When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Rosewater Kitchen & Bar
Why Rosewater Kitchen & Bar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Rosewater Kitchen & Bar is a premier dining destination located in the vibrant Park District of North Hills, Raleigh. It offers an inviting atmosphere that captures the charm and intimacy of a village lifestyle, making it a fantastic place to meet up with friends. The restaurant is deeply rooted in seasonality and responsibly sourced ingredients, with a menu inspired by North Carolina's local bounty and Mediterranean flavors. The dishes pay homage to local gardeners, farmers, fishermen, and foragers, creating a fresh and honest culinary experience. Beyond lunch and dinner, Rosewater also provides grab-and-go options, catering to the thriving professional community nearby, while its weekend brunch redefines relaxation and togetherness. The ambiance transforms in the evenings to a lively piazza-like setting where guests can enjoy craft cocktails, a well-curated wine selection, and share laughter and great food. This combination of culinary excellence, community focus, and a warm, inviting environment makes Rosewater Kitchen & Bar an ideal spot for social gatherings and memorable meals.
Here's what people think of Rosewater Kitchen & Bar
As of recent, Rosewater Kitchen & Bar holds a 4.3-star rating based on 525 reviews.
Customer reviews for Rosewater Kitchen & Bar reveal a predominantly positive reception. Many reviewers praise the restaurant for its fresh, seasonally driven menu and the quality of local ingredients used in each dish. The atmosphere is frequently mentioned as warm and welcoming, perfectly embodying the restaurant’s village lifestyle theme. Patrons appreciate the attentive service and the creative craft cocktails and wine pairings that enhance their dining experience. The weekend brunch and the evening dinner service receive special accolades for their delicious offerings and convivial vibes, making the venue a popular spot for group outings and celebrations. However, some negative feedback highlights occasional issues such as slower service during peak hours and mixed opinions on price points, with a few guests feeling the dining experience may be on the pricier side relative to portion sizes. Despite these few critiques, the overall customer sentiment leans strongly positive, emphasizing Rosewater Kitchen & Bar as a cherished gathering place where honest food and community spirit unite for a memorable dining experience.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Johanna Jiménez
First time visiting. The food was delicious, specially the Breakfast Rissotto. Our server Hunter was very friendly and attentive. It was a little loud. She had to repeat herself a few times and apologized for the loudness; of course, it was a full house, so no apologies needed it. We understood, but we appreciated her attention. We're looking forward to the Greek Wine Dinner in August.
Chelsea Fountain
A unique space which invites the outdoors in and offers al fresco dining with intimate place settings and a welcoming staff. Really glad they allow for table reservations. We had great service and personalized recommendations on drinks, appetizers and entrees. All our food was flavorful. Their menu changes seasonally so we will definitely be back to try more dishes!
Toni Outlaw
Ah I can’t say enough good about this place! The service is phenomenal, I forgot that I mentioned on the reservation that it was my birthday but just about every employee that helped me told me happy birthday; I thought that was so sweet! The food is amazing, the chicken and waffles was top tier. That chicken cutlet was seasoned to perfection and the herb waffle was a pleasant surprise. I will definitely come again! Shoutout to the manager as well, she’s so kind.
Valentina Andara
I was so excited to try this place, and I was extremely disappointed, we made reservations for 1:30 pm and they were out of so many items, if they expect to run out of so many items maybe they should close earlier or don’t accept reservations after a certain time, they were out of the jalapeño fritters, crab eggs Benedict, and Shakshuka. We ended up ordering other things and the food was underwhelming, my French toasts were skinny and lack depth of flavor, my husband ordered steak and eggs, the steak was perfectly cooked but they added a green sauce that didn’t go well with the plate, and the French fries were horrible they tasted like they got them out of a old cheap frozen bag. Another thing was the service, I ordered a coffee and I wasn’t offered sugar or anything not even a stir stick, and the lack of menu items was horrible. I wouldn’t go back.
Haley Caudill
I finally got the opportunity to go to rose water 12/10!! The food was just absolutely amazing. I got the short rib and a coolcumber spritz. My boyfriend got the filet mignon We also had an appetizer, the whipped feta! And then we ended the night with some espresso! I’d love to come back
How to reach Rosewater Kitchen & Bar
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Why Rosewater Kitchen & Bar may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Rosewater Kitchen & Bar with your friends?
Gathering at Rosewater Kitchen & Bar in Midtown Raleigh offers more than just a meal; it is a destination that naturally encourages connection and celebration with friends or family. With its inviting atmosphere inspired by the charm and intimacy of a village lifestyle, the restaurant creates a warm environment perfect for groups looking to share quality time. Whether you are planning a casual brunch, a leisurely dinner, or an animated cocktail evening, Rosewater’s ambiance effortlessly blends relaxed sophistication with comfort. The intentionally crafted menu, featuring local, seasonal ingredients and inspired by European romance and the garden-to-table philosophy, gives groups the opportunity to savor dishes that feel both familiar and special. The restaurant's commitment to community, evident in its focus on honest food and crafted cocktails, makes it a fitting venue to create memorable experiences together. Moreover, the restaurant’s spacious yet intimate layout promotes lively conversation among friends, while its attentive yet unobtrusive service ensures that your group’s needs—from dietary preferences to special occasions—are smoothly handled.
What activities can you do at Rosewater Kitchen & Bar that make it ideal for group meetups?
