Founded by Chef Nick Bálsamo, Rosemarie’s started as a food truck named after Bálsamo's grandmother. The truck quickly gained a loyal following, leading to the establishment of its Mission Beach location in 2023. Rosemarie’s earned national acclaim, making it onto Yelp’s 2024 Top 100 Places to Eat in the United States list and gaining recognition on Netflix's Selling Sunset.
The new Ocean Beach location takes over the space previously occupied by Whomp Burger & Brew. It continues the tradition of serving chef-inspired gourmet sliders, loaded fries, and other globally-influenced dishes. Guests can enjoy a variety of slider options, including the Classic Wagyu, Bombay Hot Chicken, and the vegetarian We Have Eggplant. The restaurant also offers a selection of craft beer, wine, and soft drinks, making it a great spot for casual dining. The addition of this 1,000-square-foot restaurant further solidifies Rosemarie's place in the San Diego food scene, particularly in the beach communities.
"We believe in creating patrons and regulars who feel like family," said Chef and Owner Nick Balsamo. "Ocean Beach has given us so much, and we’re committed to giving back. OB taught me everything. It was my training wheels in San Diego. My wife and I started our journey here, and my son was born here. We want Rosemarie’s to be a staple in this community, offering great food and a loving atmosphere where everyone feels like family."
Chef Nick’s culinary journey began with family dinners celebrating scratch-made Sicilian recipes of Chef Nick’s grandmother, Rosemarie. After serving in the military and earning his Bachelor's at ASU, Chef Nick realized his passion was food. His journey took him to Asia, where he fell in love with diverse cuisines, inspiring him to create Strada.
Before opening Rosemarie’s, Chef Nick founded Festa Supper Club in Ocean Beach, a community-centered dining experience that brought people together over shared meals. When COVID-19 hit, he pivoted to launching Strada, a food truck concept inspired by his time in Asia, which gained popularity. These ventures paved the way for Rosemarie’s first food truck location, followed by the first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Mission Beach.
Rosemarie's Burgers & Brews is located at 1774 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard in San Diego's Ocean Beach. For more information, visit rosemariesburgers.com.
