One can walk on along the Hristo Botev without even noticing this place. And, as always in this city, this is a good sign, for it keeps away the fitze crowd. But, the very moment one steps inside, it all changes, we go back in time to the mid 19th century and some Wallachian mansion, both in terms of atmosphere and cooking. The decoration is simple and enchanting, lacking the ado in other places. A few pictures on the wall, the honey-coloured wallpaper imitating silk and those same colour upholstered chairs invite one to sit down and enjoy a meal. Service is fast, but quiet and discrete for once in this city.

The food here is not sophisticated, it is just traditional with a bourgeois touch. The menu has them all, starting with cold platters: try the fresh, smoked cheese or the brânză de burduf (spicy cheese), the aubergine salad, the ghiudem - hard, dry and spiced sausages), as well as the dry salami and ham. Then continue with some Pleșcoi sausages, spiced pork and rice stuffed cabbage, mutton stew with fresh garlic sauce or pork stew with polenta (or just some polenta with cheese and sour cream). And do not forget to end with one of their fine deserts, even if not on the fancy style: a wholesome portion of apple pie, some papanași (cheese-filled donuts topped with jam and sour cream), creme brulee or “plain” green walnut jam.

Do not expect glamour at the Rossetya, but rather expect good and efficient service, a smile, good Romanian traditional meals, as well as a touch of 19th century elegance. Ay, and expect a human (as opposed to the nouveau riche, imbecile) approach. Bon appetit!

GPS - N44 26.122 E26 06.401

Address: 9 Dimitrie Bolintineanu (at the crossing with Hristo Botev, close to Rosseti Square), http://www.rossetya.ro