Taverna Rossa

Name: Taverna Rossa
Address: 129 Griffith St, Saugatuck, MI, United States, 49453
Telephone: (269) 455-5725
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.2

4.2

358 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Top Tags:

Taverna Rossa is a casual restaurant Mediterranean wine bar in the heart of downtown Saugatuck. The casual style of a Mediterranean wine bar fits so perfectly in a town whose identity is defined by the water surrounding it.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 30, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Tapas / Small Plates, Wine Bar
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(269) 455-5725
Website
https://tavernarossamichigan.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Award Winning Chef | Chris Perkey
Catering
We can cater events up to 25 Guests. Depending on location, right in your own kitchen. The fun and flavor of Award Winning Chef Chris Perkey crafting delicious dishes right in front of you and your Guests. Limited Availability. Call Taverna Rossa for details at 269-455-5725.
Private party facilities
Taverna Rossa would be an excellent venue for your company holiday party, special event or occasion. Private rooms available....or the entire restaurant. Call and check availability.Chef Perkey

Location
129 Griffith St, Saugatuck, MI 49453
Neighborhood
Saugatuck
Cross street
Located near the PAC, right off the public parking lot; behind Scooters.
Parking details
Public Lot
Public transit
Public transportation is seasonally available from the Saugatuck High School Parking to downtown Saugatuck with stops across the street from the restaurant. Call 269-857-1418 to schedule a pick up anytime during there operating schedule. Or go to this link for more details | https://www.saugatuckinterurban.org/
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wine

Offers

Social Hour | Tuesday - Saturday | 4p-6p
Multiple dates available
Thu - Sat - 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Come sit, relax, sip and taste many offerings on our Social Hour Menu designed by award winning Chef Christopher Perkey. Sit at our comfortable bar or in one of our dining rooms. Taverna Rossa....the hidden gem of Saugatuck (right behind Scooters Pizza).

Popular dishes

What 358 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2

4.2 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4.3Service
4.1Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Grand Rapids / Western Michigan
Innovative
Grand Rapids
Innovative

