Gives The Right Feels: A Review of Coconut Groove

Not every day you discover something that feels tailor-made just for you. That happened to me recently when I visited a particularly well-known restaurant one fine Saturday evening.

Located near the Modern Cooperative Housing Society on the Main Tipu Sultan Road, Coconut Groove is a sight to behold! It’s a breath of fresh air, particularly in the polluted atmosphere of Karachi. From its gorgeous ambiance to its delicious cuisine, Coconut Groove should be on your bucket list of fine dining restaurants in Karachi.

If you’re perplexed about where to plan your next hang-out, go for Coconut Groove. Just be aware that it’s a bit pricey! 

Food: Every Foodie’s Dream Haven

I’ve been a massive foodie all my life, so I’m not easily impressed with sub-par meals at prestigious restaurants. But what I’m about to say is the absolute truth. I really liked the food. Frankly speaking, that’s an understatement. Words fall short of my appreciation for the food of Coconut Groove. Yeah, it is that good!

Even the two other guys I went with were pleased with the food. The Bihari Boti is a must-try. The chicken was marinated very well and had an authentic taste. It arrived sizzling hot. 

Another meal that I’d recommend is the Chicken Malai Boti. The taste of the yogurt and spices harmoniously blended to create a flavorful dish. Plus, the chicken was quite juicy.

Furthermore, the Garlic Naan perfectly complemented the curry. It was everything I wanted it to be and more. Crispy, hot, and with the perfect amount of garlic flavor. The Puri Paratha was fluffy and had just the right touch of crispiness.

The serving size was also large. There were three of us, and we still had to pack up some of the leftovers.

Price: Thumbs Down, No Second Thoughts

Disclaimer: The prices quoted below are subject to change. The current prices are dated 21 November 2022. (As per the official Facebook page of Coconut Groove).

Our cumulative bill was:

• Bihari Boti: PKR 900
• Chicken Malai Boti: PKR 925
• Garlic Naan: PKR 95
• Puri Paratha: PKR 100

Not at all satisfied with the price. It is overpriced way beyond what it needs to be. Although the quality and the quantity of the food are definitely outstanding, under no circumstance should the price be this exorbitant. Other restaurants in Karachi with a similar standing among the people charge far less than Coconut Groove.

Adding on to that, the prices that I have quoted above are straight from the official menu card. You’d be shocked to learn that these prices are exclusive of the 13% GST. We, too, were unaware of this fact. Only after we got the entire bill and saw the total cost, did we realize the prices had not yet been taxed. 

Service: A Mixed Bag, Quite Frankly

Well, in all honesty, Coconut Groove does face a preeminent issue. It’s a lack of adequate seating space. Even though the restaurant has both an indoor and an outdoor environment, overcrowding still occurs. 

My friends and I arrived at the diner by 8 PM sharp. However, we were pretty disheartened to witness the long waiting line gathered at the counter. We briefly discussed the idea of changing our plans and going someplace else, but I insisted that we persist and wait for our turn. It took almost half an hour for a table to be freed up for us to sit down.

My mood lifted a bit when we were treated like royalty by the waiter at our table. He was friendly and quite convincing, I must say. He managed to entice us into trying out the Chicken Moroccon Steak, although we thought only to have Pakistani cuisine.

However, I was further dissatisfied when the time came for payment. When I took out my card to pay the bill, the waiter said that Coconut Groove does not accept online transactions. Only cash is allowed. This left me in a sour mood. Only by chance, I had kept a significant amount of money in my wallet. Otherwise, we would have been in serious trouble. There was no ATM nearby from where we could have withdrawn some cash.

It was a pretty close call. I’d suggest that if you’re planning a visit, keep some loose cash at hand.

Ambiance: Breath-Takingly Gorgeous

Almost every famous diner is situated around the Main Tipu Sultan Road. To stand out among them is no small feat. Coconut Groove manages to do precisely that. And it does that with copious amounts of grace and oomph!

The vicinity is divided into two compounds: indoor and outdoor. The indoor building of Coconut Groove is something to marvel at! With glass doors and a slanted look, it gives a sophisticated look to the overall diner.

Meanwhile, the outside courtyard is embedded with tall coconut trees, amplifying the feel of the place. There is also a massive bonfire near the main entrance. A surprising yet pleasant sight, no doubt about it.

Honorable Mentions: Don’t Be Afraid To Try Something New

I firmly believe in the policy that you shouldn’t limit yourself to only a particular cuisine. Switching things up occasionally is always preferable, especially concerning your diet. In terms of health, it’s also beneficial to have a little variety in your food.

With that in mind, I can’t recommend the Texas Burger enough. A couple seated next to us ordered the burger, which looked mouth-watering. 

The beef was simmered softly until it was overlaid with a shiny, glossy coating. It was then drenched with a special homemade Coconut Groove sauce. I’m still drooling, just writing about it. Plus, the burger’s double patty. Enough to satiate even the most hungry appetites.

However, if you’re not a beef fan, chicken options are also available. Go for the Oh My Crunch Burger. It’s golden and ultra-crispy! What more could you want?

Final Verdict:

All things considered, Coconut Groove is an excellent option for a day (or night) out with friends. From its exotic locale to its finger-licking food, everything’s as good as it gets in Karachi. 

The only drawback is the exorbitantly high price, and it’s quite a serious one at that! Nevertheless, I can’t recommend Coconut Groove enough. Go for it!