Menu - Rosa

We came here after reading the multiple really positive reviews about the restaurant. The food was mostly fine. The roast vegetables were very good. However a w... read more We came here after reading the multiple really positive reviews about the restaurant. The food was mostly fine. The roast vegetables were very good. However a word of warning, “Caramelized Tuna” is not tuna that is fried low and slow (like caramelized onions). It is actually tuna steak covered in caramel sauce. This was the first time I’ve ever returned food at a restaurant in my many years of eating out. Luckily, the kitchen was very accommodating when I asked them to just wash the caramel Off and squeeze some lime on it instead (though I did see the chefs pointing and whispering about me afterwards since it was an open kitchen, and they saw that I saw them). The wine selection was good. At the end when we went to pay, we were informed that they don’t take credit card, and the owner said that it’s been a month since they’ve done this. If there had been a visible sign saying this, we would have not decided to eat here since it took a big chunk of cash out of our chequing accounts. Cash/sinpe only is to be expected from smaller places, but not “higher end” restaurants such as this one. The owner was kind enough to drive me to my hostel so I could pick up my cash from there. All in all, our visit left a caramel-y taste in our mouths and a big hole in our cash-on-hand.

Rosa is right in the center of Samara, across from the church and near BNCR. There isn't a parking lot but street parking wasn't difficult. We were walk-ins and... read more Rosa is right in the center of Samara, across from the church and near BNCR. There isn't a parking lot but street parking wasn't difficult. We were walk-ins and seated immediately but we were early and got lucky. In retrospect, I recommend reservations. The waitress was friendly and fast, but not pushy, allowing us to enjoy our time. The cocktails were good and refreshed regularly. The menu is small and covers a good variety, including vegetarian options. It is a weekly rotation, so something new each week. Everyone at our table enjoyed their meals which ranged from Tuna tartar, to angus hamburger to pork ribs. Live music on the roof above the restaurant, where the bar is located, was a nice addition.