Recent social media posts
26/05/2026
Our tour of Sardinia has come to an end. What a fabulous time we’ve had!
The Sardinian people are warm,hospitable and passionate. I have discovered food that is different, but delicious and amazing wines. We look forward to revisiting.
20/05/2026
There are so many delicious things on the menu at Rosa's Canteen right now celebrating our Autumn produce.
House-made ravioli filled with a ricotta and mushroom in a butter and porcini sauce, octopus salad, I didn’t finish!!Fried polenta with pecorino and our bay leaf pannacotta with Rosas quinces straight from the farm. Couldn't get more autumnal than that.
16/05/2026
Sardinia certainly doesn’t disappoint! 🍷✨
We’ve been busy exploring incredible wineries, historic sites, and fascinating abandoned mines.
As for the food—it’s been amazing. Some dishes are so unique and distinct from the Sicilian flavors I know and love, but absolutely delicious.
10/05/2026
We have arrived in Sardegna for a very special tour, looking forward to exploring this amazing place.
07/05/2026
When your Nonna is Rosa Mitchell your homework can take a .....gastronomic turn! Rosa's granddaughter Evie's favourite thing in the world is nonnina's home grown capers that she pickles without chilli -especially for Evie. You know they must be good if they inspired a poem!
02/05/2026
You know the produce is always seasonal and sourced as locally as possible, but did you know that some of the ingredients are picked by Rosa herself! Take the quinces on the menu now for example, each one lovingly wrangled from the tree from Rosa's property in Yandoit. Served to you after being stewed in red wine and accompanied with a three cheese whip. Now that is farm to table!
21/04/2026
When Rosa is in Rome and it is in season, she always orders puntarella. A variant of chicory, Puntarella has a deliciously bitter after taste. It is usually eaten raw with a garlic anchovy dressing which compliments this perfectly. It is just coming into season now and thanks to it is on the menu as a special. Try it for yourself before it is gone.
11/04/2026
Autumn menu on now at Rosa's!
Chestnut pasta with Great Ocean rd duck, pistachio stuffed lamb, our famous meatballs and lots more.
Come and decide which is your favorite.
03/04/2026
Wishing everyone a safe and happy Easter.
We will reopen Tuesday,with a new Autumn menu starting on Wednesday. See you then.
27/03/2026
Did you know Rosa's is open Saturdays for private functions? Intimate weddings and birthday feasts are our thing. Call or email the restaurant to plan your celebration.
27/03/2026
Did you know Rosa's is open on Saturdays for private functions. Intimate weddings, birthday feasts, you name it. Call or email the restaurant to plan your celebration.
19/03/2026
Thank you and for having me at the opening night of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. I had a ball.
12/03/2026
Melbourne Friends, it’s your time to party!
I’m so excited to get down there next week to launch Home Food!
Join me for a long Saturday lunch celebrating real food, seasonal ingredients, and the joy of home cooking with Rosa Mitchell as part of There are a few tickets left!
Rosa and I have created the most delicious menu (if I don’t say so myself) with a whole section dedicated to pasta (of course!). It’s all about beautiful seasonal cooking. Further details link in bio - but tickets can be secured the old school way - on the phone 03 9602 5491
And if you can’t make lunch. I’ll be at for a book signing and Sat pasta tasting on Friday from 12pm.
10/03/2026
Catch her now on ABC foodie Tuesday
09/03/2026
We are strong believers in passing down family traditions to younger generations so they can be continued on. This weekend Rosa made passata with her children and grandchildren, she even used her 'maida' a wooden trough to hold the tomatoes that her mother and grandmother used.
And of course the sauce must get the approval of the little taste tester.
05/03/2026
This is one you won't want to miss. Join and celebrate and share their love of pasta and seasonal produce .
Tickets available through
18/02/2026
Our arrancini are so popular we have to make them super fast...if only we could work this fast!
Get yours before they all disappear.
12/02/2026
Come join Elizabeth Hewson and Rosa Mitchell on Saturday the 21st March where they bring together their celebration of Italian food.
Elizabeth is also launching her new cookbook and everyone who attends will get a copy!!
Call Rosa's Canteen to book.
02/02/2026
We are so excited to be participating in the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival with the amazing . Make sure you don't miss this event for pasta lovers everywhere. 21st March.
25/01/2026
Beautiful setting,lovely people good food,what a great day.Thank you.
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25/01/2026
Ready for our Sicilian Sunday lunch at the wonderful Macaroni Factory.
16/01/2026
Trapanese pesto is a traditional Sicilian pesto from Trapani. Instead of the usual basil and pine nuts, Trapanese pesto uses almonds and fresh tomatoes, making it fresh and light. While delicious as a summer pasta sauce Rosa's has used the pesto to flavour rice for arrancini. A real treat!
05/01/2026
We’re back! 🍝 After a restful Christmas and New Year break, the doors at Rosa’s are officially reopening this Tuesday 6th Jan.
We’re feeling refreshed and ready to serve you!
To kick off the season, we’ve launched a brand-new Summer menu dedicated exclusively to the Sicilian flavors we love so much. Come grab a seat and taste the sunshine. 🌞 See you soon!
26/12/2025
We are so excited to join at the beautifully restored Macaroni factory in Hepburn for an amazing lunch.
Tickets are limited, so don't miss out.
26/12/2025
We are so excited to join Surly goat at the beautifully restored Macaroni factory in Hepburn for an amazing lunch.
Tickets are limited so don't miss out.
Address
Corner Little Bourke And Thomson Street
Melbourne, VIC
3000
To get to the Italian restaurant located at the corner of Little Bourke and Thomson Street in Melbourne, you can take public transport by using any of the following options:
1. Tram: Take Tram 86 and get off at the stop located at Bourke Street/Lt Bourke Street, which is just a few steps away from the intersection of Little Bourke and Thomson.
2. Train: Catch a train to Southern Cross Station, then take Tram 86 directly to Little Bourke and Thomson.
If you prefer driving or taking a taxi, head down towards Little Bourke Street and look for parking options around the vicinity. Keep in mind that there may be limited street-side parking available during peak hours or busy periods.
Opening Hours
| Monday |
12pm - 9pm |
| Tuesday |
12pm - 9pm |
| Wednesday |
12pm - 9pm |
| Thursday |
12pm - 9pm |
| Friday |
12pm - 9pm |
Alerts
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Rosa's Canteen posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
What people say
Italian restaurants are known for their delicious and wholesome cuisine, and Rosa's Canteen in Melbourne is no exception. This modern venue overlooks the leafy green trees of Little Bourke Street and offers a comfortable dining experience packed full of flavour. The menu leans towards Sicilian dishes, giving diners a taste of traditional Italian food.
Rosa Mitchell, the chef behind Rosa's Canteen, has been immersed in Sicilian food and cooking from a young age. She arrived from Sicily when she was just seven years old and had the responsibility of preparing family meals while her parents worked. Settling in Footscray meant that there was a resemblance of Sicily all around her, from the stockpot to the wild fennel growing by the railway line.
At Rosa's Canteen, you can expect seasonal, traditional Italian food served in a spacious and contemporary setting. Reservations are recommended, and large bookings are welcome. Family is a huge part of Rosa's life, and she cherishes moments with her granddaughter, yearly salami making, and a full table of family members sharing delicious homemade food.
If you're looking for an authentic Italian dining experience in Melbourne, look no further than Rosa's Canteen. With its delicious cuisine and comfortable atmosphere, it's sure to be a hit with anyone who loves traditional Italian food.
