fresh everything is.

Rosas’ delicious food is made even better by how easy it is to enjoy it wherever you are. You can dig in with friends in their gorgeous dining space, or take a generous bowl on the go. It stays warm and is easy to carry, whether you’re heading to the office, sitting by the water, or bringing it home.

It’s a meal that tastes like fine dining while being practical enough to enjoy anywhere, and that's a combo you won’t find anywhere else!

Rosas is a spot many in Kingston had been eagerly anticipating. As Dean, Agostino, and Nicola shared, “Opening the restaurant came with its challenges, but we were pleasantly surprised by the support from the city and the downtown community.”

From city planners to other downtown business owners, they felt encouraged every step of the way, and even during renovations, curious pedestrians would stop by to welcome them to the street.

On tough days, what keeps them going is the same thing that started it all: doing something they love together.

“We love food, we love to serve, and we love giving back to the community.”

Dean, Agostino, and Nicola have a clear vision for their business. Fresh pasta should be easy, comforting, and made with care, with every bowl reflecting their commitment to food done simply and done well.

Downtown Kingston just got a little more delicious with Rosas Fresh pasta!