What makes the dining experience at a restaurant, memorable? Is it the food? Of course, that’s most certain, but also the attention to little details; the decor; the service; even the music and the lighting, all come together to make a lasting impression in our minds for us to revisit the place. This singular experience is not just limited to a fine dining restaurant; a dining experience could be made quirky and special irrespective of the hefty bill at the end!
So here’s our pick of four such singular restaurants, from four corners of the country, that not just offer a delicious fare but also boast of a dining experience with a difference. Read on.
1. Indian Accent, New Delhi
This one is a jewel in the crown of the Indian hospitality business. A legendary restaurant in its own right, Indian Accent, which is owned and operated by Old World Hospitality, and helmed by Chef Manish Mehrotra, executive chef at Indian Accent, showcases the culinary traditions of India with global ingredients and cooking techniques. The restaurant opened in 2009 in New Delhi to significant acclaim for its pathbreaking approach to contemporary Indian food. Since then it has won several awards and global recognition, including being the only restaurant from India on the World’s 100 Best list in 2015. It has been awarded the Best Restaurant in India by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, every year since 2015. It is also part of Time Magazine, 100 Great Destinations in the World. It opened in New York in 2016 to critical and widespread acclaim.
Address: The Lodhi, Lodhi Rd, CGO Complex, Pragati Vihar, New Delhi
Contact Number: 011-66175151
Price: Rs. 5000 for two (approx.)
Timings: 12-2:30 PM, 7-10:30 PM
2. Bomra’s, Goa
A fabled food destination in Goa that is run by its Burmese proprietor, Bawmra Jap, Bomra is a casual dining restaurant that is quaint and charming all the way. Its menu draws on influences from the cuisine of China, India, Laos, and Thailand. The restaurant is located in the heart of Goa in Candolim, the restaurant rustles up wonderful food inspired by chef patron Bawmra’s home country. The must-haves here include the flavourful lah pet toke or the pickled green tea salad, and you’ll know what we mean. For seafood lovers, Bomra’s also does a great lemon grass-infused boiled snapper. For mains, sample the cashew encrusted pork belly and khow suey. Round off the meal with the lemon grass and ginger crème brûlée.
Address: 1152, Opp. Our Lady Of Health Chapel, Mazal Waddo, Anjuna, Goa
Contact Number: +91-9767591056
Price: Rs. 1100-1600 for two (approx.)
Timings: 12:30-11 PM
3. The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai
Nostalgia and old-world charm instantly make you fall in love with this quirky yet distinguished, award-winning restaurant, located in the heart of South Bombay. Mumbai’s heritage bungalows inspire its interiors – stone walls with stained-glass windows and high ceilings – The Bombay Canteen opened in 2015, has since then proved to be a popular, family-friendly addition to the city’s dynamic dining scene. Menus by Top Chef Masters winner Floyd Cardoz and Thomas Zacharias, formerly of New York’s Le Bernardin, celebrate and reinterpret Indian classics: signature dishes include mighty Goan beef olives and smoky, charcoal-grilled chili calamari. The Canteen Bakery is the place to pick up old-school snacks such as mawa cake with spiced plum jam, while exuberant, Colonial-inspired cocktails served in goldfish-bowl-sized vessels only add to the festive atmosphere.
Address: Unit-1, Process House, S.B. Road, Kamala Mills, Near Radio Mirchi Office Lower, Parel, Mumbai
Contact Number: +91-8880802424
Price: Rs. 1500-2000 for two (approx.)
Timings: 12:00 PM – 1:30 AM (Mon-Fri), 11 AM – 1:30 AM (Sat-Sun)
4. The Black Pearl, Bengaluru
Any “Pirates of the Caribbean fans?” The Black Pearl in Bangalore that’s named after the ship’s name in the movie is a good place to have a bite. Not just the interior and decor of the place but even the food is named after the characters and things shown in the movie, making it a great place to eat in Bangalore.
The restaurant managers have taken good care of various aspects that help in getting a complete pirate ship dining experience. From chains draped in rope, a one-eyed pirate mannequin at the front gate, and even the wooden flooring take things to a whole new level of excitement.
Address: Vikas Tech Park, 105, 4th Floor, Jyoti Nivas College Rd, 5th Block, Koramangala, Bengaluru
Contact Number: +91-6363222617
Timing: 11 AM – 4 PM, 6 – 11:30 PM
Price: Rs. 1500 for two (approx.)