At Rosita
I’m Andrea.
Born and raised in tropical Latin America, I have been living in the UK on and off since 1996.
Here, at Cantina Rosita, I try to recreate some of the distinctive flavours and dishes I grew up with.
Our mission is to celebrate Latin American and Arabic food. So, please sit down in our beautiful tropical-inspired canteen and enjoy delicious food, cakes and drinks made in-house. Unwind. Relax.
Expect empanadas, corn arepas, falafel, Lebanese arayes and a variety of salsas. This is informal eating. You’ll definitely need the many napkins we provide!
UK seasonal products mingle with ingredients from the tropics and the Arabic world.
We also try to balance high-quality local products with those from further afield. Our vegetables and fruits are mostly from Hampshire, Sussex and the Isle of Wight. The seafood we serve is sustainable, our chicken and eggs are free-range and all our meats are provided by local suppliers.
Cantina Rosita can accommodate 24 people comfortably seated inside and, during the summer, about the same number can join us on the patio when the British weather allows.
Sociable, well-behaved dogs on a lead, are very welcome.
Arepas & Falafel
When I was about 12, I heard that the caretaker’s wife at my secondary school was starting to sell home-made food directly from her kitchen door.
At 11:30am, between maths and biology, I sprinted to get into a long and desperate queue. Socorro cooked just one dish so the stakes were high. She didn’t have a menu; everybody knew she sold arepas, a delicacy made with corn bread and filled with multiple combinations or simply ham and cheese. Each hot arepa was sliced open, coated handsomely with butter and filled. Two or three napkins were used to wrap it all up.
Her arepas were succulent.
Fast forward a decade to working at a newspaper, where I was full-time journalist and part-time editor. Right by the office, a Lebanese family opened a hole in the wall to sell the most divine falafel. Served the traditional way, in a flatbread, with a tahini sauce, pickles and salad.
Years later, I discovered a world of flavours and differences when I tasted falafel from the tiniest kitchens in Cairo, Dubai, Syria and at the legendary Sahyoun, in Beirut.
Cantina Rosita follows that uncomplicated format. We offer a few delicious dishes, all prepared from the heart. I hope you love them as much as I do.
Cantina Rosita’s dishes
We have a focussed menu, offering breakfast, lunch, cakes and a variety of specials.
Our aim is to be a sustainable canteen within the UK’s hospitality industry. We do this by keeping our food waste minimal, using compostable plant-based packaging, recycling where possible and up-cycling furniture. We are always looking for ways to improve our sustainable mission.
£1.50
£4.00
Drinks
£2.20
Substitutes & Dietary Requirements
Please tell us if you would like a substitute to cow’s milk. Choose from oat, almond and coconut milk.
= Vegetarian 
= Vegan
To go
Currently all our dishes can be made to takeaway. You can even call us in advance and collect.
Some of Cantina Rosita’s dishes
Argentinian empanadas, Arepas Venezuelan style, Lebanese Arayes, shredded meat, fried plantain, house salsa, falafel, garlic sauce…
Corn soup with or without meatballs, chicken spiced with cumin, shredded beef with black beans and plenty of salsa...
Events
Would you like to be first to know about our events? Email hello@cantinarosita.com to join our mailing list
Cantina Rosita’s upcoming events
Latin American Dinner
🗓 Friday, 18th October | ⏰ 6:45 PM – 11:00 PM
Savour the vibrant flavours of Latin America with a specially curated dinner. Enjoy an unforgettable evening with lively ambiance and authentic dishes
Mexican Día de los Muertos Celebration
🗓 Friday, 1st November | ⏰ 6:45 PM – 11:00 PM
Join us in celebrating Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Immerse yourself in a festive atmosphere filled with traditional food, music, and vibrant decorations honouring this cultural tradition
Eastern Mediterranean Dinner
🗓 Friday, 15th November | ⏰ 6:45 PM – 11:00 PM
Discover the rich and aromatic flavours of the Middle East with a delightful dinner experience. A night of exotic dishes awaits, bringing the best of the Eastern Mediterranean to your table
Book your spot now for a memorable culinary journey!
🎄 Christmas at The Cantina 🎄
It’s hard to believe, but Christmas is just around the corner—where did the summer go? With the festive season fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about your Christmas party plans. Have you booked yours yet?
Why not consider celebrating at The Cantina? We offer a cozy and intimate setting perfect for private dinners with your friends, family, or colleagues. Our menu breaks away from the traditional turkey and cranberry sauce, bringing you a unique dining experience with delicious, non-traditional dishes.
The holiday season at The Cantina is filled with warmth, flavour, and unique experiences. Book your Christmas celebration with us today✨
Here’s a sneak peek into what’s coming up this Christmas:
- Wreath Making Workshops: Join us for an afternoon or evening of creativity and fun as you craft your own beautiful Christmas wreath.
- Venezuelan Pan de Jamón: Taste this festive delicacy—sweet, savory, and absolutely delicious! Order yours for collection during the festive period
- Petersfield Light Switch-On 29th November: Don’t miss the magical moment when the town lights up for Christmas, be sure to pop by and grab a lovely hot chocolate, coffee or a cup of soup to keep you warm!
- Petersfield Christmas Market 8th December: Just like during the Spring and Summer festivals, we’ll be back with a selection of our delightful offerings to warm you up and get you into the festive spirit
But that’s not all! The festive fun will continue with other exciting events so be sure to keep an eye out for updates on our upcoming events—you won’t want to miss out on all the festive fun we have in store! Keep following us on social media and stay tuned for all the latest news and surprises 🎅
Get in touch to find out more
Catering & private events
Please fill out our enquiry form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. We are always happy to negotiate the menu choices if there’s something in particular that you would like.
Are you interested in booking us for a private event or catering to collect?
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Please be aware that the Cantina can only be used for private events outside of our usual hours - Minimum for private hire is 18 people. Allergen and dietary information available upon request
Contact
¡Hola!
5 Folly Lane, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU31 4AU
Telephone: +447940771977
Email: hello@cantinarosita.com
We are 8-minutes walk away from Petersfield train station and a hop from the Central car park by Waitrose.
Opening Times
Cantina Rosita is open: Tuesday to Saturday 8:30 – 16:00
- Breakfast served 8:30 – 11:30
- Lunch served from 11:30-15:00
(Last orders at 14:45)
If you would like to book a table please contact us via phone or email, we are unlicensed but you can bring your own alcohol, corkage charge will be applied.
Our suppliers
Cantina Rosita is working with a lovely group of suppliers and the list is growing daily.
Host coffee. Do check them out. Their house blend is really delicious and so is their decaf.
Teapigs. We think they make brilliant tea and there’s no plastic in their tea bags. Their cartons are recyclable, reusable, biodegradable and the ink they use to print their packaging with is vegetable-based.
Our veggies are supplied by Bryant Bros, a family business based in Liss. No fruit or veg is too exotic for them!
We have recently started using Decent packaging for our takeaway coffee cups. Once used, they can be dropped into your home compost bin!
Our barista cloths are Envirowipe, plastic free and also fully home compostable; tried and tested by us.
