Rosa Mitchell has been immersed in Sicilian food and cooking from a young age, arriving from Sicily when she was seven years old, Rosa had the responsibility of preparing family meals whilst her parents worked.
Settling in the Footscray community meant that there was a resemblance of Sicily all around her. From the stockpot to the wild fennel growing by the railway line. And so did the food she was preparing and eating.
Family is a huge part of Rosa’s life. She cherishes the moments with her granddaughter, yearly salami making and a full table of family members sharing delicious homemade food.
Rosa’s career was once as a hairdresser until an opportunity presented itself for her to join the kitchen team of ‘Gertrude Street Enoteca’. Soon after she was running the kitchen of the ‘Journal Canteen’ giving her free rein to cook the beautiful Sicilian food of her roots. Rosa Mitchell soon became renowned for her traditional Sicilian style cooking. She opened her first venue ‘Rosa’s Kitchen’ which was featured in a range of respected industry publications and ran for four solid years, also during this time Rosa opened ‘Rosa’s Canteen’, her second venue. The modern, sleek and welcoming restaurant is every day dining for some, and special occasion for others. With a menu that reflects Rosa’s heritage, traditional methods and a modern touch.
Rosa is very passionate about locally sourced, seasonal produce. Priding herself by using only the best small fruit, vegetable, meat, seafood, bread and dairy producers in and around Melbourne.
And then there is Yandoit. Where Rosa puts her beliefs into practice by running a property on her days away from the restaurant. But you can still find Rosa either at the pass or greeting you at the door of Rosa’s Canteen most days.
Seasonal, traditional Italian food, served in a spacious, contemporary setting overlooking beautiful large trees.
03 9602 5491
eat@rosascanteen.com.au
1 Thomson Street (cnr of Little Bourke), Melbourne 3000
