Bet you’ve noticed that finding pasta mains for under $30 in Sydney is a rarity these days. Enter Rosa, a new pasta bar in Pyrmont that’s serving up Italian classics without blowing your budget – yep, not a single dish costs more than 30 dollarydoos. How good is that?
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Brought to you by the sibling team of Ben and Emily Calabro (the same legends behind Pyrmont fave, Quick Brown Fox), Rosa is all about fuss-free pasta dishes that would get your nonna’s tick of approval. With seasoned chef duo Daniel Grey (formerly at Aalia, The Apollo and Devon Cafe), and Kira Sherry (formerly at Alberto’s Lounge) at the helm, the menu celebrates the simplicity of fresh handmade pasta at an affordable price point.
How about the linguine prawn alla busara with fresh prawns, cherry toms, sugo and a glug of prawn oil? Or the pan-fried gnocchi with roast pumpkin, sage, burnt butter and hazelnuts for crunch?
Their snack game is strong, too. Bite into freshly baked focaccia from neighbouring Pioik Bakery, served up with creamy burrata, heirloom tomato and a tarragon and black cherry vinaigrette, or artichokes dressed with lemon rind, garlic, chilli flakes, fennel seeds and oregano. In a rush? They do takeaway, so you can order everything to go (hello, picnics).
As for drinks, Rosa’s got you sorted with a selection of classic apéritifs and digestifs. Try a Limoncello, Campari or Aperol Spritz, or a glass of local or Italian vino. The Euro summer vibes of the Amalfi Coast are reflected in Rosa’s sun-drenched, modern and cosy interiors, designed by Nicola Stillone. And it’s waiting for you to twirl your fork around that creamy clam linguine – mangia!
“We wanted to capture the spirit of the Amalfi Coast – fresh, warm and welcoming – and bring that to Pyrmont,” said Ben Calabro.
“Rosa is all about creating a sense of home with our delicious pasta, our hospitality and surroundings. We grew up eating pasta with our family around the table, and we wanted to create a space that feels like home, from our family to yours," he added.
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