Shakes, steaks and more

Small wonders

True to its name, ‘Smally’s Resto Cafe’, is the ‘smallest restaurant in the City’ but as ironic as it seems, it has left one of the biggest imprints and is currently the talk of town.

Located in Assaye Road, Ulsoor, it has the musty aroma of wood as one enters. The intimate space has wooden chairs, tables and staircases, along with low-ceiling lights and glass windows that provide the customer an old ‘Arabic’ experience.   
Their wall has quirky photographs and quotes which is a conscious effort to cater to the younger crowd and this is not a surprise, as the restaurant bustles of people in their teens and early twenties. 

Best known for creativity with cuisines, the menu comprises items like ‘Lord of the Wings’, ‘Chick-Flick’, ‘Stir My Beef’, ‘Couch Potato’, ‘Shredder and ‘Peri-peri Chicken’ along with the usual cuisines such as Macaroni with chicken, rich and creamy burgers and lasagnes, steaks and salads. For desserts, New York blueberry cheesecakes, walnut brownies with marshmallows, chocolate sauce and innovative recipes like ‘Red Velvet’ milkshake and ‘Milk Smitha’ are a hit.

“We started with the idea of being a small cafe in town and wanted to continue that way. The idea was to mainly introduce a cafe where strangers can mix around and network with each other.  We have also received the certificate from the Limca Book of  Records’ for being the smallest cafe in the City,” says the owner, Nikhil Hegde.

He was doubtful in the beginning whether the new concept would appeal to people and he confesses that there was a certain amount of risk involved. But took up the challenge and is happy with the results. Nikhil grew up around a burger-grill space and wanted Smally’s to cater only to burgers but the cafe, which looks like a garage, expanded in terms of delicacies. 

“We have very experienced chefs who are from a good background. Our menu consists of funky items which is a conscious effort to appeal to customers. We also have couples in their 70s who visit our cafe. In today’s growing food market, one needs to look at being creative and innovative, which is one of the keys for survival. Such creative dishes are also the talk of the table. We have an eclectic mix of dishes; from Goan, Mangalorean, Italian and Chinese to continental. However, 40 per cent of the revenue is from burgers and the rest from shakes and steaks.”

 The space, which is 130 sq feet, is expanding in the City as Nikhil says that they want to make their presence felt in different parts of Bengaluru. Hence, they opened a branch in Church Street recently.

The restaurant is located at LG09, Sky Walk 5/1, Assaye Road, Ulsoor. It is open from 11 am to 11 pm. For details, call 07406762559.