Rossoblu

The story

Rossoblu Los Angeles - Michelin Recommended Italian Restaurant Downtown

A Restaurant Rooted in Family and Craft

Rossoblu is the story of chef Steve Samson and his wife Dina Samson, brought to life in Downtown Los Angeles’ City Market South. The menu draws directly from Steve’s Bolognese heritage—shaped by summers spent with his grandparents in Bologna, Italy—and filtered through the lens of California’s ingredients. “I want Rossoblu to tell my story,” Steve says, “and my story is just as much about Los Angeles as it is about summers with my grandparents in Bologna, Italy.”

The restaurant is proudly owner-operated. Steve leads the culinary vision, while Dina oversees storytelling and community partnerships. Together with partners Emilia Mateo and Gerson Rivas, they believe food should feel rooted, cared for, and served with genuine hospitality. The space itself, named one of the most gorgeous restaurants in Los Angeles by Eater and Robb Report, features a striking mural by the Cyrcle Art Collective.

Hand-Rolled Pasta and Wood-Fired Cooking

At the heart of Rossoblu is pasta that is hand-rolled daily by Chef Steve. The menu changes with the market, but signatures include Olimpia’s Tagliatelle with beef and pork ragù, Tortelloni with Swiss chard and ricotta in a tomato-butter sauce, and lasagna bianco with housemade pork sausage. Beyond pasta, a full in-house butchery and salumi program honors tradition, while wood-fired cooking brings depth to dishes like dry-aged prime ribeye and whole branzino.

The wine list focuses on family-owned, grower-driven producers who share the restaurant’s commitment to thoughtful sourcing and a sense of place. A happy hour runs Wednesday all night and Thursday through Sunday from 5pm to 6pm, offering a welcoming entry point for regulars and newcomers alike.

A Michelin-Recommended Destination

Rossoblu has earned consistent recognition from the Michelin Guide, including a Bib Gourmand distinction from 2019 through 2023 and a current Recommended rating. The guide highlights the restaurant’s ability to deliver “rooted, cared for” food with genuine hospitality—a reflection of the Samson family’s dedication to craft and community. Whether you’re sitting down for a family-style Fil-Italian dinner celebrating the opening of “Here Lies Love” or simply enjoying a plate of hand-rolled pasta, Rossoblu offers a taste of Bologna in the heart of Los Angeles.