The Wandering Rose Brings Taste of Turkish/Mediterranean to Vineland
Photo by Meredith Winner Mer-Made Photography
AC JosepH Media
VINELAND — Lighting up Lincoln Plaza, The Wandering Rose has quickly become one of Cumberland County’s most intriguing dining experiences with its mix of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine.
During a visit by FRNJ Dine?In reviewers, co?owner Shelly Saglik shared the story behind The Wandering Rose, which has already captured the curiosity — and taste buds — of the Vineland community and beyond.
The Wandering Rose opened this spring, transforming a former diner space into a vibrant, fresh?ingredient?focused culinary destination. Saglik, who co?owns the restaurant with partner Oljay Saglik, said the idea grew from her long?standing love of Turkish cuisine and a desire to bring something new to the area.
“Every time I wanted Turkish food, I had to drive at least 45 minutes,” Saglik said. “I wanted to bring something to this area that wasn’t here.”
From Diner Roots to Mediterranean Vision
Saglik previously owned the Bridgeton Family Diner before transitioning into real estate for more than a decade. But the dream of a café?style restaurant never left her. When the Lincoln Plaza location became available, she decided to “go bigger or go home.”
The space itself is impressive — nearly 4,000 square feet with seating for about 120 guests. The size allows for a comfortable dining experience, something Saglik intentionally designed by removing several seats to create an open?air atmosphere.
The restaurant originally kept the previous diner’s menu for its first month while the team learned the equipment and flow. The Wandering Rose’s own menu launched several months ago, and the community quickly followed.
Fresh Ingredients, Made?to?Order Meals
Diners respond to the restaurant’s commitment to freshness because, “We don’t prepare anything ahead of time,” Saglik explained. “Everything is made at the minute of order — even our drinks.”
That includes their house?made bread, baked fresh three times a day, and their custom beverages, each crafted individually. The approach means food may take a little longer, but customers quickly understand why.
Among the standout dishes:
- Kebabs — a top seller, especially during dinner hours.
- Doner (Gyro/Hero) — marinated in?house and roasted on a rotating machine, sliced fresh for every order.
- Breakfast Pancakes — a surprise hit, described as “just different” by Saglik.
- Lentil Soup — creamy, pureed, and popular.
- Beef Calapasha Soup — a healthy and rich collagen?based soup that customers can’t help but rave about.
The Wandering Rose also offers breakfast boards, allowing two or more diners to share a variety of items without ordering multiple plates.
Turkish Coffee: A Cultural Experience
One of the most unique features at The Wandering Rose is its traditional Turkish coffee brewed in sand — a method that fascinates customers.
“Each pot is made per cup,” Saglik said. “People are really interested in seeing how it’s done.”
The coffee, along with Turkish teas and pastries, adds an experiential element that sets the restaurant apart. Vineland, New Jersey has come a long way, and a visit to The Wandering Rose should not be missed.
A Restaurant for Everyone
Saglik emphasized that The Wandering Rose is designed to tantalize the taste buds of all who visit.
While Mediterranean and Turkish dishes anchor the menu, the restaurant also offers familiar American options such as grilled chicken breast, cheeseburgers, chicken wings, and French fries. This ensures that groups with mixed tastes can all find something they enjoy.
Saglik said the biggest surprise in their new endeavor has been how quickly the community embraced the concept.
“I was surprised at how eager people were to see a different culture and a different light on food,” she said. “They’re really enjoying it.”
Customers have shown genuine interest in the cultural elements — from the coffee to the fresh breads to everything made entirely in?house.
Based on FRNJ’s Dine?In visit and interview, The Wandering Rose is on track to become one of Vineland’s most exciting dining destinations.
Visit The Wandering Rose at 3722 East Landis Road in Vineland. For more information, go to TheWanderingRose.com for updated hours.
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