Bangalore: Almost there

Keeping Bangalore's notoriously fickle diners interested in your restaurant or lounge bar is tough business. But it's not anything new for chef Abhijit Saha, who started Park's i-t.ALIA Italian restaurants nationwide and, more recently, collaborated with greenhorn restauranter Shruti Shibulal to launch Caperberry, a Spanish—actually Tapas—Bar and Lounge. Their second venture is called Fava and claims to be perhaps the only place serving authentic Med fare in Bangalore.

Located in Bangalore's swank UB City Luxury Mall, Fava offers diners the option to sit outdoors under a high roof with ceiling fans, indoors or at any of two bar counters. The co-owners say furniture is made from African teak and they've used bright cobalt blue upholstery to add a light and, yes, Mediterranean feel to the place. Indoors, the restaurant has a high-ceiling with floor-to-ceiling windows and granite bar to add to the ambience.

When we arrived at Fava, in the middle of lunch time on a week day, we found just a couple of tables occupied. Our initial choice for appetizers—Fosh Doimas (Vine Leaf-wrapped Steamed Fish Dumplings with Garlic and Mint Labneh)—was unavailable and we had to settle for a plate of Crispy Calamri instead. Like their first venture Caperberry, Fava, too, boasts of a strong wine list and we tried the White Wine Mojito and Rasberry Martini along with our appetisers. The former, piled high with crushed ice, is a great cocktail for a lazy summer lunch, while the Basil flavour adds an interesting note to the latter.

Despite its Med moorings, Fava's menu struggles to do justice to the gamut of culinary tastes available, often leaning on populist Italian food to make weight. Yet, Fava's fare is widespread and includes mezzes and appetizers, kebabs and grills, soups, salads, pastas, pizzas and paninis. For keen Med fare, try the Potato, Aubergine, Zucchini and Tomato Moussaka with Flavoured Pita if you're a veggie, and the Duck Confit, with Lebanese Nut Rice and Sour Pomegranate Sauce, if you're not. And if you have space after you've eaten—we didn't—do try the Turkish Coffee Cream with Almond Florentine.

ADDRESS: #203, 2nd Floor, The Collection, UB City, 24, Vittal Mallya Road, Bangalore-560001

Timings: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Meal for two: Rs 1,500 (excludes alcohol)

MUST-TRY: Spanakopita Stack (Spinach, Feta and Pine Nut with Honey and Whole Grain Mustard Sauce)