Rosella's

Rosella’s brings an unmistakably Australian point of view to dining and drinking in Burleigh Heads. Established in January 2019, the venue combines nostalgic and native-inspired food with cocktails, natural wines, beer and cider. Its menu is broad enough for a casual meal or a few shared plates, with oysters shucked to order, cheese and meats served with crackers and quince paste, and a selection of smaller savoury dishes and sweets.

The drinks list is a major part of the appeal. Cocktails draw on Australian ingredients and references, with combinations featuring eucalyptus vodka, strawberry gum, quandong, Davidson plum, emu apple and finger lime. The wine selection includes sparkling, white, rosé, skin-contact and red styles, although the venue notes that its wines change regularly. Beer drinkers can choose from Rosella’s own Made Gold, brewed with Black Hops Brewing, along with craft and classic tinnies, while cider, ginger beer and a non-alcoholic XPA are also available.

The food follows the same playful Australiana theme. Oysters are offered natural or with mignonette, while the menu includes XXXX and squash damper with cultured butter, corn ribs with bunya nut miso and chilli glaze, fish on toast, a roo burger and a bug and prawn sando. There are also more familiar options, including chicken parmi, BBQ beef skewer, hot chips and leafy salad. Cheese, olives, sourdough and a small sweet selection round things out for anyone after something lighter or an easy accompaniment to drinks.

Rosella’s describes itself as a local venue that stays lively until late every night, making it suited to an informal drink, a relaxed meal or a group dropping in for food and a few rounds. It is walk-in only, with no bookings required. The Burleigh Heads venue opens from 4pm until late on weekdays and from 2pm until late on Saturdays and Sundays, at 1734 Gold Coast Highway. For Gold Coast locals and visitors looking for a drinks-led restaurant with a distinctly Australian menu and plenty of choice by the glass, tin or plate, it offers a straightforward, characterful stop.