Rosa's

At the heart of Parkes within the National Triangle, Rosa's brings a refreshing, all-day dining experience to the iconic grounds of The Lawns precinct. Overlooking the National Rose Gardens, this vibrant venue transitions seamlessly from early morning coffee runs to relaxed lunches, woodfired pizza evenings, and sunset cocktails. Rosa's serves breakfast through to dinner, offering a menu that evolves through the day—grab-and-go pastries and paninis sit alongside full breakfast plates mid-week through the weekend, while lunch and dinner highlight pizza, wine, and a curated selection of drinks. Whether you settle indoors or on the deck, the backdrop of one of Canberra's most picturesque garden settings makes every visit memorable.

Google Maps reviewers have given Rosa's a 3.7-star rating based on 199 customer reviews, noting its pleasant atmosphere and friendly service. While the overall rating reflects some inconsistency in recent feedback, many patrons highlight the venue's charm and location as standout features. One reviewer shared that a staff member named Tristan was "wonderful" and particularly attentive to their child's allergies, while another suggested management could improve by increasing staffing levels and restocking more frequently. The owners actively respond to reviews, addressing concerns about food quality when they arise and thanking guests for their visits. This willingness to engage suggests a team that values customer experience and continuous improvement.

Rosa's occupies a special place in Canberra's dining landscape, part of a precinct that began its story in 1968 as The Lobby restaurant—a legendary gathering spot for politicians, journalists, and the public. The reimagined venue opened in March 2024, breathing fresh life into the gardens while honoring the site's storied past. Today, Rosa's joins sibling venues KOTO and Ballyhoo within The Lawns, collectively offering everything from refined Japanese-inspired dining to late-night charm. For families, couples, and groups seeking a relaxed meal with a side of history, Rosa's delivers an experience that feels both modern and rooted in Canberra's cultural fabric.

Menu Highlights at Rosa's

The culinary team at Rosa's has designed a menu that reflects its café-meets-restaurant identity, with offerings that span the day. Early risers can enjoy breakfast grab-and-go items seven days a week, with a full breakfast menu available from Wednesday to Sunday. Lunch through dinner continues the casual yet quality-minded approach—grab-and-go items remain available daily, while pizza and wine join the lineup on Wednesday evenings, extending to full lunch and dinner service from Thursday through Sunday.

Woodfired pizza is a signature draw, baked by the pie and frequently mentioned in customer feedback. While some reviewers have critiqued consistency—one recent guest reported receiving an undercooked pizza—the rustic, woodfired style remains a focal point. Paninis, pastries, and coffee round out the daytime menu, making Rosa's equally suitable for a quick bite or a longer sit-down meal. The bar program deserves its own mention: as the sun goes down, the venue morphs into a lively bar with cocktails that guests describe as dangerously easy to order twice.

The Dining Experience

Dining at Rosa's is defined by choice and flexibility. The venue offers indoor and outdoor seating, with the deck providing a direct view of the National Rose Gardens—a setting that transforms from a sunlit brunch spot to a golden-hour cocktail destination. The atmosphere blends casual comfort with the energy of the surrounding Parliamentary Triangle, where public servants, families, and visitors all converge.

Service options cater to diverse preferences: diners can enjoy meals on-site, order takeaway, or have food delivered. The restaurant is also LGBTQ+-friendly and features accessible facilities, including an accessible toilet, dedicated parking, and ramp access to the deck. Reservations are available for table bookings, while walk-ins are welcomed throughout opening hours. For special events, Rosa's also offers private function bookings through The Lawns, making it a versatile choice for gatherings.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

With a 3.7-star average from 199 Google Maps reviews, feedback for Rosa's paints a picture of a venue with strong location appeal and generally positive service, tempered by occasional operational hiccups. Guests frequently mention the setting and atmosphere as highlights—the National Rose Gardens backdrop earns consistent praise. Venice Sanchez, visiting from Melbourne, described the service as "wonderful" and appreciated the staff's careful handling of food allergies, a detail that resonates with families seeking accommodating dining options.

In less favorable reviews, James S noted a pizza that arrived "completely raw," expressing disappointment at what felt like more than a simple kitchen mistake. Eden Woodbury acknowledged the "nice" atmosphere but recommended better staffing and stock management. The management's response to James S acknowledged the shortfall and thanked them for the feedback, signaling an active commitment to improvement. These real-world reviews give potential diners a balanced understanding of what to expect: a lovely setting with food and service that usually hit the mark, with an awareness that busy periods might affect consistency.

Rosa's in Parkes, Australian Capital Territory

Rosa's is located at 7 King George Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600, within the National Triangle precinct that also houses venues KOTO and Ballyhoo. The address places it directly beside the National Rose Gardens, providing a lush, tranquil setting that's rare for a restaurant so close to Parliament House and other government landmarks. Street parking is available, with additional spaces in the adjacent car park that includes accessible parking spots. An accessible toilet is onsite, and ramp access connects the car park to the deck, ensuring the venue is navigable for visitors with mobility needs.

The restaurant operates seven days a week: Monday through Thursday from 7am to 4pm, Friday and Saturday from 7am to 10pm, and Sunday from 7am to 6pm. These extended weekend hours make Rosa's a practical choice for both early coffee runs and later evening dinners, with Friday and Saturday truly spanning the full day-into-night experience.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

Diners can reach Rosa's by phone at (02) 5154 4444 or by email at hello@rosascbr.au. The restaurant is part of The Lawns National Triangle precinct, and its website provides access to downloadable menus, online booking, and takeaway ordering via Uber Eats. Reservations can be made through the NowBookIt platform linked on the site, and gift cards are also available for purchase. For those planning larger gatherings, function bookings are managed through the main The Lawns contact channels.

Delivery and takeaway are both supported, with Uber Eats listed as an ordering partner and direct takeaway available during operating hours. The venue encourages patrons to contact them for any specific dietary questions, with the allergy-conscious service noted by reviewers suggesting a willingness to accommodate special requests.