First Look: Rosa Mexicano at Swan and Dolphin

A new restaurant has opened up at Walt Disney World and our MickeyBloggers Greg and Elyssa decided to head over for their first dinner at Rosa Mexicano. 

Rosa Mexicano offers a contemporary take on authentic Mexican cuisine.  On the menu you’ll find both beloved classics and new dishes. 

The restaurant prides itself on the stylish and festive atmosphere.  From the moment you walk through the door at their Disney Swan and Dolphin location, you can’t help but smile at the fabulous interior. 

We were greeting by a vibrant image of Frida Kahlo at the check-in desk. 

Above is a quick video we took of the interior of Rosa Mexicano. 

Rosa Mexicano’s founding chef, Josefina Howard opened the first Rosa Mexicano in New York City in 1984.  

Chef Rosa has the distinction of being the first chef to introduce Mexican fine dining to the New York restaurant scene. 

Rosa Mexicano Dinner Menu 

Here’s a first look at the menu.  Every dish inside celebrates Mexican heritage and includes award winning margaritas including Rosa’s famous frozen pomegranate named the Best in New York City! 

Starters

• Fresh Ahi Tuna Tacos 19- Soy & Lime, Red Onion, Sliced Avocado, Cilantro, Crispy Corn Tortillas
• Camarones Diablos 18- Crispy Shrimp, Fiery Chile de Árbol Sauce, Cool Avocado Ranch
• Black Bean & Cheese Empanadas 12, Chihuahua Cheese and Queso Fresco, Pasilla Oaxaca Chile, Crema gf v
• Rosa’s Signature Nachos 16- Chihuahua Cheese, Black Beans, Pico de Gallo, Guacamole, Crema, Cotija Cheese gf v
  • Red Chile Chicken 7
  • Grilled Jumbo Shrimp 12
  • Grilled Certified Angus Beef ®
  • NY Strip 15

• Chicken Flautas 13- Fried Corn Tortillas filled with Pulled All-Natural Chicken, Shaved Cabbage, Crema, Queso Fresco, Tomatillo & Avocado Salsa gf
• Chicken Tortilla Soup 14- Red Chile Chicken, Pasilla Chile Broth, Crispy Corn Tortilla Strips, Avocado, Queso Fresco gf
• Quesadilla 14- Chihuahua Cheese in a Flour Tortilla, Crema, Pico de Gallo, Cotija Cheese v
  • Red Chile Chicken 7
  • Grilled Jumbo Shrimp 12
  • Grilled Certified Angus Beef ®
  • NY Strip 15
  • Cauliflower Cassava Tortilla Available gf
• Queso 13– Three-Cheese Blend, Roasted Tomato, Pickled Jalapeño, with Warm Corn Tortilla Chips gf v
  • Crumbled Chorizo 4
• Rosa’s Own Caesar Salad 15- Romaine Lettuce, Avocado, Chile-Spiced Croutons, Cilantro, Radish, Caesar Dressing
  • Red Chile Chicken 7
  • Grilled Jumbo Shrimp 12
  • Grilled Certified Angus Beef ®
  • NY Strip 15
• Our Chopped Salad 18– Romaine Lettuce, Roasted Corn & Poblano Pepper, Black Beans, Tomato, Avocado, Red Onion, Queso Fresco, Tortilla Strips, Cotija Ranch Dressing gf v
  • Red Chile Chicken 7
  • Grilled Jumbo Shrimp 12
  • Grilled Certified Angus Beef ®
  • NY Strip 15

Mains

Greg sampled the Ribeye which you can check out below along with the other main dishes on offer! 

