Roses Dining Room

Roses Dining Room may seem a little unconventional, but they’ve certainly got the recipe right. The outcome is something that Auckland didn’t even know it was missing, but an idea that makes a lot of sense. The concept is simple: it’s strictly not a restaurant, but rather a dining room that plays host. Visitors can come together to enjoy each other’s company, meaningful food and thoughtfully chosen wine. We all love a good dinner party - you know the food will be delicious, though the real takeaway of the night is always about so much more than just good food. And Roses Dining Room brings that energy.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are their regular days hosting a rotating schedule of guest chefs, winemakers and bakers across their weekly opening hours. These guests often come from the kitchens of Auckland’s favourite eateries, here to cook up their favourite foods and experiment with creativity. Roses is also available for private dining, with a completely custom menu designed for each private event.

Owners, recent parents and top-notch collaborators Karl and Ophelia have grown Roses Dining Room to challenge the status quo of regular restaurant operations and to ensure it fits into their life together. There is equal pay all round, and their part-time opening hours are reflective of their lives outside of work, as they also prioritise time with their young daughter, Penelope. Roses enables chef Karl to cook part-time, alongside guest chefs and for private events of his choosing, which still provides the opportunity to share his knowledge and learn from others. Ophelia has the energy that brings Roses together - she loves to host, especially over a good plate of food and a nice tipple. 

Due to the rotating residencies, the menu regularly changes, but what remains a constant is the consistency of quality food, interesting wines and good service. No one cares more about a business than the people who created it, so being front and centre is something Karl, Ophelia and Emil (the pairs’ business partner) take pride in, and it’s where they belong - Karl working alongside resident guests in the kitchen, and Ophelia and Emil ensuring everything runs smoothly out front.

The space may be small and cosy, but it’s also intimate, welcoming and homely. The chairs are slightly mismatched, the walls are a dark shade of purple, and depending on the configuration, up to 20 visitors can be seated at once. Whatever the occasion, you can be sure your experience at Roses Dining Room will be one to remember.