Bisi Bengaluru: Hello!! It’s Daddy Cool

Close on the heels of some very interesting and exciting food and beverage successes in Delhi and Mumbai, restauranteurs Priyank Sukhija and Lokesh Sukhija finally make their way to namma Bengaluru with Daddy, a casual dining venue and cocktail bar which has newly opened on 12th Main in Indiranagar.

Spread over two floors spanning several thousand square feet, electric colours and a flipping bar display, Daddy really wants to play it cool. We made our way to the terrace floor on a Monday evening only to find the place brimming with people who were clearly enjoying their food, drinks and the breezy Bengaluru weather. We hear the weekends get super busy too.

While we are on the topic of the alfresco area, allow us to take you for a little walk around. Bang in the centre is an island bar which doubles up as a place to dish out the most flamboyant cocktails and also for guests to mill around with their drinks on a bustling night. Seating is casual with low tables, high bar stools and a raised platform on one end with wooden flooring and pristine white curtains tied to teal wood cabanas. The combination of swaying curtains, green foliage, peppy music and a cool-blue sky above instantly transported us to a Mediterranean mind-space.

Not surprising when you consider some of the other innovative concepts by First Fiddle Restaurants which has made waves across India - think Lord of the Drinks, Plum by Bent Chair, Tamasha, Warehouse Cafe, The Flying Saucer and the recently opened Dragonfly Experience. Opening restaurants since 1999, Delhi-based restauranteur Priyank Sukhija hails from a family of lawyers but found his calling in the hospitality industry. On the last count, the company has over 11 brands and 30 outlets across Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru.

Back to Daddy, we took tips from in-house mixologist Raj Negi and settled for Vanilla Sunrise, a refreshing and aromatic signature cocktail blended with vanilla-infused vodka, lemon juice, bitters, egg white, elderflower and vanilla cordials. Daddy has an extensive cocktail list and we also recommend the gin-based Sweet Obsession, vodka and coffee liqueur based Kappi with Daddy, Mysore Sour with bourbon and a local twist, and an unusually named Be-Eat-Root cocktail with gin, mosambi juice, beetroot and pomegranate cordial.

Why ‘Daddy’ we asked? Lokesh replied, “We wanted to build some curiosity around Daddy given the quirkiness of the outlet, hence the name. In our mind, Daddy also implies the father of good food, good drinks and good times. A fun and relaxed space for the young at heart.”

Take a flight of stairs down one level from the terrace and you are transported to a funky room full of bold colours, pop art, Greek figurines and the famous kinetic display bar. Apart from a mix of formal seating clusters on this floor, there are two private dining rooms for that special occasion and a quiet balcony hideaway which we have mentally reserved for our next visit.

Drinks and food prices at this 432-seater are pocket-friendly and Daddy is perfect for that office gang meet-up or catching up with pals over some juicy gossip. With beers starting at Rs 135+, cocktails at Rs 495+, appetisers at Rs 250+, and the mains at Rs 335+, you just about get the drift on the wallet factor.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to nibble on the Avocado Ceviche with chilli jam mayo, Margherita Kulcha, Ghee Roast Paneer with curry leaf dust, Southern Fried Shrimp Popcorn with garlic aioli and the Chicken Kheema tiffin box. Which is what we ordered, and more. Corporate chef Sagar Bajaj has put together a vast global menu so you will always find food options which can go with your mood and the flow. If there’s room, you may also consider ordering the pan-seared Whiskey Garlic Prawns, wok tossed Chilly Sambal Crispy Mushroom, Chicken Yakitori Skewers and the Bombay Mutton Keema tiffin box.

A central location coupled with a cool vibe, elaborate food and drinks options and affordable pricing, it’s no wonder the folks at Daddy are keen to make this place your everyday bar.

Daddy, 963, 12th Main, Indiranagar, Bengaluru
Average price for two: Rs 1,400++