Restaurateur Pravesh Pandey’s new restaurant is an Indo-Italian crafthouse in Bengaluru

What is a ‘narrative-driven’ restaurant? I ask myself as I make my way to the newly opened Roxie and Barry in Bengaluru. The Indo-Italian crafthouse opened its doors in Whitefield a few weeks ago and is located in a restored mansion. The restaurant is the latest brainchild of restaurateur Pravesh Pandey.

I find out more over dinner.

Pravesh has been in the food scene for two decades now. Having been associated with brands such as JSM Corporation (Hard Rock Cafe and Shiro), Byg Brewski Brewing Company and Impresario Handmade Restaurants (SOCIAL and Smoke House Deli) in the past, he now helms his own brands such as One Floor Down, Helen’s Place and Roxie.

Located on Sarjapur Road, Roxie was based on the thematic concept of an Italian traveller called Roxie and her adventures around the globe. With Roxie and Barry, she is joined by a traveller from the east coast of Italy and this concept explores their love story.

Beef Tenderloin with Chimichurri

What is on the menu

The sprawling restaurant is spread over 15,000 square feet, and even has a waterfall at the heart of it. The whitewashed walls, trees hanging over the tables, and an alfresco area, take you all the way to the Italian coast.

The menu has Italian classics, such as pastas and pizzas. It also has a mix of dishes from world cuisines that includes sushi and tandoori kebabs; which dilutes the Italian theme in my opinion, but this way there is something for everyone.

We start with a herb tomato, burrata and truffle pesto oil. The fresh tomato is a great backdrop to the creamy burrata, and the dressing is light and refreshing. The salmon ceviche from the next course also exudes fresh and bright notes.

Yuzu soju cocktail

The next course, inspired by the Apulian coast, had global dishes. The lobster dumpling and tandoori salmon are both seafood forward options. The winning dish on the table, though it had nothing to do with the theme was the mushroom ghee roast with barley pongal. The barley pongal is nutty and creamy, and the spicy mushroom on top makes it a winner.

These dishes were paired with their signature cocktails. The Summer in Sicilia cocktail, with passionfruit Riesling and lime leaf vodka is citrussy and the Sweet Amalia (cocoa rum, coffee cream) is sweet and chocolatey.

From the main course, we try the confit duck leg. The mushroom jus that it is served with is deep and rich. Other must tries are the paella and tenderloin cannelloni.

The theme of Roxie and Barry is reflected in the ambience and decor. The food menu is ambitious and inspired, but it is the grand scale of the decor that will win guests over.

₹2,000 for two. At Whitefield Main Road, Bengaluru. For more details, call 8047362700