Bar Rosa

Bar Rosa is a buzzy elegant Italian bar and eatery located next door to sibling Julius Pizzeria (by the same owners) and opposite the Queensland Museum in South Brisbane.

Its handy location to the Cultural Centre makes it a great spot for a casual bite to eat and drink before or after a QPAC show.

Its handy location just a few minutes walk from the Cultural Centre makes it a great spot for a casual yet sophisticated bite to eat and drink before or after a QPAC show.

The cosy dim-lit dining space has a bar at one end, open kitchen along one side, and ceiling to floor windows on the other, which make for great people watching from the bench and bar stools.

Patrons can enjoy a traditional Italian Aperitivo such as Bellini, Aperol or Campari Spritz, Negroni or Shagliato or go straight to the impressive curated wine list, which includes a mix of Italian (predominantly), French, NZ and Australian wines, half of which are available by the glass.

Otherwise there's a small selection of Australia craft and Italian beers and cocktails such as Verde (blanco tequila, green chilli, Chartreuse, kiwi & lime); Torta (vodka, limoncello, hazelnut, vanilla & lemon) and Pesca (gin, Aperol, peach, lime & yuzu).

The real hero at Bar Rosa is the exquisite food, which is amongst the best you'll find at any bar in Brisbane, starting with Assaggini (small plates) to share, such as  crumbed olives stuffed with parmesan; croquettes; and oysters (natural or shallot mignonette). 

There's also heavenly zucchini flowers; prosciutto & buffalo mozzarella; or an absolute must-try for burrata fans - Pizza fritta with burrata and tomato sugo.

Antipasto are equally delicious - think veal & pork polpette in sugo; octopus, oregano, lemon, celery & olives; or the highly recommended tuna crudo with golden cherry tomatoes & pistachio.

For something more substantial there's pasta of the day or Secondi such as Veal Saltimbocca, baked semolina Romana, lemon & butter sauce or grilled fish of the day. 

And to finish there's a choice of panna cotta or Torta del Giorno. 

Need to know - Bookings are recommended. Parking is available nearby at QPAC, GOMA, Queensland Museum (the closest) or Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. 

The menu may have changed since our visit.