What strikes you most, when you step into Counter Culture, is the space. No jostling for tables and talking above each other, listening in to neighbour’s conversations (interesting as it might turn out to be) which is common in many restaurants in the city. Instead, with it’s unique setting in a restored factory, and with the tables placed at good distances from each other, the long windows and curtains falling almost from the top, the feeling of space is a welcome change.

Located in an industrial area in Whitefield, Counter Culture tries to keep alive the feel of one. There are interesting and quirky murals and sketches on the walls, including the rest room which has a very creative sink and tap.

The place has been designed to host art and culture events and saw the Bangalore band TAAQ perform there recently. There’s also enough open space outdoors for kids to play and roam around while the adults indulge in conversation. An eating space outdoors will probably be more pleasant in the evenings, what with the searing day time temperatures in Bangalore these days.

We tried a round of appetisers, ranging from chicken satay, french fries to tuna salad, and weren’t disappointed at all. After our round of welcome drinks, we got ourselves a few cocktails (including Le Loft, Manga Rosa) and beer. (I personally like my cocktails in generous sized cocktail glasses and well made and sadly, I find very few restaurants which make me happy in this department).

For the main course, we tried the pastas – a basil and a tomato based one. A vegetable and spinach canneloni, which was the only dish that didn’t get a very good feedback. And a bacon wrapped mushroom (starter) which was good enough for a meal. The pastas were very well done. I hope they can keep the quality up as I tend to notice it’s what suffers a few months after opening. And the drinks become less and less potent. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.

They have a changing list of desserts that should keep your sweet taste buds happy too. We tried the kulfi and the water chestnuts in coconut milk.

The only thing is the location, which proved quite far for us but it was a Sunday, so it didn’t really matter. But for those in that area – Whitefield, Mahadevpura, Lingarajapuram etc. – this is located quite conveniently and definitely worth a visit. Especially for a lazy long lunch on a weekend.

Cocktails: 6/10
Food: 7/10
Address: CounterCulture Hospitality Pvt. Ltd.
2D2 | 4th Cross | Dyavasandra Industrial Area
Landmark: Xylem Building
Whitefield Road | Bangalore-560048
Phone Number: +91 080-41400793 / 080-41400794