• Roasted Half Chicken 31 Mole Poblano, Sautéed Spinach, Crema, Sweet Plantains, White Rice, Corn Tortillas
• Tampiqueña 36- 10oz Grilled Certified Angus Beef® NY Strip, Cheese Enchilada, Mexican Rice, Refried Beans, Queso Fresco, Guacamole, Corn Tortillas gf
• Salmon Pipian 32- Sautéed Seasonal Vegetables, Roasted Corn, Black Beans, Avocado, Pico de Gallo gf
• Pork Carnitas de Cazuela 27- Habanero Pickled Onions, Shaved Cabbage, Avocado, Salsa Cruda, Roasted Tomatillo-Chipotle Salsa, Tomatillo Avocado Salsa, Pico de Gallo, Corn Tortillas gf
• Camarones al Mojo de Ajo 33- Jumbo Shrimp, Chorizo, Fideo Noodles, Avocado, Chile Guajillo-Lobster Butter Sauce
• Ribeye 72– 22oz Bone-In Certified Angus Beef® Ribeye, Grilled Cambray Onion, Chile Roasted Potatoes, Corn Tortillas, Cilantro Chimichurri gf
• Chile Relleno 24- Black Beans, Quinoa, Roasted Corn, Queso Oaxaca, Watercress, Roasted Tomato Chipotle Sauce gf v
• Mushroom Huarache 25- Plancha-Roasted Shiitake, Cremini, Oyster Mushrooms, Black Beans, Sautéed Spinach, Chile Pasilla Salsa, Queso Fresco, Tomatillo Pico de Gallo on a Corn Tortilla gf v
• Rosa’s Signature Crispy Cracklin’ Pork Chop For Two 68- Cabbage & Apple Slaw, Salsa Molcajete, Tomatillo Pico de Gallo, Grilled Cambray Onion, Corn Tortillas, Chile Roasted Potatoes, Charred Tomato Jalapeño Salsa gf

Parrilladas

Rosa’s Own Mexican-Style Mixed Grill, Served on a Sizzling Platter Accompanied with Freshly Made Corn Tortillas, Roasted Onions, Frijoles Borrachos, Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeño, Charred Tomato Salsa, Pico de Gallo, Guacamole 

Recommended for 2 People 69

• Red Chile Chicken
• Grilled Chorizo Sausage
• 10oz Certified Angus Beef®
• NY Strip

Recommended for 4 People 127

• Red Chile Chicken
• Grilled Chorizo Sausage
• 10oz Certified Angus Beef®
• NY Strip
• Jumbo Shrimp with Cilantro Chimichurri

Recommended for 6 People 179

• Red Chile Chicken
• Grilled Chorizo Sausage
• 10oz Certified Angus Beef®
• NY Strip
• Jumbo Shrimp with Cilantro Chimichurri
• Grilled Cocoa Rubbed Short Ribs

À La Carte

• Red Chile Chicken 26
• Grilled Chorizo Sausage 12
• Certified Angus Beef®
• NY Strip 29
• Jumbo Shrimp with
• Cilantro Chimichurri 26
• Grilled Cocoa Rubbed Short Ribs 28

Enchiladas

NYC’s Favorite Enchiladas Since 1984. Two Per Order. Served with Mexican or White Rice

• Duck Carnitas 26- Mole Poblano, Queso Fresco, Crema
• Roasted Chicken Suizas 23- Tomatillo Salsa Verde, Chihuahua Cheese, Crema, Cilantro, Onion gf
• Beef Brisket 25- Classic Red Guajillo Chile Sauce, Cotija Cheese, Pico de Gallo, Crema gf
• Pasilla Roasted Mushrooms 21- Shaved Cabbage, Crema, Choice of Salsa Verde or Classic Red Guajillo Chile Sauce gf v
• Chihuahua Cheese 20- Choice of Mole Poblano, Salsa Verde or Classic Red Guajillo Chile Sauce, Topped with Crema v
• Enchilada Tasting 33- Pick your Three Favorites! Served with Mexican Rice or White Rice

Tacos

Rosa’s Unique Twist on the Authentic Tacos comes in a variety of awesome flavors.  Guests receive three per order

For her main, Elyssa chose the Crispy Shrimp Tempura Tacos. 

The Taco menu is as follows: 

• Crispy Shrimp Tempura 20- Shaved Cabbage, Salsa Verde, Pickled Oregano Aioli, Chile de Arbol, Corn Tortillas
• Red Chile Chicken 16- Avocado, Tomatillo, Pico de Gallo, Queso Fresco, Corn Tortillas gf
• Grilled NY Strip 23 Certified Angus Beef®, Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, Cotija Cheese, Flour Tortillas
• Birria Quesatacos 18 Braised Angus Beef Brisket, Queso Oaxaca, Cilantro, Onions, Consommé Dip, Corn Tortillas gf
• Roasted Mushroom 15- Plancha-Roasted Shiitake, Cremini & Oyster Mushrooms, Pasilla Chile, Green Apple Slaw, Sliced Avocado, Queso Fresco, Corn Tortillas gf v
• Duck Carnitas 19- Black Beans, Grilled Pineapple & Jicama Salsa, Queso Fresco, Mint, Corn Tortillas gf
• Chopped Cheese Alambre 16- Certified Ground Angus Beef® , Bacon, Queso, Poblano Peppers, Tomato, Onion, Shredded Lettuce, Ketchup, Charred Jalapeño Mayonnaise, Flour Tortillas
• Pork Carnitas 17- Shaved Cabbage, Spicy Salsa Verde, Habanero Pickled Onions, Corn Tortillas gf