Rosewater Kitchen & Bar offers a variety of activities and features that make it an excellent choice for group gatherings. First and foremost, the restaurant’s diverse menu caters to different tastes, including vegan options, which makes it easy to accommodate everyone in your party without compromise. Whether your group enjoys sampling craft cocktails, savoring a shared appetizer like their beloved Beet and Ricotta Hummus, or indulging in a main course of Squash Pasta or other seasonal specials, there are plenty of culinary experiences to bond over. The dining experience is enhanced by thoughtful beverage pairings, including a well-curated wine list designed to complement the seasonal menu. The ambiance itself qualifies as an activity—Rosewater often feels like an evolving garden party, providing a welcoming setting to relax and reconnect.
Additionally, the restaurant’s operating hours reflect flexibility that suits group plans. With brunch available on Sundays and extended dinner hours towards the weekend, Rosewater provides multiple options to fit into your day or evening schedules. The thoughtful service approach, despite a few reports of busy times, strives to ensure your group’s experience remains seamless and enjoyable. Plus, the location inside the vibrant Park at North Hills center in Raleigh means the meetup can extend beyond the restaurant to nearby shops or other entertainment venues, offering a complete social experience.
How does the ambiance at Rosewater Kitchen & Bar contribute to group enjoyment?
The ambiance at Rosewater Kitchen & Bar plays a central role in making it a top pick for group meetups. The restaurant captures the essence of intimacy and village charm, which helps create a setting where conversations flow easily and moments become memorable. The design and layout strike a deliberate balance between cozy and spacious, avoiding the cramped feel of many popular urban spots while still fostering a sense of communal gathering. Decor that reflects garden-inspired themes and European influences enhances the dining experience, making it feel like a refined yet approachable garden party.
Lighting and acoustic choices support a lively yet comfortable atmosphere, allowing groups to engage in animated discussions or quieter conversations without feeling overwhelmed by noise. Seasonal touches and thoughtful table settings add to the welcoming vibe, signaling that Rosewater is attentive to detail. These elements combine to encourage diners to linger over their meals and drinks, extending the time spent together and deepening the social experience. Whether you're hosting a reunion, a birthday, or just a casual catch-up, the ambiance supports both celebration and relaxation naturally.
What makes the food and drink menu at Rosewater Kitchen & Bar suitable for groups?
The menu at Rosewater Kitchen & Bar is thoughtfully designed with group dining in mind, offering a diverse selection of dishes that showcase local, seasonal ingredients and cater to various dietary preferences. The culinary approach is rooted in the New American kitchen style with pronounced European influences, resulting in dishes that reflect both creativity and tradition. Groups can enjoy starters meant for sharing, such as the Beet and Ricotta Hummus, which encourages a communal dining style that enhances interaction among diners.
Entrees like the Squash Pasta highlight seasonal flavors and local produce, underscoring Rosewater’s commitment to partnering with gardeners, farmers, and fishermen, which adds a sense of authenticity and freshness to every plate. There are options to satisfy vegan diners and others with special dietary needs, ensuring inclusiveness within any group. The drink menu complements the food beautifully, featuring a selection of craft cocktails and a well-curated wine list that invites groups to toast occasions or simply enjoy quality beverages together. This dynamic yet approachable menu makes Rosewater an excellent place to satisfy varied palates in a social dining context.
How convenient is the location and operational hours for hosting group events at Rosewater Kitchen & Bar?
Rosewater Kitchen & Bar benefits from a prime location at 110 Park at North Hills Street in Raleigh, making it accessible and convenient for group meetups. This vibrant district offers ample parking and additional amenities nearby, which can enrich the outing with after-dinner or pre-dinner activities. Whether guests are traveling from different parts of Raleigh or nearby areas, the central location within Midtown Raleigh is easy to find and navigate.
The restaurant’s operating hours add to its suitability for groups. Serving lunch on Saturdays, brunch on Sundays, and dinner from Tuesday through Sunday with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays provides ample flexibility to schedule gatherings. This means groups can host a midday meal, an early brunch, or a late dinner depending on preferences and availability, accommodating diverse schedules. Additionally, Rosewater accepts reservations, which is vital for smooth group logistics and ensuring that the party can be accommodated without long waits. The combination of location and thoughtful scheduling makes Rosewater an excellent, convenient venue for groups looking to plan a successful meetup.
What kind of service and accessibility can groups expect at Rosewater Kitchen & Bar?
Groups hosting events at Rosewater Kitchen & Bar can look forward to attentive and accommodating service designed to enhance the dining experience without intrusion. Reviews reflect that while the restaurant can be busy during peak times or holidays, the staff works diligently to address the needs of the party, from providing additional silverware and water glasses to making sure orders are taken efficiently. The atmosphere supports a balance where servers are available and responsive but respectful of guests’ desire to enjoy their meals and conversations uninterrupted.
In terms of accessibility, Rosewater is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all members of the group can comfortably access and navigate the space. This inclusive approach extends beyond physical accessibility to menu options like vegan choices, which speak to the restaurant’s awareness of diverse dietary needs. Whether planning a milestone celebration, casual meetup, or business gathering, guests can expect a professional and warm service culture that aims to make every group member feel welcomed and well cared for. This service quality supports Rosewater’s vision of being a community hub where people gather to celebrate and connect.
Combining a charming atmosphere, thoughtful menus, flexible hours, and attentive service, Rosewater Kitchen & Bar stands out as a premier destination in Raleigh for hosting group meetups with friends and family. Its village-inspired intimacy paired with the liveliness of a garden party ensures every visit becomes a shared celebration, perfect for forging lasting memories.