Bangalore's eight hot spots for l'amour

Sure the idea of a romantic dinner is cliché, but all said and done nothing makes for a more perfect evening than a restaurant with a beautiful view, soothing candlelight ambience, good food, great wine, impeccable service and the company of a very special person. One might not be able to compare Bangalore to the likes of Paris for a romantic restaurant, but we don’t do badly either. Here are eight of the most romantic spots to dine at in the city. All of them are on the expensive side, serve great food, have an ambience finely tuned to romance and are sure to floor your special someone.

Ebony – Thirteen floors up, it probably commands the best view of the city. Sit on the sprawling balcony and look out at the city’s changing lights as the candle flickers on your table. The menu is extensive, offering everything from Indian to Continental. The cool evening air playing through your hair, the seclusion of each table and the number of anniversaries that have been celebrated here are all testament to just how romantic this place is.

Blue Ginger – This Vietnamese garden restaurant at the Taj Westend redefines fine dining with flair. Its original avatar, Paradise Island, was "the" place to head to if you wanted to spend an evening whispering sweet nothings. Blue Ginger is set under a bamboo canopy flanked on all sides by a running stream full of lilies and goldfish. The food is authentic and the wine list extensive. Go prepared for an exotic dining experience.

Grasshopper – Call and book your table a day in advance and give them your meat and food preference, then make the drive up Bannerghatta Road to the farmhouse. Leave the bustle of the city behind and relax under a balmy evening sky as you pop a bottle of bubbly in the company of that special someone. Settle into your secluded table for two in a cobblestone garden amidst lush foliage and enjoy the seven-course continental fare that arrives at your table. At Grasshopper there’s no stress of choosing from a vast menu, just bank on the chef for some good gastronomic experience. Catering to about five tables per meal, it is also the most private and romantic spot in the city and the tables are so spread out in the garden that you feel like you are the only people here.

Taika – Candles everywhere, huge vases full of exotic flowers and soft lounge music set the mood at this spa lounge. Sink into the plush sofa at a corner table with a cocktail or unwind over an elaborate pan Asian fare. If you and your date feel so inclined, there is the dance floor to get busy on or you can grab a quick drink at the rose-petalled bar while you wait for a table.

Karavalli – Get costal and romantic at the same time at Karavalli in the Taj Gateway Hotel. Sit out under the clear night sky with a coconut shell candle softly spreading its glow. Waiters with polite accents attend to your every need.The food is nothing short of fabulous. So go ahead, order the crab and the appams with fish curry while you giggle silently to each other.

Rim Nam – This Thai fine dining restaurant at the Oberoi Hotel is a romantic alternative to just plain old Thai food. Set on a pavilion in the middle of a small pool with large exotic river fish swimming about, the peaceful ambience is enhanced by the lushness all around you. Choose a table on a far corner and let the mood take over as you enjoy your exotic meal.

Sunny’s – All Bangaloreans have either dined at or have heard rave reviews of food at Sunny’s. Sunny’s is all about good food and great ambience: lounge in the garden and enjoy the warm outdoors or dine indoors amidst the sleek and clean interiors and great art. Sit back and soak in the surroundings with a glass of wine from the well-stocked cellar and enjoy the pastas and seasonal salads. End your meal with some scrumptious dessert.

Mynt – Picture this for a romantic evening: a quiet private poolside table at the Taj Westend, overlooking manicured gardens and beautiful flowers. If you want a very special date, Mynt will give you just that. Tell them it’s a special occasion, and they will bring out their best champagne and a bouquet of the most beautiful flowers for her, while the chef comes personally to your table to advise you on what to order. A date done in true style.