Rosie

Overview

Whether you are taking her on the ultimate first date, proposing to the woman of your dreams, or groveling after forgetting your two month anniversary (who even knew that was a thing?), then Rosie is the place to take your missus.

Parnell's newest addition, and the latest venture by the Hip Group who brought you Ortolana and Takapuna Beach Cafe, Rosie is the epitome of romance. Rosie being located across the road from Gladstone Road's gardens, means that you can take your girl for a amorous stroll through the roses before your meal.

Inside, Rosie is comfortably petite. Its low ceiling, mood lighting and open kitchen make for an intimate experience that is modern, sexy and ultimately romantic. The food adds to the romance. As is tradition with the Hip Group, the menu is minimalistic and littered with foodie jargon that you definitely won't understand. Don't stress it though, pretty much everything we ordered had some strange word in its definition but it was all delicious, so just take a stab in the dark regardless of whether you know what "caillette" means.

The menu ranges from breakfast through to dinner and dessert. For lunch, try out the halloumi or the fish and get the garlic potatoes on the side - unless you really are there on a date, because they are seriously garlicky. If you are out for dinner then go for the spatchcock. It comes on kale and spelt and is a little bit spicy, but not spicy enough to leave your breath smelling so funky it scares away your date. The passionfruit pannacotta ($10) is by far the best dessert. Served in passionfruit halves, the pannacotta is the perfect consistency, topped with light cream, and makes for a delectable end to your romantic dinner.

Rosie is 'The Notebook' of Auckland eateries. Everything about it says romance. From the location to the atmosphere to the food. Take her there, whether to celebrate or to seduce or to beg for forgiveness, and she will love you for it.