Guacamole

We also couldn’t go to Rosa Mexicano and NOT get the guacamole which is made tableside! Greg and Elyssa opted for the Guacamole Tasting sampler and it looks AMAZING. 

Guacamole en Molcajete-  Made Tableside Since 1984.- Classic 18 | Double 32 Made Fresh To-Order with Warm Corn Tortilla Chips and Roasted Tomato Salsa gf v

Above is a look at the tableside setup! 

You can top off your fresh guacamole with the following: 

• Grilled Pineapple Pico de Gallo 4- Cilantro, Red Onion, Habanero, Fresh Lime gf v

• Bacon & Cotija 5- Applewood-Smoked Bacon, Chile de Árbol, Crumbled Cotija Cheese gf

• Lump Crabmeat a la Mexicana 11 Tomato, Onion, Cilantro, Serrano, Fresh Lime gf

  

Guacamole Tasting 36- Try All Three gf gf Gluten-Friendly v Vegetarian Contains Nuts Spicy. For $36 you get the opportunity to sample all three of the guacamole options listed above. 

The presentation is fantastic!

Also on the dinner menu is…

Ceviche

• Shrimp 16- Tomato, Avocado, Red Onion, Green Chiles, Rosa’s Cocktail Sauce
• Tuna 17- Mango Habanero Salsa, Serrano Chiles, Scallions, Guacamole Tostadita gf
• Salmon 15, Cucumber, Tomatillo, Onion, Cilantro, Charred Jalapeño Mayonnaise, Takis Crisps
• Ceviche Tasting 24

Sides

Above is a look at the Mexican Rice that Greg and Elyssa ordered with their meal.  This is one of two sides they tried. 

They also tried the Black Beans.  The complete list of Rosa Mexicano Sides is as follows: 

• Black Beans 8- Cotija Cheese, Crema, Pico de Gallo gf v
• Mexican Rice 8- Roasted Tomato, Poblano Peppers, Cilantro gf v
• Mexican Fried Rice 13- Chorizo, Fried Egg, Bacon, Corn, Black Beans, Scallions, Cilantro, Tomato, Chiles Toreados
• Grilled Jumbo Shrimp 12
• Grilled Certified Angus Beef ® NY Strip 15
• Lump Crabmeat 16
• Sweet Corn Esquites 9- Queso Fresco, Epazote, Charred Jalapeño Mayonnaise, Chile de Árbol gf v
• Fried Ripe Plantains & Crema gf v 9
• Frijoles Borrachos 9- Bacon, Tomato, Onion, Jalapeño and Cilantro, Simmered in Mexican Beer
• Mac n Queso v 10
• Crumbled Chorizo 4
• Red Chile Chicken 7
• Grilled Jumbo Shrimp 12
• Grilled Certified Angus Beef ® NY Strip 15
• Sautéed Spinach 9- Golden Raisins, Chile Toasted Pumpkin Seeds gf v
• Let Us Pour Queso on- Anything For You gf v 5

Wine 

In addition to fabulous savory eats, Rosa Mexicano boasts a magnificent menu of wine, beer, margaritas and more.  

Sparkling

• Mionetto, Prosecco Brut, DOC Veneto, IT 11 44

Rosé

• Casa Jipi, Rosado Barbera,
• Valle de San Vincente, MX 16 64
• Fleurs de Prairie, Côtes de Provence, FR 11 44

White

• Kim Crawford, Sauvignon Blanc,Marlborough, NZ 12 48
• Pighin, Pinot Grigio, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, IT 11 44
• J. Lohr ‘Riverstone’, Chardonnay, Monterey, CA 13 52
• Sonoma-Cutrer ‘Russian River Ranches’, Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, CA 14 56
• Weingut Schloss Saarstein, Riesling, QBA Qualitätswein Mosel, DE 13 52

