“WHO” IS Roli?
ROLi was founded by two Europeans with a lot of heart and vision. It is the debut concept from Angela Grogan and Chef Roland Olah, blending the rustic soul of traditional European cooking with modern creativity and a dash of New Haven spirit - the place they now proudly call home.
Roland, originally from Hungary and Angela’s Irish heritage bring a rare mix of authenticity to this modern European dining experience.
Guests can expect a high-end casual vibe: a warm inviting ambiance, semi-open kitchen with a six-seat Chef’s Counter, intimate tables, a lively bar, and a vintage-meets-bohemian interior, all layered with the kind of soulfulness only a deeply personal menu can offer.
Currently ROLi offers a dinner service six nights a week, from 4pm until late, and Brunch on Saturday & Sundays starting soon.
Reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome—especially at the bar.
Chef Roland Olah
ROLi is the penultimate goal of Chef Roland Olah. It stems from a deep desire to create a culinary experience that fuses his classical training in French cuisine, Hungarian roots, his esoteric sensory talents and decades of expertise creating thoughtful, from-scratch dishes that celebrate depth, balance, memory and emotion.
Before leaving Hungary to pursue a dream to work with Daniel Boulud in NYC he was recognized as one of the Top 10 Chefs in his country. His friends thought he was mad to leave, but he had a vision, and a list of goals to achieve so he set off on his mission and has not looked back (and yes, he did get to work with Daniel! )
Olah has built a loyal following, and received widespread recognition for his culinary excellence in Fairfield County. He has earned a high reputation for his food and his unwavering dedication to doing things the right way.
“I cook what my heart tells me to—that’s the philosophy behind every dish on my menu. I want our guests to taste a dish, or smell and aroma, that stirs a good memory or emotion, bringing them back to a person, place, or moment in time. I believe in simple foods prepared the right way. You don’t need hundreds of ingredients—just a few, treated with care and respect, to create something unforgettable. When ingredients are honored and prepared correctly, their natural flavors shine. This is what I wish for our guests to feel in every dish we serve.”
Want to know what his ultimate goal is?
Read our Blog!
ANGELA GROGAN
Co-owner of ROLi, Angela has spent her career creating experiences that feel intentional, welcoming, and full of heart. She’s the kind of person who notices the little things – how the lighting & music changes the mood of a room, how a warm greeting & a smile can instantly make you feel at home. Growing up with Irish parents, hospitality is ingrained into her blood. Her heritage had a strong emphasis on family, a deep sense of community, and a unique blend of resilience, humor, and staying down to earth.
At ROLi, she’s building a space rooted in community, where the food is honest, the energy is vibrant, and every detail is handled with respect & care.
“It’s important to me to truly get to know our guests and make sure they feel at home at ROLi.” she says. “I want it to be the kind of place you’re excited to come back to—again and again. To make that happen, I’m building a team that feels like family—people who feel valued and who are genuinely passionate about delivering an exceptional hospitality experience.”
Would you like to join the team? Send your cv and details to:
angela@rolinewhaven.com
AND WHO ARE THESE PUPs?
You might have noticed that there are quite a few sausage dogs floating around our website…well these three spirited mini dachshunds are an important part of the ROLi story and have been honored with the defining logo.
They’re very busy living their best lives—but will happily entertain press requests, as long as there are plenty of treats and no other pups are trying to steal their spotlight. Diva behavior? Absolutely. Deserved? Totally.
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