Roses & Berries Cafe — Restaurant in Dubuque

In the often-homogenized landscape of modern dining, where chain restaurants and fast-casual eateries dominate, Roses and Berries Cafe stands as a beacon of culinary excellence. This is not merely a place to eat; it is a destination for those who appreciate the art of food, a hidden gem whose fortunate local patrons have access to an unbelievable level of quality at an astonishingly reasonable price.

My own introduction to this culinary haven was entirely by chance, a decision to seek out a non-traditional breakfast spot. What we discovered was an experience that transcended the simple act of eating. The breakfast menu, a testament to thoughtful curation and masterful execution, offers a symphony of flavors. The omelettes, cooked to a perfect tenderness, were paired with a house-made Turkish sausage that crackled with a delicate smokiness. The crepes, light and fluffy, were elevated by a smoked salmon that tasted as if it had been caught and smoked just moments before. Each dish was a revelation, a testament to the chef's passion and skill. Our meal was further enhanced by the cafe's impressive beverage program. The Turkish coffee, brewed with evident care, was robust and aromatic, a perfect complement to the rich flavors of our breakfast. The selection of teas and other artisanal drinks was equally thoughtful, each one a curated experience in itself. The quality of the ingredients and the precision of their preparation were far beyond what one would expect from a cafe. It was a breakfast experience so mind-blowingly good that it compelled us to do something we rarely do: return for lunch.

The lunch experience, we quickly discovered, was not merely a sequel but a triumphant escalation of our morning's delight. We opted to share the MEZZE PLATTER, which consists of za'atar feta dip, olives, muhammara, baba ghanoush, hummus, avocado yogurt, warm pita and sourdough bread and the SHAWARMA BOWL with basmati rice, thin slices of traditionally seasoned chicken, pickles, tomato, cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and garlic sauce. The flavors were even more complex and nuanced than our breakfast, a multi-layered journey that left us speechless. The portion sizes were generous, a welcome contrast to the often-meager offerings of high-end restaurants, and the price point was, quite frankly, absurdly low for the quality of food being served. Perhaps the most memorable aspect of our dining journey was the dessert. The pastry case, a veritable gallery of edible art, beckoned to us with its stunning array of tarts, croissants, and pastries. We chose a house-made lemon meringue tart, and it was nothing short of a revelation. The crust was flaky and buttery, a perfect vessel for the sweet, tart filling. Each bite was a celebration, a final, mind-blowingly good note to an already perfect meal. The desserts are not an afterthought; they are a grand finale, a testament to the same meticulous care and passion that goes into every other dish. Beyond the astounding quality of the food, the overall experience at Roses and Berries Cafe is elevated by a staff that is as exceptional as the cuisine.

Roses and Berries Cafe is more than a restaurant; it is a culinary institution in the making. The locals of this town are truly blessed to have a cafe that serves such flavorful, chef-prepared food at a fantastic price. It's a place where every meal feels like a special occasion, where the passion for food is palpable in every bite. This cafe serves as a powerful reminder that exceptional dining does not need to be exclusive or expensive. It can, and in the case of Roses and Berries Cafe, it does exist right in your own backyard. For anyone who appreciates the transformative power of a truly great meal, Roses and Berries Cafe is not just a recommendation—it is a...

Roses & Berries Café is, overall, a nice place. We had lunch on a late-July Wednesday at about 11:00 am. The food is good to very good. The portions were fine. I was full enough I didn’t order dessert, although the pastries on display looked appetizing.

On the Plus Side: as stated, the food is good to very good (we’ll return for more). The menu offers plenty of choices. Takeaway orders are an option. We came relatively early so a table was available straight away. The main seating area looks great, finely decorated, bright, clean, and seating is comfortable. Stoneware plates and cups are fancy. The staff is polite and friendly. Service is reasonably fast despite the main seating area being nearly full. Bathroom gets a thumbs-up as well (it does count!) Since we drove from out of state, we’d made reservations and sure enough, the table was indeed marked reserved and displayed our name. Parking is adequate. Wheelchair access is ok. We had Baba Ghanoush (shared for two), Shawarma Bowl, Chicken and Mushroom Crêpe, Peach Oolong tea, and Macha Latte. All of it was fine (do try the Macha Latte!)

On the Down Side: I hate to bring this up since I did like this place, but to be fair other details need to be addressed. There’s little in the way of table service. No one greets walk-ins: just pick whatever table that seems suitable. We found our reserved table almost accidentally. There are no tablecloths on the tables. Get menus at the register and return to your table if you don’t know yet what to order. These are paper menus--mine was partially torn, my wife's was stained. They did not offer wine or liquor. Return to the register when ready to place your order (make sure you know what your table number is), and pay in advance. I ordered Syrian Fatteh, but someone came back from the kitchen before we could pay our bill to inform us they were out of eggplant. Once you're done ordering, a waiter will bring your order. With four people, table space is at a premium. Though very nice looking, a few of our plates showed cracks and chips. Eventually, empty dishes will be picked up, although I had to be a bit ostensible, piling up the empty dishes in front of me before a kind soul took them away. Order your water at the register. If you don’t, none will be brought spontaneously to your table (we didn’t ask). No hot water refill or personal teapot were offered with the tea. No one suggested dessert (we didn’t ask). The main dining area is noisy at peak times. With a few thoughtless kids around, you’ll need to raise your voice to hold a conversation. Although Roses & Berries looks nice, its atmosphere suffers from the ambiant noise and a certain lack of intimacy.

We paid $49 (tip and tax included) for two. We plan...

My wife heard the food was good here and we decide to stop in for breakfast. When you walk into it you are transported to another country. The brightness, floral decorations and design will emotionally draw you in. You grab a menu to view the selection or look up at the easy to read menu posted. The staff at the order station was very helpful and friendly. We did let her know it was our first time. She was helpful with suggestions. We ordered and were handed a table stand with a number. You find your own seat where ever a table or couches with chairs are open! Yes…I said couches. Soft and love the layout with individual chairs. There are three large decorative glass containers filled with three water flavor selections. You get your own silverware and napkins. My wife had their Lavender Latte. She thought it was very mild and tasty. I had their coffee and was light and fresh. Many choices for hot or cold drinks. I had their Turkish sausage omelet. The eggs plenty and light fluffy. The sauce was a little spicy but tasty. I would order again. Portions are more than enough. My wife had their House Omelet. She loved it. For a list of their ingredients check out their website. I should have ordered one of their crepes as a side dish. Watching the chef make them look SO good. Be sure to walk up to the desert counter as see all the choices!!!!! The atmosphere, the food and service will definitely satisfy you very much. We will be back! Thank...