Red

• Meiomi, Pinot Noir, CA 17 68
• Columbia Crest ‘H3’, Horse Heaven Hills, Merlot, Columbia Valley, WA 11 44
• Troublemaker, Red Blend, Central Coast, CA 11 44
• Palafox, Tempranillo/Merlot/Cabernet Blend, Pionero Tinto, Baja California, MX 18 72
• Josh Cellars ‘Craftsman’s Collection’, Cabernet Sauvignon, CA 15 60
• ‘Quilt’ by Joseph Wagner, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA 21 84

Beer

Craft

• No Mames Mexican Lager, Tripping Animals Brewing Co., Doral, FL – 6% ABV 10.5
• Margarita Gose, Cigar City Brewing, Tampa, FL – 4.2% ABV 9.5
• Sandbar Sunday Wheat Ale, Islamorada Beer Company, Islamorada, FL – 4.7% ABV 9.5
• Fat Tire American Amber, New Belgium Brewing Co., Ft. Collins, CO – 5.2% ABV 9.5
• Champagne Velvet Pilsener, Upland Brewing Co., Indiana – 5.5% ABV 10.5
• Phins & Feathers Pale Ale, Brew Hub, Lakeland, FL – 6% ABV 8.5
• Sun Squishy IPA, Suncreek Brewery, Clermont, FL – 7% ABV 10.5

Imported

• Tecate Mexican Lager 8.5
• Corona Mexican Lager 8.5\
• Corona Light Mexican Lager 8.5
• Modelo Especial Mexican Pilsener 8.5
• Modelo Negra Munich Dunkel Lager 8.5
• Heineken European Pale Lager 8.5
• Heineken 0.0 N/A Lager 7.5
• Domestic
• Bud Light 7.5
• Michelob Ultra 7.5
• Miller Lite 7.5
• Yeungling 8.5

Las Margaritas

Greg had to go all-in on the Pomegranate Frozen Margarita which is the signature drink of Rosa’s.  

Las Margaritas

Frozen; . By the Glass 15 / By the Pitcher 60 (serves 5) 

• Pomegranate– Rosa Mexicano’s Signature Cocktail Since 1984
• Lime / Mango / Passion Fruit Strawberry / Watermelon-  Hornitos Plata Tequila, Triple Sec, Fresh Lime, Half Salt Rim
• Josefina’s Margarita 20 Komos Rosa Tequila, Organic Agave Nectar, Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice

And because we simply can’t get enough of this cocktail…

Other libations include…

Fire & Ice Stormy

• Suprema 19, Milagro Reposado Tequila, Cointreau, Agave Nectar, Fresh Lime, Half Salt Rim
• Smoky Cosmorita 18, Your Choice of Corralejo Blanco Tequila or Ketel One ,Citroen Vodka, Luxardo Triplum, Fresh Lime, Agave Nectar, Cranberry, Half Lime-Salt Rim
• Mezcalarita 17- El Silencio Mezcal, Don Julio Reposado, Grand Marnier, Agave Nectar, Fresh Lime, Half Salt Rim

Hand-Crafted Agave Margaritas

• La Tradicional Margarita, By the Glass 16 / By the Pitcher 65 (serves 5) Maestro Dobel Diamante Tequila, Luxardo Triplum, Agave Nectar, Fresh Lime, Half Salt Rim + If You Like it Spicy, Ask for Our House Tres Chiles Tincture
• Blood Orange Sunrise 17- Casa Noble Crystal Tequila, Blood Orange, Half Salt Rim Smoked Tableside
• La Única 19- Corralejo Reposado Tequila, Grand Marnier, Agave Nectar, Fresh Lime, Half Lime-Salt Rim
• Cielo Rosa 19- Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila, Hibiscus Pomegranate Syrup, Agave Nectar, Fresh Lime, Tres Chiles Tincture, Half Lime-Salt Rim
• Mango Chile 17, Jalapeño & Serrano Infused El Jimador, Silver Tequila, Mango, Agave Nectar, Fresh Lime, Half Salt Rim
• Spicy Cucumber 18 Jalapeño & Serrano Infused El Jimador, Silver Tequila, Fresh Cucumber, Lemon,Half Chile-Salt Rim

