Alfresco dining has never really caught on in the restaurants in this city....perhaps because there are so few that offer it! Also, when we Indians go out, we generally prefer to be in safe, air-conditioned comfort --- especially in the height of summer or monsoon! Pergola is one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
Tucked-away on the small poolside of the Fariyas Hotel in Colaba (a place better known for its hard-rock bar The Tavern) this charming place offers a fine-dining experience in the open and at a realistic price.
The menu is an eclectic mix of tandoori-style starters and continental main courses and sizzlers. Among the former, the Murg Shola is to die for --- chicken tikkas marinated in egg that melt in the mouth, for around Rs 150.
The main-courses vary from a standard steak to herbed pomfret fillets on a bed of spaghetti with mushroom sauce (make sure they DONT ’’forget’’ to add the mushrooms!) and, for veggies, a stunning spinach canneloni (or is it florentine?) with a range of Rs 120 to Rs 250.
Desserts, however, are avoidable and preferably eaten at (the more expensive)Basilico down the road! And you can get a beer for Rs 90 and cocktails for under Rs 200 ! But the best thing about the place is the atmosphere.
Meditteranean and romantic in its overall ’’feel’’ and with a view of the harbour from some of the tables, it is somewhat marred by the buildings towering all round; but who cares....its great to be outdoors with someone you love!