358 Reviews

SR
SarahR
Chicago
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience3
Slow service, there was only one waitress. They should of explained to us they were short staffed. One waitress. Manager making drinks. Food was really good. Lots of kitchen staff standing around. They should of been able to help run food/drinks/bus tables.
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R
Richard
Chicago
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time visit and we will be definitely be back again. Excellent food selections and quality from a very hospitable staff !!!
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JG
JoeG
Indiana
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience3
Nice array of entrees. All were well prepared. We have been there three times this year and experienced menu variety and consistent quality
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D
Dvand
Chicago
22 reviews
vip
2.0
22 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall2food5service1ambience2
Great food but it took almost 25 minutes to get a drink—after it was ordered. And it was wrong. Too bad because the menu is great as is the food
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F
Frankl
Grand Rapids
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience2
Our meals were very good, the place is a little noisy. All was well up to the point of receiving our checks, there were 4 couples and therefore 4 separate bills. It was a total mess, took us 45 minutes to straighten things out. Wait staff needs more training on billing.
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CD
ClaudiaD
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
We had a pleasant dinner, it was quiet in the bar, staff was friendly and competent, salad was well-balanced, entrees were generous and satisfying. We enjoyed a nice Spanish wine.
1 person found this helpful
SR
SusieR
Chicago
58 reviews
vip
5.0
58 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
YUM! This highly anticipated culinary experience did not disappoint. The rigatoni bolognese was incredible, as was the octopus and the grilled artichokes. Thanks for the stellar service. We will return soon. 🥰😋
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JW
JanW
San Francisco
15 reviews
vip
4.0
15 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Zoe was the cutest and best little waitress!! Very patient with our large group and offered great food recommendations😀
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c
charm
Chicago
21 reviews
vip
1.0
21 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall1food1service2ambience3
Food was mediocre. Disappointed. Better options around
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RF
RobinF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Highly recommend this place. Excellent food. I will definitely go back.
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F
Fombom
Chicago
19 reviews
vip
4.0
19 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
The server was gracious, and the food exceptionally delicious, even though I ordered Veal Marsala and, after an explanation, got more of a veal stew with agnolotti, which had an awesomely delicious sauce. My husband had trout which he said was exceptional. I wanted more of the Roasted artichoke appetizer! Seating was comfortable but the noise level was terribly high - the server couldn't hear what I said and I'm not quiet! Too many hard surfaces. I'll ask for the patio next time. Price was similar to downtown Chicago - which all the restaurants in Saugatuck seem to be!
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C
Ciao
Naples
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really love this restaurant. The bolognese and paella are always great!
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BG
BobbieG
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience3
Our server seemed inexperienced. While our food was excellent, it all arrived at the same time with a somewhat confused server. Since we all prefer our food prepred at the right temperature, some dishes were cool by the time we got around to eating them (appetizer vs entree) or to avoid that we had to more or less eat everything at one time. Not good.
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JG
JasonG
Grand Rapids
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We enjoyed a spectacular meal and evening at Taverna Rosa. The food was terrific, and our service from Edwin was exceptional. We look forward to returning and highly recommend Taverna Rosa.
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h
hsmingle
Detroit
19 reviews
2.0
19 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall2food4service4ambience1
Noise level was deafening. Air quality and smoke from the kitchen was intense making it extremely difficult to breathe. Food and service was quite good, however.
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T
Tireguy
Chicago
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Taverna Rossa never disappoints! Chris and his team always make this an amazing experience!
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O
Outoftownvisitor
Nashville
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was delicious and they had my favorite--escargot--I'll be back. Small plates are really regular plates, we shared entrees.
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MB
MarcyB
Detroit
25 reviews
vip
4.0
25 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
Busy night- large parties. Limited servers. She was very communicative on running a bit behind which we appreciated. Cocktails were good. 5 of us- tried multiple things. Loved the crispy artichokes! Paella was a bit spicy but very good! All entries were delicious. The baklava & tirimusui - would come back from those alone! 😍 great food!
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AH
ArtH
Indiana
8 reviews
vip
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience3
Service was very slow. The bartender was serving a the hostess as well. They appeared to be short staffed but the crew that was working were very energetic. This place is a nice alternative in Saugatuck just be patient on a busy evening.
Taverna RossaResponded on August 13, 2023
Art, Thank you for your review. We were a bunch busier than projected, this isn't the norm. Sometimes restaurant scheduling software is wrong too. But the team does what it does well ...as they work hard to delight out Guests. Glad you enjoy the other aspects of the visit. Chef
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AN
AmyN
Detroit
10 reviews
2.0
10 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall2food3service2ambience3
It was our first time there and perhaps we caught them on a really bad night. The service was extremely slow and the waitress seemed very harried. We ordered a bottle of wine with our meal and it never came when we finally asked her about it she said the bartender was backed up and by the time she was going to bring it to us we had all finished our entrées. We waited 35 minutes for our bill after requesting it. I would not recommend.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Detroit
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful dinner. The food was delicious and our waiter was fantastic. We enjoyed two lovely bottles of wine. It was a perfect evening and we will definitely be back.
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JN
JamesN
Washington DC
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service, food well-prepared. Attention to detail appreciated.
Taverna RossaResponded on August 13, 2023
James, I appreciate your support and comments. Food is my passion and my life We will always hard hard to delight our Guests. Chef
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MK
MichaelK
Cleveland
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great meal at the bar with Eddy. The Chef came out and talked with us, we were able to tell him how much we enjoyed the food and learned of his food passion. We will definitely add this to list of musts for our next trip to Saugatuck.
Taverna RossaResponded on August 13, 2023
Michael, Thank you for your review and shout out on Eddy. He is a tremendous person and valued member of the team. Hope to see you again,. Chef
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n
numbersguy75
Detroit
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall4food4service1ambience4
