Ruma brings a food-first rooftop experience to New Farm
A new rooftop venue has opened in New Farm, but it is not the party spot many might expect. Ruma has launched on the upper floor of the Little Lane precinct, focusing on a relaxed dining experience rather than a heaving bar atmosphere.
The venue comes from the minds of Daniel Tuivaiti and Katrina Mead, the owners of Sunsets Rooftop at Kangaroo Point. However, head chef Felipe Oliveira insists this is a long way removed from that post-game, pre-dinner crowd.
A place that feels like home
The name Ruma means “home” in the coastal Papua New Guinean language of Mead’s mother. This concept of belonging is central to the venue’s identity, especially for Oliveira, who is Brazilian-born and previously worked with the Tassis Group.
“My first job in Australia was washing dishes. That’s the first time I felt accepted here,” Oliveira says. He notes that as a migrant, arriving with no money, family, or English is incredibly hard, but the kitchen culture provided a sense of acceptance he could not find elsewhere.
Oliveira explains that Tuivaiti and Mead have a mixed background and are very family people. “And that’s what I was looking for – I just couldn’t find it around,” he adds.
Modern Australian menu with global techniques
The food is described as modern Australian, taking techniques from across different cuisines while focusing on local produce. The menu features a range of snacks and raw bar items, including potato pave with whipped feta, tonburi and fried saltbush.
Other small share plates include a wagyu beef tartare with yuzu kosho, chives and shoestring fries, and grilled local prawns with a grapefruit vinaigrette and lemon foam. A baby beetroot and compressed plum salad with macadamia cream and pickled beetroot ribbons is also available.
For larger plates, diners can choose charcoal chicken with yoghurt, a herb salad and lemon myrtle dressing, or a nine-score Stone Axe full-blood wagyu with shoestring fries and a beef jus. A crumbed pork cutlet with cabbage salad and house condiments, plus a mushroom pappardelle with mushroom sauce and pecorino, round out the mains.
Design and drinks
Brisbane-based designer Alkot has created a restrained tropical vibe for the open-air space. The interior features terracotta tiling, imposing marble counters, rattan chairs, and a row of spacious, patterned semicircular booths, all framed by stacks of greenery.
For beverages, venue manager Jordan Noble has compiled a relatively tight wine list of about 50 bottles. The selection prioritises small Australian producers, with a handful of Italian, French and New Zealand drops thrown into the mix. Cocktails are also available.
Opening times and location
Ruma opened earlier this month and has already seen a shift in its clientele. While the first few nights saw a very young crowd looking to party, Oliveira notes that people have started to understand the venue’s purpose.
“People have responded to it really well, and at nighttime too,” Oliveira says. “We have 100 booked for this Wednesday. That’s really encouraging because it becomes a different venue at night with the lights and decorations. The place really pops.”
The restaurant is located at Level 1, 84 Merthyr Road, New Farm. It is open Wednesday to Friday from midday to 10pm, Saturday from 11am to 11pm, and Sunday from 11am to 10pm. Reservations can be made by calling 0467 951 948 or visiting rumarooftop.com.au.
