We arrived at D:OH on a Sunday afternoon to find it bustling with families. Filled with kids running around and older people playing with babies — it looked like an indoor play area, especially with its swinging seats.
The restaurant has a no-reservation policy. As it was a busy day, our attendant offered us a table for two with an extra chair, which we soon discovered wasn’t very comfortable.
We were informed that D:OH was a self-service restaurant. So, at the counter we placed the order for starters, the main course and drinks. The cashier handed us our bill and buzzer (that was to go off as soon as our order arrived). So far it felt like we were at an upscale version of McDonald’s.
The service was quick and the food arrived in 15 minutes. However, the food was a handful to carry back to the table. Accompanied by senior citizens, we requested the attendants help us bring the trays of food to the table. The staff helped us promptly.
While the fish in the Amritsari Fish And Chips (Rs. 269) was just right — crispy and gone in a few seconds — the fries were uneventful. The Bombay Baida Roti (Rs. 299) was stuffed with minced chicken and the spice mix was well-balanced. This was warm and offered the comfort of a home-cooked meal. The D:OH Detox salad (Rs. 249), however, was a huge disappointment. The fresh lettuce fell flat against the pungent pickled beetroot chunks. The shredded carrots were meagre. Their sweetness didn’t balance out the other strong flavours erupting from the bowl. And the mustard dressing made our eyes water. What could have been a perfect lunch on a hot sunny afternoon turned out to be a sweat and tear inducer. Thankfully, the delicious fresh watermelon juice (Rs. 199) came to our rescue. The Peppered Mutton Stew (Rs. 359) turned out to be the winner. The rice was cooked right and the stew had generous portions of juicy meat, succulent carrots and scallion. This dish is a must try. The Plum Time drink (Rs. 179) made with plums, lime, cranberry juice and soda was refreshing, and complemented the dish well.
{{/usCountry}}While the fish in the Amritsari Fish And Chips (Rs. 269) was just right — crispy and gone in a few seconds — the fries were uneventful. The Bombay Baida Roti (Rs. 299) was stuffed with minced chicken and the spice mix was well-balanced. This was warm and offered the comfort of a home-cooked meal. The D:OH Detox salad (Rs. 249), however, was a huge disappointment. The fresh lettuce fell flat against the pungent pickled beetroot chunks. The shredded carrots were meagre. Their sweetness didn’t balance out the other strong flavours erupting from the bowl. And the mustard dressing made our eyes water. What could have been a perfect lunch on a hot sunny afternoon turned out to be a sweat and tear inducer. Thankfully, the delicious fresh watermelon juice (Rs. 199) came to our rescue. The Peppered Mutton Stew (Rs. 359) turned out to be the winner. The rice was cooked right and the stew had generous portions of juicy meat, succulent carrots and scallion. This dish is a must try. The Plum Time drink (Rs. 179) made with plums, lime, cranberry juice and soda was refreshing, and complemented the dish well.
{{/usCountry}}What we gauged from our visit to D:OH is that it is more suited for larger groups. Although the space is interspersed with a two-seater table here and there, most of its furnishings, right from the sofas to swinging chairs and garden-style wooden benches, are tailor-made for big groups. A number of drinks are served in pitchers as well. This is what probably turns the place into a bustling noisy one, similar to the food court of a mall. Depending on your mood, go for D:OH.
HT pays for all meals and reviews anonymously
WHAT: D:OH! All Day Dining
RATING: 3 / 5
WHERE: Ground Floor, Unit 2B, Trade View, Kamala City, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
WHEN: 9 am - 1 am
COST: Rs 1,500 for two without alcohol
CALL: 62372829
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The author tweets @iamsusanjose