While some places strive to replicate the kind of authentic culinary experience you’d find on the streets in Oaxaca, Rosa Mexicano is inspired by the vibrancy and celebratory aspect of Mexican culture and cuisine rather than remaining steadfast to tradition. The end result is a spirited and light-hearted dining experience that is packed full of flavour and tailored to Australian tastes. The eye-catching new Surfers Paradise taco slinger is the sixth in the Rosa Mexicano family, joining sibling spots peppered around Victoria alongside a soon-to-open Adelaide venue. Rather than opt for a low-key various-shades-of-white fit-out, Rosa Mexicano is an all-out explosion of colour and fun. Think cascading greenery, striking black and white checkerboard tiles framed by a bold yellow bar, pops of neon and plenty of homages to the legendary Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. Rosa Mexicano is intentionally casual in its approach, making it the perfect spot for an afternoon marg, dinner with the fam or dinner and cocktails with the crew.
We could go on and on about the incredible fit-out, the food (and drinks) is where Rosa Mexicano really steps it up. The vast menu – like most things in life – is best tackled with a margarita in hand. Thankfully there are nine to choose from ranging from the classics to zingy pomegranate and a curious blue-tinged Mexican Moon. The tequila-heavy cocktail selection is a point of difference for the venue, which is committed to educating sippers about the complexities of the often misjudged spirit. Rather than shots chased with a wedge of lime, tequila is best sipped, which of course is only possible if you start with a quality tequila (sorry, no Sierra here). The tequila-centric selection is the handiwork of Peter Stamatopoulos, who is a certified tequila ambassador having completed the required training in Mexico in 2010. As for the menu, Rosa Mexicano caters to every taste and whim with a focus on value and freshness. Start with a couple of selections from the Antojitos section, which includes moreish morsels of stuffed jalapenos, street-style corn, loaded nachos and creamy Mexican croquettes loaded with chorizo and smoked chicken, before wrapping your mitts around a fish taco or a California burrito. If you’re really committing to the food coma, opt for the chimichanga, which is basically the burrito, but fried. If you still have room after all of that, a serve of the steamy sugar-rolled churros is sure to send you to a happy place. Rosa Mexicano is a fuss-free, fun Mexican feast.
Rosa Mexicano is now open! For opening times and booking details, skip over to our Stumble Guide.