Crafted Cocktails

• Acapulco Club 18, Blood Orange Infused Tito’s Vodka, Cointreau, Fresh Lime, Cliff Diver’s Bitters Blend, Aquafaba
• Mexicano Mule 15, Hornitos Reposado Tequila, Fresh Lime, Q Ginger Beer
• Cocojito 17- Cruzan Rum, House-Made Coconut Liqueur, Fresh Mint, Coconut Milk, Canela-Infused Agave Nectar, Fresh Lime
• Paloma 16, Maestro Dobel Diamante Tequila, Fever-Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit, Simple, Fresh Lime
• Smokey Negroni 18 Casamigos Mezcal, Campari, Carpano Antica Formula + If You Like it Spicy, Ask for Our House Tres Chiles Tincture
• Old Fashioned Al Gusto 21- Your Spirit of Choice, Simple, Angostura Bitters, Campfire-Smoked, Tequila: Corazòn Reposado Bourbon: The Wiseman Mezcal: Casamigos + If You Like it Spicy, Ask for Our House Tres Chiles Tincture

Spirit-Free

There’s also a nice array of non-alcoholic drinks. Elyssa opted for the Blood Orange Spritzer.  It looks gorgeous and we’re told it was wonderful. 

• Hibiscus Pomegranate Iced Tea 9- House-Made Hibiscus Grenadine, Iced Tea
• Cucumber Mint Refresco 9- Fresh Cucumber Juice, Fresh Mint, Lemon,
• Sparkling Water
• Blood Orange Spritzer 9- Blood Orange, Hibiscus Pomegranate Syrup, Lemon, Sparkling Water
• Guava Colada 9- Guava, Coconut Milk, Canela-Infused Agave Nectar, Fresh Orange, Fresh Lemon
• Mango Ginger Refresco 9- Mango Purée, Lemon, Chia Seed, Ginger Beer
• Mexican Soda 5, Mexican Coca-Cola, Mexican Sprite

After Dinner Drinks

Agave: 

• Del Maguey Crema de Mezcal– 20
• Komos Rose- 27
• Don Julio 1942 – 27

Congac: 

• Courvoisier VS – 16
• Hennessy VSOP – 18 

Iced Mexican Coffee – 12 – Freshly brewed coffee, Canela agave, Fee Brother’s Aztec Chocolate Bitters, Kahlua Whipped Cream topped with Shaved Chocolate, Cinnamon and Sugar

Old Fashions Al Gusto – 21 – Your spirit of choice, Simple Angostura Bitters, Campfire smoked. 

• Tequila – Corazon Reposado
• Bourbon: The Wiseman/Mezcal: Casamigos

Dessert

The Rosa Mexicano Dessert menu is brimming with delectable treats.  You can see the complete list above.

The treats sampled by Greg and Elyssa included the Margarita Lime Tart. 

They also ordered up the churros.

The dessert menu in its entirety is as follows: 

• Churros – 14 – dusted with Sugar and Cinnamon and served with dark chocolate and raspberry guajillo dipping sauces. 
• Margarita-Lime Tart – 12- Corralejo Reposado Tequila,  
• Flan – 12 – A Mexican classic, this vanilla-infused flan is baked slowly for hours over a gentle heat to ensure a rich and creamy texture. Topped with a light caramel sauce. 
• Tres Leches – This classic sponge cake is baked in three different milk and topped with berries. It is perfect for sharing. 

The Key Lime Tart was so beautiful and delicious that it deserves a close-up: 

Also, we thought you’d like to know that the churros are sugared tableside!

So How Did the Meal at Rosa Mexicano Stack Up? 

Greg said that the Ribeye Steak he ordered was delicious and cooked to perfection.  He said that its rare that he gets a steak that melts in his mouth (literally.) So,  we’ll take that as a big thumbs up! 

Greg was also a huge fan of the Chile Roasted Potatoes served up with the Ribeye.  Though Greg usually gives potatoes a miss when ordering steak, these ones he simply could not resist. 

Elyssa concluded that this was a fantastic meal and is easily one of the best Mexican restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort.  She wanted to give a wonderful shout-out to the cast members who made their visit to Rosa Mexicano so memorable! Elyssa said that attention paid to their table was top notch and felt like “white glove” service.  

In addition to the fabulous dinner menu which we shared above, Rosa Mexicano is also open for breakfast and lunch.  You can check out those menus here. 

Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for further Walt Disney World news and updates. We’ll be coming to you LIVE! from the theme parks each and every week. 

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