Indian concept restaurant Dosa Darlings opens in Oxford

A new Indian restaurant and cocktail bar, Dosa Darlings, is opening its doors in Oxford this month. Officially opening today (9 February) at 56-60 Cowley Road, Dosa Darlings aims to “disrupt” the perception of traditional Indian cuisine by offering South Indian inspired small plates and a playful cocktail menu. Part of the JM Socials group, which runs high-end food establishments in Cheltenham such as Prithvi, Bhoomi Kitchen, Holee Cow, and Bao + BBQ, Dosa Darlings will take guests on a “flavourful adventure” that marries authentic Kerala cuisine with a contemporary twist. The new restaurant’s small plate menu offers everything from traditional curries and biryani dishes to authentic Indian desserts such as Rasmalai, Halwa and Pongal. The main event is the dosa, with flavour combinations including masala, dates and almond, and even blue cheese and truffle. And with Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) just around the corner, the restaurant will be giving away a free dosa to the first 50 people that pass by the restaurant on the day – allowing locals to experience the vibrant tastes of Oxford’s newest culinary destination. Michael Raphel, owner of Dosa Darlings, said: “We’re really excited to open this Friday and offer Oxford a fun space where people can come together and enjoy something new. Inspired by the tastes of Kerala in South India, Dosa Darlings will take people on a unique culinary experience in a casual, welcoming setting. “Indian restaurants can typically be thought of as a masculine space, so we wanted to challenge that notion by showcasing cultural dishes with a modern ‘sassy’ twist. The result is a place for enjoying the authentic tastes of South India while having fun and cocktails.” Guests can enjoy chai and snacks in a cosy bar area throughout the day, before the lights are dimmed in the evening to create a “dark and moody vibe” where cocktails and Indian bar snacks are served. The main dining area, with hand painted chess floors with pastel red walls, can accommodate groups of up to 8-10 guests at its large tables, situated under trees. While the terrace offers marble tables and rattan chairs surrounded by palm trees – being lit with fire pyramids and festoon lights. Raphel added: “We can’t wait to welcome people from Oxford and beyond to enjoy great food and drinks with us. It’s going to be an exciting few months with the opening.”