AMBROSIA - Fine Dining Restaurant

When a new restaurant pops up in your city what do you do? Go check it out of course! AMBROSIA opened its doors to the public with promises of offering a Mediterranean food experience like never before in Karachi. How solid were their claims?

The word AMBROSIA is a Greek word that means "Food of Gods". Well, I am pretty sure food in heaven will taste much better, however, certain flavours make us swoon enough to feel heavenly. Located in one of the shared buildings/houses (other offices and shops there too) in Old Clifton, Karachi, surrounded by a serene neighbourhood, the restaurant is very inviting from the moment you step into the place.  Old Clifton is one of the earliest residential localities in Karachi.

AMBROSIA has an outdoor area all set with rattan garden seating and a bar. The outdoors are ideal for generally pleasant Karachi evenings. I prefer light snacks and tea but for proper dining, the lighting is too dim outdoors. The two-level indoor space has open and comfortable with the interiors designed to give a very resplendent and luxurious feel. I do like the structure, however, the choice of artwork as well as the colourful bulbs of the indoor bar clash with the rest of the decor.

The menu is a mix of many different flavours, something for everyone. The evening started with some SMOKED TOMATO & BASIL SOUP. Was it as good as it sounds? Yes, and some more. There was so much depth in this thick, rich soup. The light peppery, smoked after taste with the added aroma of basil was soothing for your taste buds and soul. The smokiness elevates the basic tomato soup giving it that rustic appeal. Simple yet intense, this is a great soup to start with.

The GARDEN SALAD is an instant mood booster. Those who love eating salads will understand what I mean. A good salad will not only make your mouth tingle and your tummy smile but getting a mix of raw ingredients which taste splendid together do make you happy. Not every Salad can make you smile, trust me.

This salad is a beautiful combination of textures and flavours resulting in harmony. The crunchy, earthy greens, the pungent, soft blue cheese, the crispy beef bacon, nutty walnuts and grilled chicken with boiled eggs. Every bite was an experience. The dressing was light therefore keeping all the natural flavours intact. A must try if you enjoy salads. 

For the main course, my pick was the PORCINI STEAK. The charbroiled tenderloin steak is served with wild mushroom sauce, sauteed vegetables and beetroot sauce. The best thing about this steak was, well, the actual steak itself. The tenderloin was beautifully seasoned, pepper and salt mixed with meaty juices. I requested medium-rare because I prefer my meat juicy. It was one of the best medium-rare steaks I have tasted in Karachi, cooked to perfection.

The steak was a star on its own and didn't need the mushroom sauce which didn't have much flavour to support the steak. I also didn't understand the need for the beetroot sauce. It didn't serve a purpose, neither in garnishing as it looked messy nor in taste. It didn't gel with the steak. Ambrosia can do away with the beetroot sauce for sure and stick to improving the mushroom sauce starting with adding some salt.

CANNOLIs were as charming as their name. We were told to try something else but glad that our persistence won. The crispy wafer tubes filled with light, fluffy cream cheese and garnished with kiwi caviar, already sounds wonderful, doesn't it? This was a burst of sweet airy taste, especially if you prefer desserts that are not overbearing. The crunch and the fluff, simply divine. The kiwi caviar was too little to make a difference but increasing the amount will definitely elevate the taste.

The pricing is not exuberant compared to the place and the quality of food starts from approx Rs.350+.

The overall AMBROSIA experience was memorable and the food quality was good enough for me to head back there again to try more options.

See more updates on their FACEBOOK page if your tummy is grumbling already. Be sure to check with them in advance because these days they are usually booked and last minute reservations can be cumbersome.