The Couch
on M G Road

When the old Spiga shut down, Couch was the logical alternative for most people. It is run by the same people and the menu is more or less the same. The ambiance of the place is very relaxed and lazy. True to it's name, couches and chairs of various shapes and sizes dominate the place. You can find secluded seating for two or a comfortable table for large parties. The one really annoying thing about the place is the incredibly loud music. Despite repeated requests to turn it down, the management never complies. So it is a little difficult to hear each other in this place. While their service is generally good, there are times when they are painfully slow.

The menu is large and fairly varied. For starters, one can always try the fritters which are a safe bet. They also have a number of Mexican starters which are decent. The best thing about these starters is the lovely guacamole dip that they serve along with it. The main course presents Thai, Mexican and Conti options. In the Thai section, try the Thai Red Curry. Spicy, tangy with just the right amount of coconut milk, this dish is an all time favourite. The vegetables in the sauce complement it perfectly and thankfully, they don't feel the need to add the ubiquitous paneer in everything. This dish has prawn, chicken and vegetarian options. If you're in the mood for pasta, then try the penne in white sauce with mushrooms. The pasta is wonderful and light. The sauce is a little bland though, so if you are looking for something spicy, you may want to avoid this. The Penne Arabiatta (pasta in red sauce) is nice but very ordinary. Another popular dish at this place is the Fajita Platter. This is a huge dish which comes with fajitas, three different dips, assorted veggies and some rajma type gravy. There are three fajita rolls that you can make per dish and it is HUGE. The various ingredients combine to create a lovely, unique flavour which has just the right amount of everything. The only problem is that sometimes the fajita bread is a little dry which brings down the whole dish. The fish dishes at Couch also come highly recommended.

While their dessert menu is limited, what they have is pretty good. Their best dessert is undoubtedly the Oreo Cheesecake. Lovely cream cheese on top, a crumbly rich layer of oreo cookies at the bottom, artistically topped off with chocolate sauce. The only problem is that the quantity of the Cheesecake leaves much to be desired. They also have other chocolate desserts but the Oreo Cheesecake is the best of the lot. Couch also serves a host of drinks which are 50% off on IPL nights. So the next time you are looking for a not so quiet place to hang out with your friends on M.G. Road, you may want to head to Couch.

Pricing: A meal for two should cost around Rs. 700 (without alcohol)
Ambiance: Good
Quality: Good
Service: Good
Hygiene: Good
Location: No.114/1, Sai Complex, Near Arya Bhavan, MG Road, Bangalore (right next to the Corp Bank ATM)
Phone: 41512898