Ira - The Fresh Kitchen — Restaurant in Karnataka

Broccoli chicken and almond soup: steamed broccoli florets and toasted nutty almond cooked in a vegetable broth. Such a creamy goodness which includes chunky roasted chicken pieces.

Chunky minestrone with chicken soup: chunky cuts of vegetables, chicken, pasta and parmesan cheese mixed together in a thin soup. Basically a very hearty soup.

Burrata salad:  Yes! Burrata cheese in Mangalore! Such a pleasant surprise indeed. This got over before it could be passed around to taste for all.

Chicken Caesar salad: who does not enjoy a classic Caesar salad? Whenever I order one in Mangalore, I always ask for the dressing to be served aside because of a mess they make out of this popular salad. But the one served here was with house made salad dressing, crunchy Romaine lettuce, herb coated croutons, sun dried delicious tomatoes and topped with Parmesan cheese! A 5 star and the best in Kudla. Go here and try it.

Hummus platter: this was served with small portions of Hummus, baba ganoush, muhammara along with pita bread. Here I would surely recommend they work on the baba ganoush. The one we tasted has a lot of scope of improvement. That zing of tahini and olive oil was totally missing. While the muhammara stole the limelight in this platter. So roasty and toasty, the nuts and spices were perfectly balanced. The plate was finger licked till clean.

Za’atar pita: Growing up in the middle east, Za’atar was a staple in any fatayer, bread, manakish or even salad that we ate. This taste got passed on to my boy. He loves his Za’atar bread and totally enjoyed this scrumptious pita! Yum, just reviewing it now makes me want to go this evening and pick some for dinner.

Harissa glazed chicken skewers: boneless chicken meat perfectly marinated in paste made out of chilly and assorted spices. The chicken is grilled and served on a bed of garlic labnah! Yummy in my tummy.

French fries with oregano and feta cheese: this is a point when you realize how much credit the people behind such an awesome curated should get. I have never tried Oregano Feta fries ever in my life. But this is such a great party snack. We loved it.

Let us move on to our main course. We tried their pastas and famed wood fired oven pizzas. So many choices especially beyond the usual tomato sauce base. All the pizza dough base felt light with every bite allowing you to focus on the flavors on top. Since they are served Napoleon style, expect them to have a thin base and a chewy crust.

Pesto spirali with roasted chicken: this green pasta was a hit amongst the kids who devoured it to the last lick. The fresh basil and almond pesto blend, a touch of cream and parmesan cheese, topped with olives and sun dried tomatoes and roasted chicken. Absolutely a must try here.

Carbonara spaghetti: a classic with pepperoni. But I wish we had choices other than chicken pepperoni.

Truffle fungi pizza: this one surely was the best for me. It has savoury wild mushrooms, caramelized onions, paprika, gooey mozzarella, microgreens and finished off with truffle oil that infuses the entire pizza. It is all about love. 5 star for this one.

Roasted chicken pizza: chunky firewood baked chicken pieces with toppings.

Pesto and chicken pizza: the in house green pesto sauce topped with roasted chicken, sun dried tomatoes, olives, parmesan and bocconcini (small mozzarella cheese balls).

Pepperoni pizza: chicken pepperoni with mozzarella, parmesan and tomato sauce. Again I wish the pepperoni used had other options.

We are surely going back to try the other stuff from their excellently curated menu. I do want to try their sandwiches and desserts next time.

Thank you Rahul Sherigar! We are so glad Mangalore has this restaurant opened to cater to such cravings. The pricing may be a bit on the higher end for some, but while you eat the food, it is evident that only quality ingredients and fresh greens are added into it which totally makes it worthwhile.

Bon...

