RoVino Restaurant + Bar

While the neighborhood's other Italian spots chase either traditional nonna cooking or modern coastal seafood, RoVino built its reputation around one thing competitors skip: rotisserie chicken. Not the dry supermarket kind—proper, herb-rubbed birds spinning over open flame, served with seasonal sides that change based on what's good. It's the kind of move that makes this spot work for a Tuesday with kids or a date night when you want Italian flavors without committing to a three-course pasta marathon.

Owner Rose runs the floor most nights, which explains why regulars mention service as often as the food. The space itself is tiny—so small the restroom is actually down the block (welcome to India Street real estate)—but the sidewalk patio makes up for it, especially during aperitivo hour when the wine list gets heavy use. That list skews Italian, naturally, but focuses on smaller producers you won't find at every trattoria in the neighborhood.

The pasta comes house-made, not from a distributor, which matters when you're ordering something simple like cacio e pepe. Gluten-free diners actually show up on purpose here—the flatbread gets consistent mentions from people who usually skip bread entirely. Fair warning: this runs more Italian-American than strictly regional Italian, so if you're hunting for hyper-authentic Roman technique, adjust expectations.

Parking: street spots on Kettner or the public structure on West Date. The patio fills first on weekends, so book ahead if you want outdoor seating. And yes, that off-site restroom situation is real—plan accordingly.