OUR MISSION
To create a place where good food, drink, and warm hospitality connect people across cultures, generations and tables, turning simple meals into cherished memories.
Food connects
We genuinely love what we do and ROLi is a deeply personal expression of what we believe a restaurant can be. For us, great food is never just about technique (though Chef ROLI does rather enjoy that part!) it’s about connection and understanding that it has the power to bring people together.
Food can be both deeply personal and wonderfully communal at the same time. This sense of connection and memory is central to our approach both to the food and to our hospitality.
Three little words: Story, Craft, Respect
These three words have a big meaning here at ROLi. The food & drink on our menus have a story. They aren’t chosen as fillers, they must earn their spot. They come from childhood memories, our travels, history & traditions, or simply yummy moments that stuck with us long enough to end up on a plate or in a cocktail glass!
The craft and passion behind creating delicious and nutritious food & drink is very important to us. We are always exploring and learning so we can deliver our best.
And last but by no means least, respect, for every ingredient, for the way they are produced, the way they are prepared, and for the continuing legacy of our ancestors.
People matter
We're not here to chase trends. We're here to build something timeless and become part of the fabric of the community here in New Haven. It’s important to us that when you come to ROLi you can experience a consistent level of impeccable service while feeling welcomed and ‘at home’. We believe serious food does not need to feel intimidating and that hospitality should always feel human. After-all, we are!
Our team is our foundation. We are committed to cultivating a workplace culture of respect and positivity. Our belief is when our team feels seen and supported, that genuine care naturally extends to you, our guests. Exceptional hospitality begins behind the scenes.
Our ‘Why’
As European immigrants, our journey has shaped everything about what ROLi is.
We built ROLi from the ground up, with a dream and an unwavering vision of what a restaurant should be, (albeit with very little money that might suggest we were off our rockers), fueled by a devotion to culinary and hospitality excellence, a slightly alarming work ethic, and a stubborn belief that passion and craft still matter.
Occasional moments of brilliance do not fly with us (anyone knowing us will attest to this ongoing sickness haha!), we believe what really matters is something far less glamorous: having the discipline (or utter madness) of showing up every day and consistently doing things well. We can honestly say that “Do it right, every time” is engrained in us.
ROLi is, quite simply, our happy place. We hope it becomes one of yours too.
Thank you for reading and being part of our story.
Angela & Chef ROLi
Food with Integrity
We try to source our ingredients thoughtfully, supporting local producers whenever we can, alongside exceptional artisans from across the country and abroad.
We care about where our food comes from and how it’s produced. Not because it’s fashionable to say so (no trend following fashionistas here at ROLi..), but because it simply feels like the right thing to do. For us, sustainability isn’t a slogan, it’s just good kitchen sense: respect the ingredients, waste as little as possible, and work with people who also take pride in that belief.
