Open Door Coffee Co. — Restaurant in Bengaluru

When was the last time you entered a café and were greeted by shoal of large gold fish hurrying by under your feet? The transparent window in the floor with a lively fish pond beneath you just signals your transition into an oasis of calm behind the tall glass frontage with a request not to pet the house pooch? You literally feel time slow down. You’re entering Open Door café time. Once you’re inside, you’re far away from the world outside. Clean, clear, comfortable and quiet. The high ceiling invites you to pause, breathe deeply. Slow. The look-through frontage lets in copious amounts of light while it keeps road noise where it belongs, outside. The furniture is genuine wood in a deep brown with story-telling grain. No pretentious padded upholstery here. The elegant cane back wooden chairs provide a throw back to happier days which now live in sepia memories. An acoustic guitar with a capo clipped onto its headstock stands ready for duty. Beside it, a neat stack of puzzles and board games — not too many cafes spare a thought for families with kids. Weaving in and out all the furniture and forest of human legs is a bouncy brown bundle of fluff – the house pet. Most un-bothersome and blissfully unaware of her charm and cutenesss as she flits (or floats) across the cafe. Everything about this ambience whispers ‘rooted’. Organic. You belong. Moving on from mood to menu. The Open Door Coffee Co’s ‘secret sauce’ is their own connoisseur conjuring which comprises House-made coffee flavourings, pesto and other sauces. All authentic with no preservatives or artificial flavours and colours. That’s a whole lotta love. They also aren’t shy to mention that they have a ‘special’ technique for making their coffee. We so enjoyed the caramel latte that we ordered another after the meal; a fitting finale accompanied by the freshly baked in-house walnut and chocolate and banana cake. The Parsi Akuri with mutton kheema immerses you in its balanced flavours and ample mouthfeel to make you a practiced exponent of the art of ‘being present’ — simply put, trying to concentrate on conversation once the fork leaves your mouth is futile. Nicely plated and served with finely cut slices of an outsourced sour dough (a little dry) kissed with a smudge of olive oil. The Cranberry salad is a burst of freshness and flavour, crunch and crackle as tender greens and slices of firm tomatoes fatten the flavour of tangy cranberries offering that shot of acidity to tantalise the saliva glands. It’s hard not to notice, all operations take place with a silent and studied efficiency. Impressive for such a young establishment. Service is prompt and attentive, always responsive. I would be dishonest if I didn’t point out areas of improvement: why aren’t water bottles or jugs on the table — one had to ask for water each time a glass emptied? Is placing extra paper napkins and additional cutlery on the table so it’s available and at hand an intended inconvenience? Finally, for all its cool, charm and atmosphere, there’s nothing like breathing fresh air; air conditioning is never a substitute for large windows. Parking was easy to find, though my car was hard to recognise when we got to it after our extended stay — it was covered in a layer of red mud tossed into the air by passing traffic — mood, menu, mouthfeel… mud? Wish not. Despite the blips, the afterglow of the café travels with you — spontaneous forgiveness and understanding become strangely and surprisingly second nature. It cleanses the soul, neutralising all potential annoyance, but can’t clean the dust on my car. A minor irritant. I would happily frequent the place, if only it was closer to home. The signature in-house pesto sauce pasta and some more caramel lattes are calling… I’m keeping...

Open Door Cafe" is an absolute paradise for photographers like myself. From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the enchanting atmosphere and attention to detail that made it a photographer's dream.

The cafe's interior is thoughtfully designed, with a perfect blend of natural light, cozy corners, and tasteful decor. The ample windows allow soft, diffused light to pour in, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. It's an ideal setting for capturing stunning photographs, whether you're interested in capturing the intricate details of their delicious pastries or documenting the interactions between patrons and staff.

Speaking of pastries, Open Door Cafe offers an exquisite array of visually appealing treats that are not only a delight to photograph but also a feast for the taste buds. From colorful macarons to beautifully decorated cakes, each creation is a work of art. The presentation is impeccable, making it an absolute joy to capture these delectable treats in all their glory.

The staff at Open Door Cafe are not only welcoming but also accommodating to photographers. They understand and appreciate the craft, allowing you the space and time to capture the perfect shot without any rush or interruption. Their willingness to assist, provide recommendations, or adjust lighting if needed further enhances the overall experience.

One of the highlights for me as a photographer was the diverse clientele that frequents Open Door Cafe. It attracts a wide range of individuals, from artists and writers to professionals and students. This vibrant mix of people adds depth and character to the photographs, providing endless opportunities for candid shots and unique compositions.

Beyond the aesthetic appeal, Open Door Cafe also offers exceptional coffee and beverages. The skillfully crafted lattes, cappuccinos, and specialty drinks not only make for great subjects but also provide a delightful refreshment while you focus on your photography.

In conclusion, Open Door Cafe is a photographer's haven. Its captivating atmosphere, attention to detail, and accommodating staff make it an ideal spot for capturing stunning images. Whether you're an amateur or a professional photographer, this cafe offers a wealth of photographic opportunities that will leave you inspired and satisfied. Don't forget to indulge in their delicious offerings along the way. It's an experience you won't want to miss as a...

Our experience at the café was a mix of delightful flavors and unfortunate interactions. The Cappuccino coffee and newly introduced Chocolate Tart were undeniably amazing, bursting with flavor and quality. The café itself exudes vibrancy and uniqueness, boasting a claim of crafting all food items from scratch in their kitchen. This dedication to quality was evident in every bite of the Chocolate Tart.

For those who appreciate the outdoors, the café offers a serene lawn with a charming fish pond, creating a peaceful atmosphere to savor your coffee. During our visit, we observed a diverse crowd, including youth, upper middle-class patrons, and even a few foreigners, which spoke to the café's broad appeal. Many seemed to be regulars, effortlessly navigating the assortment of games available and engaging with the attentive staff or owner.

One endearing highlight was the presence of Chickoo, the adorable and well-behaved pet dog who quietly roamed the café, spreading joy without disrupting the patrons' experience. It was evident that Chickoo was well-trained and beloved by both staff and customers.

Unfortunately, our otherwise enjoyable visit was marred by an unpleasant encounter. A staff member, possibly the owner, approached us with undue pressure to order more food or vacate our table. Despite our intentions to order additional items and even take away treats for our children, we were met with insensitivity and impatience. What made the situation particularly distressing was the staff member's persistent insistence, repeating the demand to either order more food or vacate the table three times without allowing us the opportunity to respond. This encounter left us feeling deeply disappointed and undervalued as customers.

In summary, the café offers a vibrant ambiance, delicious coffee, and snacks, making it a charming destination for a relaxed outing. However, the unwelcoming attitude we encountered tarnished an otherwise positive experience. It's a reminder that even the most inviting establishments can falter in customer service, leaving a lasting impression that overshadows their other commendable qualities.

Sadly, in our case, the 'Open Door Coffee Co' has closed...