Darbar: Tapas Transcendence

Are you tired of the humdrum world of tapas? At the terraza, do you find yourself weeding out the bruised and waterlogged olives as you dolefully sip your caña desperately thinking “there must be more to this existence”? If you are seeking “tapa transcendence” then Dar Bar is the place for you. Yes, you guessed it: Indian tapas – it had to happen sooner or later.

The restaurant’s rich, soothing colors and ambient music provide a low-key environment in which to relax and enjoy a truly new take on tapas. The tapa-combo platter for two (14 euros) qualifies as a meal in and of itself and is a great place to start. With an assortment of pakoras, samosas, koftas and chicken tikka, one can’t go wrong.

If curries are your thing, you have ten to choose from including shrimp, lamb or chicken. In addition to a full range of alcoholic drinks Dar Bar also offers chai, the traditional Indian-spiced tea, and mango lasis, a yogurt-based drink so divinely delicious that it’s nearly impossible to sip slowly. If you manage to save room for dessert, the ginger ice cream or the chocolate tart are recommended. The chocolate tart at Dar Bar with its slightly bitter chocolate and truffle-like texture makes for a rich but subtle ending to a wonderfully flavourful meal.

The daily menu is 20-25 euros.

c/ Barbieri 1 (intersection with Infantas)
Metro (Gran Via or Chueca)
91 521 3193
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 1-5 p.m. and 8:30-1; Monday 8:30-1; Sunday, closed.

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