Creating a community at One8 Commune

Virat Kohli’s One8 Commune is the newest hip restaurant that has opened its doors in the garden city of Bengaluru, a stone’s throw away from Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium. Bindu Gopal Rao checks out this new hype in town.

Spread over a massive 18000 sq. ft., across three floors, that has a scenic rooftop where you can see the famed Cubbon Park as well, One8 Commune Bangalore is the first foray of True Palate Hospitality in South India. The eclectic interiors that marry tradition and modernity, have been done by Chetana Vij of I Me Am Designs. The combination of classic charm and contemporary sophistication ensures that the space has a warm ambience. With open and semi-private spaces, the restaurant has a selection of well-thought-out accessories that add to its fun vibe.

The food and cocktails curated by Corporate Chef Agnibh Mudi, are an ode to the city’s ever-evolving culinary landscape. If you enjoy your drinks, the menu offers an immersive mixology experience with a selection of drinks on their signature cocktail menu. Sample the Galactic Gala which brings the diverse flavours of galangal, California white grapes, ruby red peach gin, cardamom syrup, and sparkling wine, or Collective Quaff, which combines passion fruit, rum, dry rose, blue pea, gin, green apple, and hints of Narunandi to get you into the groove.

Since we are here at Kohli’s restaurant, it is but natural that we start with a selection of dishes aptly called ‘Virat’s favourites’. The Tartare topped with avocado, has crispy corn, Japanese mayo, sriracha, and scallion that is quite a mouthful. The superfood salad that has assorted Mesclun Greens, Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Watermelon, and Amaranth Seeds also packs a punch. If you are with a large group, you can pick the sharing boards, the cheese board that comes with a variety of cheese selections, fresh fruits, jams, and pickles, or the charcuterie board that has a selection of cold cuts with cured vegetables, jams, and pickle.

The eclectic range of salads includes the very interesting Jalebi chaat that is topped with nylon sev, mint chutney, sweet curd, and pomegranate that adds a nice zing. Also try the Avocado Flat Bread – a crispy tortilla, with fresh avocado, corn puree, and beetroot that is as flavourful as it sounds.

In the selection of small plates, the Texture of Corn that has Corn on the cob, tempura corn ribs, chimichurri, and Jackfruit Shammi that has coin paratha, mint chutney, and shallot pickles are recommended. For non-vegetarians, the Anticucho Chicken, made with a signature marinade, peanut butter sauce, and pickled cucumber, and the Gambas Caliente which has butter garlic prawns, star anise, fresh basil, and sourdough are must-haves.

The menu has a range of breads and buns as well and all kulchas are served with fermented ketchup and garlic chutney. The tacos are all served with sour cream, Pico de Gallo, and guacamole. In the tandoori section, the Tandoori malai broccoli comes with sweet and sour chutney and peanut crumble, which is a winner. The Kasundi Fish Tikka which has a Bengali mustard marinade is served with masala onion and mint chutney is an acquired taste.

Apart from burgers, baos, dim sums, and sushi, the large menu also has pizzas and flatbreads too. For the mains, the Indian staples include the Karnataka special, Mangalorean Gassi as well as options like the Old Delhi Chicken Korma, Lamb Galouti Biryani, and Signature Mutton Kosha. If international cuisine is on your mind, the Signature Laksa, a Vietnamese Curry that comes with a choice of vegetables, chicken, seafood, and Nasi Goreng with jasmine rice and peanut sauce are good choices. The Tomato Pearl Barley Risotto with cream cheese is a good healthy choice. 

The menu also teases you with Pasta and large plates. The Herbed Gnocchi with parmesan and pimento chilies, Whipped Polenta with Caponata Vegetables and wilted Spinach; choice of Lamb Ragout are some options to check out. And to end the meal on a sweet note (yes there is more) try the eggless Textures of Coconut which is a great combination of coconut jelly, chocolate soil, and green coconut caviar, that hits all the right spots. Chocolate lovers must try the Baked Flourless Chocolate Cake which is also gluten-free and is made using Belgium Callebaut 75%. A meal at One8 Commune is a gastronomic delight that is bound to take your taste buds on a journey across the globe. When are you going?

• Address: 6,7 & 8th Floor, Rathnams’ Complex, Kasturba Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
• For reservation call: +918748881818 | +918548881818
• Timings: Open 7 days a week from 12:30 PM to 01:00 AM. (subject to Govt. notifications)
• Average meal for two (with Alcohol): 3000++