A passion for good times
Bringing an incredible passion and enthusiasm, added to over 30 years of combined experience in the industry, we aim to bring back the buzz of the old Italia while offering something new and exciting to catch the imagination of the good folk of Low Fell.
Our love for all things food and drink, married to a genuine commitment to quality customer service, will hopefully result in an experience you'll want to repeat again and again.
At the head of your thoughts
We can cater for large and small parties and provide private areas for family occasions, from weddings to christenings, and we can host business meetings with facilities for presentations. There's a takeaway collection service for all of our menus, including buffets, and delivery can be arranged, just ask for details.
With a wide variety of lunchtime and evening offers, and as a child-friendly venue that is also a great spot for just the grown-ups, there's a corner of Rosa Twelve for every occasion.
What we've done with the place
As well as an extensive renovation of the existing site, we stumbled across a previously unused part of the old place that we think you're going to love. There was lots of space to fill, and we still struggled to fit everything in.
The first thing you'll see on arrival is the ground floor spilling out onto a smart patio, a great spot for watching the world go by on a sunny afternoon amid the hustle and bustle of Durham Road. Through the doors, relax in the comfortable seating of the ground-floor Welcome Lounge Café & Wine Bar: enjoy a coffee and a cake, have some lunch, or grab a drink from the well-stocked bespoke bar before moving to your table for dinner.
Wander up the beautifully handcrafted oak staircase to the first floor restaurant. Modern décor and a great atmosphere are more than complemented by simply stunning views of the rolling hills of the Team Valley through our picture windows. Choose from fresh, delicious pizza and pasta, or be a touch more adventurous and test our talented team of chefs with the a la carte menu.
Or are you looking for something completely different? Hiding out of sight is our best kept secret. Sneak down the stairs at the rear of the ground floor and discover The Lugano. Decorated in a rustic, traditional style, its low lighting, low ceilings and subtle background music create a unique and intimate atmosphere. It also makes an excellent private dining space, and a fabulous venue for live music and themed nights.
We're extremely proud of the place we've prepared for you, and hope that whatever the occasion, and whichever floor you choose, you'll have a night to remember. We'll see you soon.
From The Lugano to The Italia
Opened on 20th September 1961, the building was originally known as the Lugano coffee bar, a popular spot for the people of Low Fell to gather and catch up on the day's affairs. We've spoken to several members of the community who remember the place fondly, but the standout line has to be:
Where were you when they shot JFK? I was in The Lugano having a coffee. A Low Fell local, remembering the Lugano
If the building's first inhabitants were popular, then there's no describing the impact the next ones would have. The Italia was arguably Newcastle's most famous Italian restaurant through the 70s, 80s and 90s. An old-school Italian, it led the way in introducing the people of the North East to that fabulous nation's now famous style of food.
We've lost count of the people who, on hearing where we were setting up, replied: "The Italia? We used to go there all the time!" or "That place was always really busy!" Anyone working in Italian restaurants around the North East today probably has a lot to thank the Italia for.
So after 50 years, the building is morphing into only its third incarnation with the arrival of Rosa Twelve. We hope we can provide experiences to match your memories of our predecessors, or introduce you to the building for the first time. Who knows, you could be under our roof when the next JFK moment occurs.
Come and say hello
Book your table online, or call us on 0191 487 8257.