Michigan’s only Colombian restaurant

Last spring, the De la Mora family introduced Café De Olla, a Mexican restaurant sharing a space with Royal Oak’s Café Muse, on Washington Avenue. However, by January of 2025, that restaurant closed, making way for Rosita’s Cocina, a Colombian eatery. This marks the second location for owners Patrick and Rosandys Henderson, who also own a Rosita’s location in Shelby Township. According to the Hendersons, Rosita’s Cocina is the only Colombian restaurant in Michigan. Rosandys, a native Colombian with a background as a professional singer, and Patrick, an automotive engineer, met in Asia, married, and later relocated to Michigan, Patrick’s home state. During the pandemic, Rosandys began making empanadas from their home, eventually opening their first restaurant in Shelby Township. A few of the main dish specialties at Rosita’s include: grilled octopus featuring three tender tentacles served with grilled vegetables and small potatoes; Cazuela de Mariscos, a rich seafood soup made with coconut milk, spices, and vegetables; and red snapper, a whole deep-fried fish served with rice, salad, and fried plantains. In addition, Rosita’s features over 20 rotating varieties of handmade Colombian-style empanadas with corn shells, filled with both sweet and savory options. For those not familiar with Colombian cuisine, the waitstaff is more than helpful in making recommendations and all of the food at Rosita’s is 100 percent gluten-free. The restaurant also boasts a full bar, offering wine, beer, and cocktails. 418 S. Washington Avenue, Royal Oak (inside Café Muse) rositastreats.com