Roses Dining Room

Forget your average restaurant routine. Roses Dining Room on Karangahape Road throws a curveball, transforming a former storeroom into a vibrant playground for emerging chefs and winemakers. Owned by a team of four including the artistic duo of Ophelia Harradine-Bayley (photographer), Karl Bayly (multi-disciplinary artist), Emil (Gallerist of Grace) and Joe (a sublime human), this hidden gem isn't your typical spot.

The story behind Roses is as unique as its concept. The couple, having a nostalgia for the space's past life showcasing art (including their own), spotted the "For Lease" sign during the peak of COVID, with the couple's 6-month-old baby in tow. Driven by a touch of serendipity (and possibly craving for a creative outlet), Ophelia signed the lease on the spot.

Set up to be a residency restaurant with Karl as the internal support of guest chefs, Roses started off with fortnightly dinners so that the couple could spend more time with their young child. Fast-forward two years and 29 resident chefs and 22 resident winemakers later, Roses has blossomed into an essential wine-ing and dining destination. Forget a static menu—the magic lies in its ever-changing lineup of food and wine. Each residency lasts from a week to a few months, giving rising culinary stars the platform to showcase their talents. It's a full-circle moment for Karl and Ophelia, who, in their past gallery-running days, championed upcoming artists. 

While there are a few basic guidelines—budget and number of dishes (designed mostly for sharing)—the chefs have free rein when crafting their menus. The kitchen is the chef’s studio, Karl acts as their culinary mentor, ensuring the focus stays on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Sustainability is kept front of mind, too. Kahawai, for example, is the catch used in fish dishes because it isn't overfished, lots of their produce comes from Maara Fresh, offcuts are composted through Kelmarna Gardens and their wines are produced organically by low intervention small family-run makers, largely from Aotearoa. 

The excitement of a menu that morphs adds to the allure. One week, you might be digging into a rice cooker chicken masterpiece, the next, a lamb dish with a side of burnt beetroot (the bitter crisp salad paired surprisingly well with the melt-in-the-mouth lamb). Chefs are handpicked based on recommendations or approach the restaurant directly—but as Ophelia stresses, it’s just as much about the “vibe” they give than their culinary experience.

And she’s right—the magic of Roses goes beyond the ever-evolving menu and it’s because of the experience it creates. Stepping through the bottle-lined walkway, you're greeted by an intimate room bathed in a soft, purple glow. Half a dozen tables adorned with fresh flowers and flickering candles create a dreamy atmosphere. You'll feel more like a friend at a secret dinner party than just another customer. The open kitchen allows you to witness the culinary artistry firsthand.

Service at Roses extends beyond order-taking. The front-of-house team, including Joe and Ophelia herself, radiates warmth and genuine care for their guests. They're not just serving food; they're creating an experience and building meaningful relationships along the way. Diners are treated like friends, and seeing by the abundance of regulars returning, the feelings are reciprocated, creating an atmosphere of true romance.  

Roses is where romance meets casual comfort, perfect for a date night or a fun night out with friends. This Karangahape Road eatery is a must-visit for anyone seeking unique wines, heartfelt connection and an artistic culinary adventure.

Image credit: Michael White