First look at Rosa Mexicano - now open at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

Mar 31, 2023 in "Rosa Mexicano"

Rosa Mexicano food drink and dining rooms
Posted: Friday March 31, 2023 9:53am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Walt Disney World's newest restaurant, Rosa Mexicano, celebrated its grand opening this week at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel.

Serving authentic Mexican cuisine with an upscale style, Rosa Mexicano adds another destination to Walt Disney World's ever-growing restaurant line-up. From our preview this week, Rosa Mexicano impressed with its bold flavors and inviting dining room, and it's just a short walk from EPCOT's International Gateway, making it another great restaurant option on a park day.

Taking the place of the former Fresh Mediterranean Market restaurant on the ground floor of the Dolphin hotel, Rosa Mexicano is a complete remodel of the space featuring dramatic design elements with vibrant art and bold colors.



There is seating for nearly 200 guests, including a 40-person bar in the center of the restaurant.


One notable design feature is a centerpiece painting by regarded Mexican artist, Frieda Kahlo, noted for her self-portraits featuring bold, vibrant colors.

The Rosa Mexicano menu showcases varied cuisine from all regions of Mexico, combining time-honored preparation techniques and modern food trends currently thriving in Mexico.

We spoke to Rosa Mexicano's founding chef, Josefina Howard, who described some of the menu items' origins, which date back to family recipes prepared by his grandmother.

A first taste of the food and drink reveals an impressive menu line-up, all beautifully presented and full of flavor.

You will find all of the Mexican favorites on the menu, including tableside guacamole, ceviche, tacos, and enchiladas. There is even a 22oz bone-in ribeye.




Parrillasas is Rosa's take on the mixed grill and is available in three sizes to share. The dish is served with various sides, and meats include Red Chile Chicken, Grilled Chorizo Sausage, NY Strip, Jumbo Shrimp with Cilantro, and Chimichurri Grilled Cocoa Rubbed Short Ribs.




The restaurant boasts an impressive beverage program and serves over 100 varieties of tequila and agave-based spirits available by the ounce. The restaurant's signature frozen pomegranate margarita, named the best in New York City, is also available alongside several specialty cocktails and mocktails.




Speaking at the restaurant's official opening on March 30, Jim Dunn, CEO of Rosa Mexicano said, "We are excited to open Rosa Mexicano at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin and for guests to experience the elevated fiesta that the restaurant offers. Staying true to our founding chef Josefina Howard's vision of introducing Mexican culinary traditions to the world, it's incredibly gratifying to see Rosa Mexicano open in such an iconic location. Orlando residents and visitors alike will experience our fresh take on authentic Mexican food and will enjoy the fun and festivity of dining at Rosa Mexicano."

You can make reservations for Rosa Mexicano now via OpenTable.

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