Dine at this bungalow

Bandra's latest multi-cuisine restaurant, Bungalow 9, is located in a charming, old-world styled bungalow, which makes it the ideal setting for an intimate dinner

Bandra's latest multi-cuisine restaurant, Bungalow 9, is located in a charming, old-world styled bungalow, which makes it the ideal setting for an intimate dinner

When we called the restaurant for directions (you will need help on the first visit), the hostess told us, "Once you pass Salt Water Cafe, ook for the sign on the left, ." The wooden sign hanging outside the restaurant instantly reminded us of the Inn of the Prancing Pony from the Lord Of The Rings. An LOTR connection bodes well, always. The signs indicated that this would be a good review so we uncrossed our fingers.

Ensure you reserve a table in advance at Bungalow 9. The restaurant is only a couple of weeks old but the Bandra crowd sure loves to try out a new place. Also, when you call to make reservations, try getting a table indoors or as far away from the entrance as possible. We naively agreed to be seated on the couch outside and ended up observing a minor traffic jam build up on the road through the evening, rather than relaxing in the lounge area. The dim light, uncluttered seating arrangement and smart decor give the place a homely, cosy, laid-back ambience. The kind you'd easily enjoy with friends and family.u00a0

The bar and food menu at Bungalow 9 is extensive and informative (the bar menu gives you tidbits on the origins of certain popular cocktails). Holding the huge, shimmering menu and deciding on our orders became a Herculean task. But we took up the challenge and ordered foru00a0 the Spit Roasted Chicken Kafta with Tzatziki (Rs 350) and Curried Feta Fatayer with Romesco (Rs 225) with The Hacked Margherita (Rs 375) and Oasis On The Rocks (Rs 300). The Tzatziki dip was yum but we cannot say the same for the Kafta and the Fatayer.

The Oasis was a tepid Vodka-based version of the classic Mojito. But it's The Hacked that gets full marks for potency. The pineapple-infused Tequila was heady and we almost didn't miss the spices that were supposed to be in the drink. For main course, we ordered the Eggplant and Mozzarella Tower (Rs 350), which finally redeemed the kitchen. The crispy eggplant went really well with the melted cheese and tomato sauce. A well executed combination.

Despite the hits and misses from the kitchen, we recommend Bungalow 9. Its decor and old-world charm make it a great place to catch up with your favourite people. We hope the kitchen irons out its teething troubles soon because Bungalow 9 can become the kind of place that will give you memories to cherish for long.

AT 9, St John Baptist Road, near Salt Water Cafe, Towards Mount Mary steps, Bandra (W).
Call 61179999 / 8097809999
Email reservations@bungalow9.in
Time 11 am to 1.30 am
Bungalow 9 didn't know we were there. THE GUIDE reviews anonymously and pays for meals.