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When Rosheen Kaul opened up her pop-up French-Asian bistro Little Rose earlier this year, Melbourne foodies went kinda wild – with the residency selling out for three solid months. Now, the Fitzroy favourite is officially putting down roots at 274 Brunswick Street. The restaurant will close briefly for a refresh, then will open its doors as a permanent venue on Thursday, August 20.
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If you managed to score a table during Little Rose's original run, you'll be pleased to know many of the cult faves are sticking around. Kaul's signature style – reimagining classic French dishes with a playful Asian lens – is still front and centre, with standouts including the impossibly silky pomme purée topped with crab roe and Chaozhou-style vin jaune making it back onto the menu.
As Kaul puts it, Little Rose is a place “where luxury is never taken too seriously and tradition is always open to reinterpretation”.
There are plenty of reasons for repeat visits, too. A newly installed wok burner will expand what's possible in the kitchen, with fresh additions including whole fish à la meunière, rotating Kampot pepper snails with lemongrass and a collection of elaborate salads, from Sichuan quail lyonnaise to a finely julienned potato situation.
The dining room is getting a makeover, too. According to the team, we can expect a space inspired by Belle Époque Paris cafés, glamorous 1920s Shanghai salons and Art Deco design, all layered with Chinoiserie details. Kaul describes the aesthetic as “romantic nostalgia through a slightly surreal lens”.
If you’re going luxe, Little Rose's new signature caviar service sounds like it’s on track to become one of Melbourne’s most theatrical foodie moments. Served atop vintage cast-iron candelabras, the luxe spread comes with crispy chicken skin, battered spring onions and all the classic accompaniments. On the sweets front, we can expect a decorative line-up of large-format desserts – from seasonal tarts to an indulgent baba au rhum – waiting on the bar, so you can choose how to wrap up your meal based on what looks prettiest.
Bookings are now open, with Little Rose welcoming diners back from August 20 at 274 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. Judging by the restaurant's first run, you'll want to move quickly. You’ll find more info and reservations over here.
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