5 /5 Aj Proksa: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 – Unplanned Birthday Lunch Turned Into One of the Best Meals Ever
We ended up at St Rose in Essendon for a last-minute birthday lunch, and let me just say — sometimes the best things in life really are unplanned. This ended up being one of the best lunches I’ve ever had.
We kicked things off with their salmon sashimi sushi bowl, and to this day, I stand by this — it is hands down the best sushi bowl in Melbourne. Every single element was fresh, perfectly balanced, and bursting with flavour. The umami, the textures, the overall presentation — it was all next level. I still crave it, and even though I’m no longer in the area, I’ll be making the trip back just for this bowl. It’s that good.
We also tried the chopped cheese sandwich, which was my first time having one — and wow. No idea what magic New Yorkers put into these sandwiches, but it was packed with flavour and seriously tasty. The steak sandwich was also really good (similar in flavour to the chopped cheese), but for me, the chopped cheese just edged it out.
To wash it all down, we ordered two iced matchas — simple, earthy, refreshing. Nothing over the top, just solid and satisfying.
Honestly, St Rose has my heart now — and it’s mainly thanks to that unforgettable sushi bowl. Can’t wait to go back and try more of the menu, but from what we’ve had so far, this place is an absolute gem. Highly recommend.