For anyone seeking a haven of timeless elegance and warmth, the newly opened Rose Café at Malviya Nagar’s Eldeco Centre is a must-visit, writes GYANESHWAR DAYAL

Nestled within the vibrant neighbourhood of Malviya Nagar, Rose Café has opened its doors at the Eldeco Centre, offering a delightful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its charming vintage-inspired interiors, welcoming atmosphere, and a menu that celebrates home-style cooking with a Mediterranean twist, this beloved New Delhi eatery continues to create a space where time slows down, and cherished memories are made.

Founded in 2012 by the mother-daughter duo Sarita and Tarini Ahuja, Rose Café first began its journey in the serene bylanes of Saidulajab. Now, with its new location in Malviya Nagar, the café retains its timeless charm while introducing a fresh and airy space where patrons can unwind. The high ceilings, chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows, and distressed furniture create an ambience that is both captivating and comforting. Hand-painted murals, petal-patterned floors, and custom-made furniture add unique touches that evoke a sense of nostalgia and renewal, making every visit feel like a step back in time, without losing the comfort of contemporary style.

At the core of Rose Café’s philosophy is Sarita and Tarini’s passion for home-style cooking and crafting joyful dining experiences. Their aim is not just to offer meals, but to create moments where guests can relax, connect, and feel at ease. Whether it’s a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or an all-day breakfast indulgence, the café’s commitment to heartfelt hospitality ensures that every visit feels special. Even pets are welcomed with open arms, with the café's pet-friendly policy making it a perfect spot for furry companions to join in the fun.

Owner Sarita Ahuja says, “Whether you’re joining us for a quick bite, high tea, or a comforting dinner, we aim to make every visit special. We invite you to savour our home-style food, experience our hospitality, and become a part of our café’s ongoing story.”

The café's décor also reflects the Ahuja family’s personal history. Treasured knick-knacks passed down through generations are displayed thoughtfully throughout the space, blending seamlessly with more modern design elements to evoke the warmth of a familiar, lived-in home. This DIY ethos extends to the handcrafted details, from custom-designed chandeliers to hand-painted blackboards and rose accents, all contributing to the charm of the atmosphere.

Rose Café’s menu is a delightful blend of classic comfort foods and new culinary offerings. Alongside long-loved dishes such as spaghetti and meatballs, skinny pizzas, and bangers and mash, the new location introduces exciting additions with a Mediterranean twist. Diners can indulge in savoury churros, made with parmesan and truffle for an irresistible blend of flavours, or savour the richness of sun-dried tomato and pesto cream ravioli served with burnt butter, adding a luxurious touch to an already beloved pasta dish.

For those craving a taste of Lebanese cuisine, there are options like hummus platters paired with warm pita, falafel wraps bursting with fresh vegetables, and roasted vegetable salads dressed in light, fragrant olive oil and herbs. These Mediterranean-inspired dishes complement the café’s classic favourites, inviting diners to explore a range of flavours that are both comforting and adventurous.

Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisines are known for their fresh, vibrant flavours and healthy ingredients. Rooted in the use of olive oil, fresh herbs, grains, and legumes, these cuisines emphasise simplicity and the natural taste of ingredients. Lebanese dishes often include staples like hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, and baba ghanoush, with generous use of garlic, lemon, and aromatic spices. Mediterranean food, more broadly, features an array of grilled vegetables, seafood, flatbreads, and flavourful dips. Together, they offer a rich culinary tradition that balances light, wholesome fare with bold, satisfying tastes. Rose Café brings these to the heart of Delhi with its own improvisations. The food is, of course, served with a smile by warm staff, complementing the warmth of the place. Though new in Malviya Nagar, it is creating a lot of interest among people who relish exotic food.

The café’s all-day breakfast menu ensures that early risers and brunch enthusiasts can indulge in delights like berry compote-topped French toast or creamy scrambled eggs served with artisanal breads. Sweet treats like the signature lemon cake, homemade gelatos, and chocolate chip cookies remain menu staples, offering a familiar taste of comfort to loyal patrons.

At Rose Café, the dining experience extends beyond just a meal—it’s a chance to savour the beauty of the surroundings and lose track of time in a space that feels like an extension of one's own home. The café caters to every kind of visit, be it a relaxed high tea, a cosy lunch, or a romantic dinner date. The airy, light-filled environment invites guests to linger, enjoy the view through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and soak in the café’s elegant yet homely ambience.

The combination of vintage charm, Mediterranean flavours, and thoughtful hospitality sets it apart as a place where the simple joys of life are celebrated over delicious meals and comforting surroundings. Whether you're revisiting an old favourite or experiencing the café for the first time, Rose Café offers a dining experience that leaves you feeling refreshed, connected, and truly at home.