About Rosselli

James Beard Award finalist (Outstanding Restaurateur) Ashok Bajaj presents Rosselli, a refined yet welcoming Italian dining experience in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C. At the center of Rosselli is a commitment to classic Italian cuisine, thoughtfully elevated for a modern audience. Led by Michelin-starred chef Carlos Cardona, the menu celebrates authentic flavors, exceptional ingredients, and a balance of tradition and creativity. Each dish is designed to feel both familiar and refined, offering a dining experience that is as comforting as it is memorable.

The space itself reflects this philosophy.  Inspired by the grand historic apartments of Milan and Rome, the restaurant blends timeless European elegance as if in a beautifully curated private home.  Rich textures, layered artwork, and a palette drawn from the Italian landscape create an atmosphere that is intimate yet sophisticated. From the inviting bar to the softly lit dining rooms and private spaces, every detail has been considered to encourage connection, conversation, and lingering moments. 

Rosselli is a place to gather—for a business lunch, a celebratory dinner, or an evening that unfolds slowly over great food and wine. It is where Italian tradition meets modern elegance, and where every guest is welcomed with genuine hospitality.

Chef Carlos Cardona

From Michelin-starred restaurants to The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Relais & Châteaux hotels, and luxury resorts across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, Chef Carlos Cardona has built a reputation for excellence, creativity, and passion.

Carlos has worked directly in multiple three-Michelin-starred kitchens, contributing to projects recognized by the Michelin Guide, including the two-Michelin-starred NOI in Hong Kong. In Bogotá, he was instrumental in launching Ánima, a flagship fine dining restaurant that merges local Colombian ingredients with world-class techniques and Italian culinary traditions. Under his guidance, the kitchen created innovative menus that are precise, creative, and culturally authentic.

Formally trained at Le Cordon Bleu (Master Chef) and Maussi Sebes (Sushi Master), and holding a degree in Gastronomy from Universidad de La Sabana, Carlos combines global expertise, leadership, and an unwavering dedication to culinary excellence. His career reflects not only technical mastery but also mentorship, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of extraordinary dining experiences.

EXECUTIVE CHEF CARLOS CARDONA

With a 25 year career in Food and Beverage, Sara Peregoff views the restaurant industry as her calling. Working her way up from server, Sara became the Resident Sommelier of The Smokehouse Restaurant at Antrim 1844 in Taneytown, Maryland. Antrim 1844 boasts the largest wine list in the mid-Atlantic region and an 18,000 bottle wine cellar. Sara built her reputation for dynamic hosting of wine dinners and a strong foundation of food and wine pairing during her tenure at Antrim 1844.

In 2022, Sara joined Knightsbridge Restaurant Group as the AGM and Wine Director of Michelin Bib Gourmand rated Sababa and the original Bindaas restaurant next door.

In 2024, Knightsbridge opened new concept wine bar Little Blackbird adjacent to Sababa. The Little Blackbird concept of food and wine pairing is directly based on Sara’s food and wine pairing background. Sara was made General Manager of both Sababa and Little Blackbird that same year, while still operating the Wine Program. Little Blackbird’s Wine Program was a 2025 Rammy Semifinalist for Best Wine Program. Little Blackbird was also named Newsweek Magazine’s 2026 Reader’s Choice “Best Wine Bar” in 2025.

In June of 2026, Sara was tapped as the General Manager of Knightsbridge Restaurant Group’s newest concept, Rosselli. Sara believes in the magic of the dining experience, leadership and training of staff, polished service, and Rosselli’s commitment to excellence.

GENERAL MANAGER SARA PEREGOFF

For the last 14 years, James has been curating his DC career in restaurants by working his way through each position and gaining skills and perspectives on how to build success with his team of coworkers. Finding his passion in beverages was the spark that took him from learning 555 beers at Churchkey, to learning the art of mixing cocktails at Kinship & Masseria, to learning the intricacies of Italian wines (and of course Burgundy & Champagne) at Masseria, and finally understanding how to learn the expansive rest-of-the-world-of-wine at the wine bar Reveler's Hour. With each of these teams, he also learned how to be a team player and how to maintain & execute Michelin-level service standards.

He got his break at Reveler's Hour as it reopened from the COVID shutdown and he began his first Beverage Manager position. It was here where he began to put all his experiences together. He jumped head first into learning from all of Owner Bill Jensen’s textbooks and meeting with winemakers to learn all there was about the wine he served. He also learned management skills & how to lead a dynamic re-opening team of staff effectively. It was with this staff that he helped Bill Jensen attain the 2023 RAMMY Best Wine Program.

James joined Knightsbridge group in 2025 and geared up for the opening of a new Italian concept in a historic Italian corner of 1100 New York Avenue. What was once Luigi's, Bibiana, & Modena would now become Rosselli. With a multi-Michelin starred chef at the help, James is excited to execute an expansive Italian wine list and highlight the 350+ native grapes by region and help connect food, grapes & a sense of place.

WINE DIRECTOR/AGM JAMES STOKES