i. Biography
Rob Rossi’s work sits in Italian dining built through station discipline, ownership, and the coastal grammar that now defines Osteria Giulia in Toronto. The through-line is close kitchen work first, then restaurant authorship: Canoe and Mercatto restaurants before ownership there. “It’s exactly what we do at the restaurant — we cook and we talk and discuss food.” Rob has said.
Coming Up
Italian restaurant craft here is marked by progression through rooms with different pressures: training at Giulietta and Bisteccheria Sammarco, kitchen work at Habitat, Chef de partie work at Canoe, and executive chef responsibility at Mercatto restaurants. Rob Rossi’s wider public recognition came as runner-up, season 1 at Top Chef Canada, before the independent operator phase at Bestellen (2011–2017) as founder / chef. The current structure is multi-room Italian leadership. Rob is founder / culinary director of Giulietta (since 2018), chef / owner of Osteria Giulia, and culinary director of Bisteccheria Sammarco.
The Work Today
Seafood-forward Ligurian cooking is the defining work at the Toronto, Canada restaurant, where Rossi is owner. Its point of view is coastal Italian rather than generalized Italian dining. Italian roots and the Mediterranean coast set the shared language across Rossi’s rooms. In those kitchens, that language is carried through pasta, seafood, and regional ingredients that locate the cooking rather than simply decorate it. The flagship is best read through the Ligurian coast: Italian and seafood at the center, with the regional influence giving the dining room its direction.
Signature
Signature dishes include Chef’s Bar.
Distinctions
Recognition has followed the restaurant work at Osteria Giulia: One MICHELIN Star for Osteria Giulia (2022), One MICHELIN Star retained for Osteria Giulia (2023), World’s Best Restaurant list for Osteria Giulia (2024), Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants ranking, No. 17 for Osteria Giulia (2024), One MICHELIN Star retained for Osteria Giulia (2024), and One MICHELIN Star retained for Osteria Giulia (2025).
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Rob
What is Rob Rossi's current role?
Rob Rossi is executive chef at Osteria Giulia.
Where did Rob Rossi train or study?
Rob Rossi trained at Giulietta and Bisteccheria Sammarco.
What recognition has Rob Rossi received?
One MICHELIN Star retained for Osteria Giulia (2025).
