Overview
Any great gelateria lives and thrives by its scoops. When the best ice cream is being piled high onto cones and in cups, the dessert joint serving it can be anywhere. Still, there's something particularly special about being able to lick your way through a sweet treat in a scenic spot, like strolling along by the river — and it's that experience that Rosé Gelateria has covered at its just-opened new Brisbane outpost at Portside Wharf.
The Hamilton precinct is undergoing quite a few changes at the moment, announcing late in 2022 that a $20-million makeover is in the works. Also on the way: Fosh, a seafood restaurant from the restaurateur behind Opa Bar + Mezze, Massimo Restaurant, Yamas Greek + Drink and George's Paragon; and the Gold Coast's Rise Bakery launching its first Brisbane venue. Beating them to it is Rosé Gelateria, which was announced back in April, opened in early June and debuts in the River City after setting up stores in Sanctuary Cove and Main Beach.
Brisbanites now have a new boutique dessert go-to. Yes, it's winter, but it's never too cold for gelato in the Queensland capital (as our obsession with the Ekka's strawberry sundaes each August shows). This ice cream spot is located next to Dendy Cinemas, handily, and spans across 56 square metres of indoor seating space, as well as an al fresco seating area.
Rosé Gelateria is known for its rose gelato made with rosewater and topped with rose petals, but also does Biscoff gelato — using the biscuit spread, and also caramel — among its 20-flavour signature lineup. The Portside shop features vegan and dairy-free options, too, and will rotate through four limited-edition flavours each month.
If you have a pet that likes frosty treats, and always tries to get a lick of yours, Rosé Gelateria is doing pet-friendly gelato as well.
Husband-and-wife team Bronson Tucker and Diana Prinz came up with their range after a visit to Italy. "Every flavour on our menu is inspired by our journey to Florence, and the knowledge we gained from learning the authentic art of gelato-making, ensuring an exceptional and truly authentic experience for our customers," advises Prinz.
That said, Rosé Gelateria doesn't just keep things cold and creamy. It also serves up macarons and cookies, plus juices and milkshakes. And, joining forces with Paradox Coffee Roasters, it'll brews a specialty coffee blend called Picasso Baby, too — and expect to taste dark chocolate and blackberry with your caffeine hit.
As for the fitout, Rosé Gelateria has gone chic and elegant, complete with pastel hues and plenty of white, with help from Lowry Group as the venue's builders.
"It was a priority for the team that the space was just as pleasing to the eyes as our food is to the tastebuds... where our iconic rose-toned French-washed walls are harmoniously blended with pristine white indoor and outdoor furnishings, adorned with gold accents," says Tucker.
"To cater to the diverse preferences of our guests, our store design also includes dedicated areas for gelato indulgence including cosy cafe seating and convenient takeaway options so customers can savour their treats onsite or on the go."
Find Rosé Gelateria at Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton — open from 8am–10pm daily.