Restaurante Rosa — Restaurant in Sámara

We came here after reading the multiple really positive reviews about the restaurant.

The food was mostly fine. The roast vegetables were very good. However a word of warning, “Caramelized Tuna” is not tuna that is fried low and slow (like caramelized onions). It is actually tuna steak covered in caramel sauce. This was the first time I’ve ever returned food at a restaurant in my many years of eating out. Luckily, the kitchen was very accommodating when I asked them to just wash the caramel Off and squeeze some lime on it instead (though I did see the chefs pointing and whispering about me afterwards since it was an open kitchen, and they saw that I saw them).

The wine selection was good.

At the end when we went to pay, we were informed that they don’t take credit card, and the owner said that it’s been a month since they’ve done this. If there had been a visible sign saying this, we would have not decided to eat here since it took a big chunk of cash out of our chequing accounts. Cash/sinpe only is to be expected from smaller places, but not “higher end” restaurants such as this one. The owner was kind enough to drive me to my hostel so I could pick up my cash from there.

All in all, our visit left a caramel-y taste in our mouths and a big hole in our...

Rosa is right in the center of Samara, across from the church and near BNCR. There isn't a parking lot but street parking wasn't difficult.

We were walk-ins and seated immediately but we were early and got lucky. In retrospect, I recommend reservations.

The waitress was friendly and fast, but not pushy, allowing us to enjoy our time. The cocktails were good and refreshed regularly. The menu is small and covers a good variety, including vegetarian options. It is a weekly rotation, so something new each week. Everyone at our table enjoyed their meals which ranged from Tuna tartar, to angus hamburger to pork ribs.

Live music on the roof above the restaurant, where the bar is located, was a...

I sat at the bar and loved watching the kitchen staff at work, some real artists in there! They were all friendly as well, I think I sat right where there was a sink they used and everyone at least said hi. Whereas my server barely interacted - never once checked on me when food arrived, didn't even ask about the meal when finished, and I had to flag her down for any other attention. Otherwise 4 stars. All the food looked fresh, clean, and well prepared. I ws drooling over other dishes even as I ate my own! The tuna poke bowl was delicious, light but filling. There were places to sit inside in air conditioning as well as outside and upstairs. Decor is cute, green monstera leaves and...