Our sunburnt country has long tried to shy away from its ocker reputation. But, as the saying goes, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em – which is exactly what new Burleigh drinking haunt Rosella’s has in mind.

The new Gold Coast bar is proudly Australiana in theme, celebrating everything Aussie from interiors to cuisine. Jon Debeere and Jack Connor are the duo behind the new space, where national treasures have been given a rather luxe revamp.

“We wanted to do ‘Australiana’ rather than ‘Australian-themed’,” explains the duo. “Less about the stereotypes, and more about that tongue in cheek humour Australia is world famous for. All about high-time for Australian ‘culture’… when Fosters was taking over pubs across Europe and USA, Australia had just brought home the America’s Cup, our mate Packer was taking on (and bringing down) the world of cricket, and when Hawky was our leader both in the pub and in parliament.”

Picture a space where you can nibble on jaffles of vegemite partnered with Tasmanian cheese and wattleseed butter, designed to be washed down with cocktails crafted around Queensland icon XXXX. Or perhaps, after a day spent sunning on neighbouring Burleigh Beach you’d prefer something lighter, like oysters topped with fingerlime and macadamia shavings, naturally served in a styrofoam esky.

“We feel Australia is pretty under-represented when it comes to cuisine,” the Rosella’s team continue. “We have so much to celebrate, and so much to offer to the world. We’re really into the idea that you can find a world class Italian joint a couple of doors down from some amazing Chinese food, and that’s what makes Australia so great. It’s what makes us as a nation so into our food, and so willing to try lots of different types of cuisine, but with that said, not many people have tried much from our own backyard. ”

“Most dishes on the menu either utilise ingredients native to Australia, or have nostalgic elements to them – dishes that bring back memories from all of our childhoods, but with a bit of sprucing up. Whether that be a family barbecue, a summer picnic at the beach, mum’s leftovers, or a simple Saturday trip to Bunnings.”

The menu is not only focused on local favourites, but local produce. Dishes are crafted from Australian-sourced fruit and vegetables, with a sprinkle of lesser known native ingredients to boot. The same local mantra applies to the drinks list, which ranges from a curated collection of natural wines to cocktails based around nostalgic Australian treats (like schoolyard favourite the Zooper Dooper).

Rosella’s is open seven days a week, from 4.00pm Monday through Friday, and 12.00pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Rosella’s
6/1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
rosellasbar.com.au