D' La Rosa - Spanish Tapas Fusion & Bar — Restaurant in Gold Coast City

Tucked away in the laid-back yet stylish enclave of Mermaid Beach, D’ La Rosa presents itself as a refined neighborhood gem with an inviting, intimate atmosphere. The moment you step inside, you’re met with a blend of coastal charm and European-inspired elegance—dim lighting, warm wood tones, and a hum of conversation that suggests this is a place where people linger, enjoying good company over a meal meant to be savored.

The Food: Hits and Misses

The menu reads well, promising a mix of contemporary European influences with a touch of modern flair. The patatas bravas were the highlight of the meal—a fantastic interpretation of the Spanish staple. Crispy, golden potatoes provided the perfect textural contrast to the velvety, piquant sauce that carried just the right amount of heat. It was a dish that spoke of thoughtfulness and technical skill, a rare moment where simplicity meets brilliance.

The steak, however, was a letdown. Ordered medium-rare, it arrived underdone and lacking in seasoning. The cut itself had potential but failed to deliver on flavor, missing the umami-rich crust that defines a truly well-executed steak. A little more assertiveness with seasoning and a sharper sear would have made all the difference. It wasn’t inedible, but it also wasn’t the kind of steak that lingers in memory.

Atmosphere & Service

D’ La Rosa shines when it comes to ambiance. It’s quaint yet refined, cozy but not cramped, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed dinner. The staff were warm, professional, and attentive without being intrusive, adding to the overall ease of the evening.

Final Verdict: 4 Stars

D’ La Rosa has all the makings of a fantastic restaurant—charming atmosphere, attentive service, and moments of brilliance in the kitchen. However, inconsistency in execution holds it back from true greatness. With a bit more precision in the kitchen, it could easily be one of Mermaid Beach’s must-visit...

I wish I could say we had a great experience at this restaurant, but unfortunately, it was one of the worst dining experiences we’ve ever had. My wife and I ordered the Chimichurri Steak, expecting a decent meal, but what we got instead was a frustrating ordeal.

As someone who has worked as a chef before, I understand that during busy periods, customers can expect to wait—sometimes up to 45 minutes at peak times. However, waiting 1.5 hours for a single steak is completely unacceptable. We reminded the staff and the manager/owner four times, yet nothing was done. To make matters worse, an hour into our wait, another couple was seated next to us, also ordered a steak, and received theirs within 20 minutes.

When our steak finally arrived, it was completely raw. We sent it back, expecting a proper recook, but instead, they simply put it in the oven for a couple of minutes. The result? A terrible texture and taste—so bad we couldn’t even finish half of it.

When I went to pay, I calmly mentioned our issues, hoping for at least an apology. Instead, the manager/owner argued with me about whether the steak was cooked correctly in the first place. There was no accountability, no acknowledgment of the ridiculous wait time, and certainly no attempt at compensation.

Final Verdict: As someone who understands the restaurant industry, I can confidently say this is not how you treat customers. The least they could have done was apologize, but instead, they doubled down on poor service.

If you decide to dine here I hope your...

Two of us dined for dinner. Between us we had 5 small plates (one being 4 croquettes) and a dessert each. Service from Alvaro (and his other colleague) was on point - friendly and attentive. Food: croquettas: each can be eaten in two to three bites (or one big mouthful if you are that way inclined). Cheese and green/plant based were tasty - you could tell these are made in house which is nice. Black (seafood) was OK but a bit salty (it has squid ink which may be the reason so order this if you enjoy that) Garlic prawns: very tasty with strong garlic flavour. Smelt good to me and that's coming from a vegetarian. Ceviche: fresh and tasty. Was devoured. Patatas bravas: surprisingly delicious for something that reads to be simple. The roasted garlic bulbs were a nice touch and the dips a nice accompaniment Honey glazed eggplant - delightful. The mixture of cooked eggplant with cheese and honey glaze really works well creme brulee (or even a crema catalana?) - delicious. Custard had a good consistency and a zesty flavour and nice sugar snap crunch on top. Chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream: great brownie texture and flavour - not cloyingly sweet and went well with the vanilla ice cream.

Overall a very enjoyable experience. Partner even said that we should come back here soon - before we had even left! Will be sure to return to try the rest of the menu and maybe some of the...