A vibrant new chapter in Southport’s dining scene has begun with the opening of Rossa Pizzeria & Bar, which welcomed its first guests yesterday, Wednesday 21st May. Nestled on the ground floor of the newly launched TRYP by Wyndham Southport Gold Coast on Meron Street, Rossa is already turning heads with its relaxed vibe, wood-fired creations, and playful approach to Italian cuisine.
Operating independently from the adjoining Amore Restaurant, Rossa sets itself apart as a casual Italian eatery where comfort and creativity are king. Open daily from 12pm to 9pm, it’s quickly positioning itself as a go-to for locals, hotel guests, and visitors looking to indulge in familiar favourites done right — with a twist.
At the heart of Rossa’s kitchen are Head Chef Robert McWhinnie and Pizza Chef Jack Montefiore, whose culinary partnership has produced a menu full of character and flair. From house-made pizzas to indulgent desserts, the offering is as diverse as it is satisfying.
“Rossa is all about approachable Italian dining done right — great food, great people, and a laidback vibe that fits perfectly into the Southport lifestyle,” says Chef McWhinnie.
Menu With a Modern Edge
The menu reads like a love letter to Italy with a few cheeky modern detours. Diners can start with polpettini meatballs— beef, pork, or eggplant — served with sugo, pesto, mozzarella, and house focaccia, before moving on to an array of wood-fired pizzas that range from classic to unconventional.
Signature standouts include:
- Spicy pizza with chilli tomato, salami and stracciatella
- Seafood pizza topped with prawn, calamari, scallops and herb oil
- The “Jack” — a unique blend of garlic cream, prawns, jalapeño and guanciale
- Carnivore with sausage, pancetta and BBQ sauce
- Comfort classics like truffle mushroom, Capricciosa, lasagna, and calzone
To round off the meal, guests can indulge in house-made tiramisu or enjoy gelato sourced from Mount Tamborine — a sweet finish that celebrates both tradition and local partnerships.
Adding to Rossa’s appeal is its live entertainment, bringing rhythm to the restaurant from Thursday to Saturday, with performances running twice daily from 12pm–3pm and again from 5pm–9pm. It’s a nod to the venue’s community-centric ethos, turning lunch and dinner into experiences rather than just meals.
As Southport continues to grow as a cultural and culinary hub, Rossa Pizzeria & Bar arrives at just the right moment. With its welcoming atmosphere, dynamic menu, and dedication to good food and good times, it’s a fresh new flavour that’s here to stay.
Visit Rossa Pizzeria, Southport
Location: Ground Level, TRYP by Wyndham, Meron Street, Southport
Open Daily: 12pm – 9pm