The mocktails were spot on!! They are in fact the best I’ve had. Especially the sign of life mocktail which is tangy and has a hint of spice in it and it was really punchy. Price: 230/-

The mezze platter could have been better especially the sauces, all the sauces lacked the authentic flavour and texture and still needed the right adjustment of flavours and seasonings. Price: 599/-

The burrata pizza was really good! It had a lot of cheese and the sauce had a nice flavor and the bread was really good! I can’t really comment on the price since I’m aware that it is on the expensive side compared to the other pizzas sold in the city, but I believe that they are trying to bring in high quality ingredients and their menu is pretty unique. Price: 850/-

Chicken parmigiana was a huge disappointment for me. The chicken was thinly sliced and breaded and then the tomato sauce was added on top of it or let’s just say tossed in it and stacked along with cheese on top. The entire dish was soggy and the true flavour of the chicken was lost because it was just clumped together. I think the next time they need to try to make sure that not the entire breast is not covered in sauce so that the other parts of chicken remain crispy. (Maybe next time they need make sure they are thick chicken cutlets that are breaded and fried and only topped with sauce and cheese and baked in the oven.) Price: 550/-

The spinach and ricotta ravioli with pomodoro sauce was slightly disappointing. The ravioli lacked a proper portion of ricotta filling and it was mainly stuffed with spinach. The pasta itself was cooked well and the sauce was really flavourful and tasty. Price: 550/-

Chicken spaghetti with spicy Romesco was slightly underwhelming. The chicken was spiced well but it was overcooked. The pasta itself was lacking sauce and it wasn’t spicy at all. Price: 490/-

Lamb lasagne bolognese was one of the best in the city. Although I would prefer it with less carrots next time I think the meat sauce to pasta ratio was good. Price: 700/-

Classic Margarita pizza: the crust was light and airy and had a nice chew to it. The sauce was perfect and the ratio of cheese was good. Price: 280/- (half)

Pepperoni pizza: the pepperoni slices were of the perfect thickness. The sauce and cheese was tasty as well. Price: 650/-

I feel certain items on the menu shouldn’t be so overpriced because even if they are it should be executed perfectly. For the price I feel like the quantity was very minimal and I hope they really fix that. Because as a customer I need to be really satisfied to pay such a huge amount of money for such a small quantity and mediocre quality of food and they need to perfect...

Nestled in the heart of Mangalore, Ira Café is a hidden gem that beckons with its enchanting ambience. From the moment you step through its doors, you're transported to a realm of tranquility and aesthetic delight. The café's commitment to creating a unique and captivating atmosphere is truly commendable.

One of the standout features of Ira Café's ambience is its seamless blend of rustic charm and modern sophistication. The moment you enter, you're greeted by a tasteful fusion of earthy tones, natural textures, and contemporary accents. The wooden furnishings, coupled with muted hues, create an inviting and cozy setting that instantly puts you at ease.

The thoughtful placement of seating arrangements contributes to the comfort of the space. Whether you prefer a quiet corner for focused work, a cozy nook for intimate conversations, or a communal table for group gatherings, Ira Café has it all. The variety of seating options ensures that every visitor finds their ideal spot, enhancing the overall experience.

The lighting at Ira Café is a masterstroke. Soft, warm lights envelop the space, casting a gentle and inviting glow. This choice of lighting not only adds to the soothing atmosphere but also highlights the carefully curated décor elements. The combination of ambient and accent lighting creates an alluring play of light and shadow, giving the café a magical touch.

Speaking of décor, Ira Café's attention to detail is truly commendable. Every corner tells a story through its artistic arrangements, carefully chosen artwork, and tasteful accessories. The café's walls don captivating murals and art pieces that evoke a sense of wonder and contemplation. This dedication to aesthetics enhances the overall dining experience, making it not just a meal but a sensory journey.

The ambience at Ira Café extends beyond the interior. The outdoor seating area, adorned with lush greenery, offers a refreshing escape. Whether you choose to bask in the natural light during the day or revel in the cozy warmth of the outdoor heaters during the evening, this extension of the café's ambience provides a delightful option for every mood and weather.

In conclusion, Ira Café in Mangalore has truly mastered the art of crafting an ambience that invites, intrigues, and enchants. The careful interplay of design elements, lighting, seating arrangements, and artistic touches creates a multi-dimensional experience that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you're seeking solace, inspiration, or simply a beautiful setting to enjoy a cup of coffee, Ira Café's ambience promises an unforgettable journey for all...