As Karachi gets its spells of chilly winds, one yearns for the beach. And being able to savour steaming food, right next to the sea is an experience that triumphs all. A friend and I were walk-ins at Playa Bar last week, a recent addition to a cluster of restaurants lining the Sea View road. We were ushered inside a big hall inundated with vibrant lightening, bouncing off eye-catching upholstery in vivid colours of blue and yellow, paying homage to the morning’s skyline. Gold-accents on the ceiling, polished hardwood and beautiful mural adds character to the place, which diners immediately warm up to. The restaurant has separate halls dedicated to buffet and ala carte – we tried the latter. Owner Faisal Murtaza told me how opening an eatery which hugs the beach may sound lovely but calls for many trysts with nature, infrastructure and even authorities. Their menu is vast and reminiscent of Rosati Bistro’s famous specials. From the appetisers I went for, the Playa Sampler and Hot n Sour Soup. On our server’s recommendation we also ordered Red Wine Beef (non-alcoholic), Tangy Moroccan Chicken from the steaks and Tiger Prawns from the seafood section. Aroused by the smoky aroma of grilled meat, we also ordered a small barbecue platter customised with our favourites. In the next 10 to 12 minutes, the starter platter and steaming soup arrived at our table. Playa Sampler turned out to be good for sharing – offering a combination of BBQ Wings, Peri Chilies, Mozzarella Sticks with two dips. I loved the chewiness of the wings swathed in in-house sauce and crispy mozzarella sticks with a beautiful cheese pull. The white soup tasted divine with roasted herbs, mushrooms and veggies adding a distinct flavour, unfound in regular hot n sour brews. Dynamite Prawns swathed in a gooey mayo sauce were much enjoyed, but I wished they were slightly spicier. As we began our early dinner with appetisers, we couldn’t help but notice a fleet of diners who were just beginning to file in, adding a very lively vibe to the place. My friend’s order of Red Wine Steak was next to arrive with side lines of sautéed veggies and mashed potatoes. I must add that I was a little sceptic about its name, and wondered if it would be too experimental for us. We found the steak to be seasoned to perfection and juicy, with ever-so-slight char to add a smoky taste. It had a piquant flavour of red wine vinegar toned down by black pepper sauce, which we absolutely loved. Tangy Moroccan Chicken had a yummy sauce, but I found the chicken to be a little bland on the taste buds. Eaten with accompanying sauces and side lines, I liked it, but it was clearly outshone by the beef steak. But the highlight of our table was yet to arrive – Grilled Tiger Prawns was clearly a hit on the table. The first thing I noticed was the giant size of the prawns which were ‘tiger’ in its full essence. Dressed in a zesty sauce of roasted tomato basil and chili, every bite was rich in flavour. It was a dish which had no leftovers. At this point, we were full to the brim but when our barbecue platter arrived we couldn’t help but dig into the perfectly-marinated chicken and chicken tikka which were flavoured to the bone. In hindsight I wonder, that a mini platter alone could have fed two to three people on the table! We ended our gastronomical fest with chocolate lava cake, bursting with hot chocolate which made us swoon. Playa Bar, I am coming for you again soon!

TASTE

Taste is Play a Bar’s forte. Even the most uncomplicated dishes promise you a roller coaster of flavours. Special mentions to their Red Wine Beef Steak!

SERVICE

Affable and courteous staff stays on its toes to assist you. I should add that Mr Faisal had the best menu recommendations.

AMBIENCE

There can’t be anything more ambient than a location which literally hugs the beach and Playa Bar is here to exceed expectations. I am also told it has the loveliest sunsets.

PRESENTATION

Special mentions to the presentation of Tiger Prawns here!

VALUE FOR MONEY

For the location, ambience and good food, the restaurant surprised me with its pricing. Good servings of dishes allow for sharing in groups.