My wife and I shared some apps and drinks on the patio. We were seated promptly by the hostess. Our server was the main issue. She wasn’t knowledgeable about food or drink. She was very slow and seemed to get distracted easily. Our reservation was for 6:45pm. We arrived a few minutes early and it was nearly 7:25 before our drinks were delivered. Our server blamed it on the bar being backed up but several other customers, even those who arrived after us, were served food and drink before we even got a drink delivered and placed our order. She was nice, just not very good at her job and needed some help and additional training to be working at a fine dining establishment. I think the bar tender ended up helping part way through by delivering food and drinks. He was great. Very pleasant and had a sense of urgency which was a big difference compared to our server. As for the food, we shared 4 appetizers, the octopus, meatballs, Dolmades (grape leaves) and Patatas Bravad. The octopus had good flavor. The meatballs were large and tasty but could’ve used a little salt. The polenta served under the meatballs was creamy and tasty. My wife LOVED the grape leaves. I’m not a big fan BUT I thought they were very good too. The potatoes were very flavorful. Overall, the presentation was nice for all of the items we ordered. Drinks were well made. Overall, the food was very good but the failure to provide quality service put a damper on our experience.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Grand Rapids
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Wow! The bolognese and seafood paella was top tier. I’ll forever be dreaming of that pasta. Will be back again.
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JW
JerryW
Cincinnati
26 reviews
vip
4.0
26 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
We dined on the patio. Service was very good, attentive and on point. Enjoyed the trio appetizer very much. Entrees were well prepared and appealing on the plate. Our party of three enjoyed a leisurely dinner and did not feel rushed. Dining early in evening avoided the Friday night rush. Our first experience was positive and we look forward to returning
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J
Jen01
Grand Rapids
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Hidden gem. Open kitchen was fun to watch; quiet, attention to detail chefs preparing an array of small plates; we loved every one of them! Our server was rather new and not very knowledgeable or overly friendly, but warmed up to us at the end. Large restaurant that was not very busy. Give it a shot! Got a reservation last minute which is hard to come by in saugatuck in the summer. Many don’t take them! We walked down town afterwards as it’s right there just hidden a bit. Feel like it’s not getting the notoriety it should. Just work on wait staff; rest was A+!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Grand Rapids
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fresh ingredients. Perfect amount of food. Excellent taste and quality, even my drink had mango purée in it! LOVE that they’re on Open Table AND open on Sundays!
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c
cindyp
Detroit
33 reviews
vip
3.0
33 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
The food was just ok. It all sounded but delicious but we found the spaghetti pomodoro to be extremely bland and barely had any sauce on the pasta, the meatballs tasted like hamburger with no seasoning, the rigatoni bolognese was also sub-par. The whipped feta dip was the highlight of the evening. We asked to move to the bar area as it was quietest place to sit as larger room was filled with young childen running around. Server was very pleasant but not very attentive.
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JP
JeffP
Chicago
15 reviews
vip
4.0
15 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience3
Paella was great, chicken spanaka pretty good. Seating was strange: in an uncrowded room we were seated next to a full table of 8. We moved ourselves, which was OK with waitress. Twenty minutes later, in a still uncrowded room that never got that crowded, a couple was seated right next to us.
Taverna RossaResponded on August 13, 2023
Jeff, Thank you for your review and comments. We will use your feedback to get better. Hope to see you again soon,. Chef
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FG
FrankG
Northern MI
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2023
overall3food2service2ambience4
My server tried to have me pay the wrong check, I caught it and she voided the sale and did it over. I had an appetizer and pasta, which was so so.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
vip
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2023
overall2food3service1ambience2
Entire service staff, including the woman seating customers seemed distracted. No real greeting, no chitchat, after acknowledging our presence, she seated us…and there we sat for 10min, waiting for water, silverware, etc. Server was not really engaged, took awhile for poorly made drinks (half full Aperol Spritz’s missing the Prosecco- so awful.) The appetizers were lacking flavor (no salt or seasoning, seemingly.) Don’t bother with the Baba Ghanoush- huge stringy chunks of eggplant with whole garlic cloves, almost inedible. The fried artichoke was better, but flavorless. Our empty drinks sat on the table, along with empty plates for a long while, and when the entrees arrived, there was nowhere to put the dishes down. They finally cleared the table (didn’t ask about more drinks or attempt to fill our water, though.) By the time they finally asked about more drinks, we chose to pass- why spend more money just to be even more disappointed? Entrees were somewhat the saving grace. The seafood pasta was beautifully and perfectly prepared (it could have used a pinch of salt, but was otherwise very good.) My husband’s pasta was the same. The pasta is clearly the way to go here, if only they would come by with freshly ground pepper and some salt! All in all, with so many great restaurants in Saugatuck, don’t spend your money here. Go to Bowdie’s or Coast 236, or head over to Everyday People in Douglas.
Taverna RossaResponded on July 16, 2023
Anonymously, I want to apologize for your experience.....being an OPEN TABLE 2023 PEOPLE's CHOICE award winner is something we all pride ourselves in and want every Guest to experience what we have become known for in the Saugatuck Area. Obviously we missed the mark....my regret is you did ask to chat with me (I was there) and I could have fixed everything on the spot. My hope is you will give me a call at the restaurant (ask for Karie or I) and we will try and make it right. Regards Chef
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JS
JasonS
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing service for our group of 5 seated outside.
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TR
ToddR
Toledo
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Really good restaurant in Saugatuck. The Paella was fantastic and our server, Zoe, was attentive and did a great job.
Taverna RossaResponded on July 16, 2023
ToddR, Thank you for the wonderful review and for calling out Zoe. She is an awesome team member and we appreciate her contribution. We also appreciate you spending you valuable time with us. Grateful, Chef Perkey
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DM
DrMSB
Detroit
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on July 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
An amazing find. We discovered it last year and it was even more enjoyable this time. Tapas we perfect. Best Paella since Barcelona cruise. Don’t wait. Go. Enjoy!
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c
ctrigg1
Chicago
44 reviews
vip
3.0
44 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience2
It was OK. Nothing was bad but nothing was memorable. The mezze and baclava was the best part.
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s
steveb
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 8, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
The food was wonderful, just so much like the flavor of the Grand Rapids restaurant!
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E
Egg8815
Greater Boston
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sat at the bar with Karie and had an amazing experience. Drinks and food were great, but the Bourbon, Caramel, Ginger Snap gelato was the highlight!
1 person found this helpful
AN
AbbyN
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was phenomenal. We got a few small plates- the Octopus, Prosciutto and Melon, Crispy Artichoke, and whipped feta. All fabulous! Staff was so kind and the service was so fast. Highly recommend checking out!
Taverna RossaResponded on July 16, 2023
AbbyN, You made our day....thank you. We are glad you enjoyed your experience here at Taverna Rossa. We hope you come see us again. Chef Perkey
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S
Scmenjoysfood
Chicago
22 reviews
vip
4.0
22 reviews
Dined on July 6, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Quality food, wide variety of choices, many vegan options too. Service was excellent.
Taverna RossaResponded on July 16, 2023
Scmenjoysfood, You enjoy food. I enjoy making food; what a good match. That said, I am glad you joined us for dinner. Please come see us again. Chef
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FAQs

