Koko

4121/S Hal, Prestige Icon, 2nd Stage, Kodihalli, Jeevan Bima Nagar, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru 560008

Mob: 0 98443 04747

Meal for two: Approximately Rs 6000 + taxes, with alcohol

Koko on Old Airport Road is a plush space, with an al fresco area, a formal dining room, a high energy venue upstairs and an open terrace. There are hostesses in fitted black dresses and an assortment of staff in sleek black suits. Unsurprisingly, the Koko experience comes at a price.

The menu is long, with separate sections for Jain, vegan and gluten-free dishes. There’s an array of small plates to choose from. You could begin with the Koko Signature Roll from the sushi selection. It is pleasing in the way most prawn tempura rolls are with generous amounts of Japanese mayo.

The Belgian Pork Soupy Dumpling is a silken dumpling filled with pork mince floating in soup. The Peking Duck with Pancake is listed as a small plate, but makes for a satisfying meal. It’s a hearty portion of roast duck, two kinds of hoisin sauce, scallions and cucumber strips and a pile of soft pancakes. For vegetarians, choices include dishes such as the Shiitake, Fungus, Pakchoy, Broccoli and Burnt Garlic. The vegetables keep their colour and it is light and tasty. Plus, there are all the vegan and Jain menus to choose from.

There’s an extensive cocktail programme here. The Koko Sour is nicely balanced, and the Oaxaca Sour with mezcal finds many takers, too. The staff is knowledgeable, engaging well with customers, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.