Taverna Rossa offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (269) 455-5725.

Taverna Rossa is rated 4.2 stars by 358 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 30, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Order delivery or takeout

129 Griffith St, Saugatuck, MI 49453

Additional information

Cross street
Located near the PAC, right off the public parking lot; behind Scooters.
Neighborhood
Saugatuck
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Tapas / Small Plates, Wine Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public Lot
Public transit
Public transportation is seasonally available from the Saugatuck High School Parking to downtown Saugatuck with stops across the street from the restaurant. Call 269-857-1418 to schedule a pick up anytime during there operating schedule.Or go to this link for more details | https://www.saugatuckinterurban.org/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Award Winning Chef | Chris Perkey
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wine

Website
https://tavernarossamichigan.com/
Phone number
(269) 455-5725
Catering
We can cater events up to 25 Guests. Depending on location, right in your own kitchen. The fun and flavor of Award Winning Chef Chris Perkey crafting delicious dishes right in front of you and your Guests. Limited Availability. Call Taverna Rossa for details at 269-455-5725.
Private party facilities
Taverna Rossa would be an excellent venue for your company holiday party, special event or occasion. Private rooms available....or the entire restaurant. Call and check availability.Chef Perkey

Taverna Rossa

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Offers

Social Hour | Tuesday - Saturday | 4p-6p

Popular dishes

Crispy Artichokes

Rigatoni "Bolognese"

Octopus

Menu

What 358 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

Does Taverna Rossa offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Taverna Rossa restaurant rated?

Is Taverna Rossa currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information