Dosa Darlings now occupies the space where Café Tarifa once stood, beautifully reimagined into something truly special—vibrant, high-end yet welcoming, striking the perfect balance between relaxed dining and a sense of occasion. Specialising in contemporary South Indian cuisine and Indian-inspired cocktails, it’s a spot that invites you to linger over bold flavours and inventive dishes. We stopped by for a tapas-style sharing lunch—here’s our verdict.
We kicked things off with the Uttapam (£8.00)—a soft, savoury rice and lentil pancake topped with onion, coriander, and carrot, served with coconut chutney. Light, fresh, and subtly textured, it had echoes of a Japanese okonomiyaki. A good dish, though if you’re ordering a dosa, it’s worth picking something with a contrasting texture to keep things interesting.
The Onion Bhaji (£6.50) arrived as enormous golden fritters, super crispy on the outside but slightly too dense within. And of course, we had to have a Dosa—the restaurant’s namesake and a South Indian staple. Available in various flavours (or simply plain), these enormous, paper-thin crepes are perfect for sharing. Light, crispy, and ideal for scooping up chutneys and sambars—just be prepared to get hands-on!
Then came the lamb chops (£9.50)—undoubtedly the highlight of the visit. Marinated overnight and grilled to perfection, they had that irresistible balance of crisp caramelisation and tender meat, with a vibrant mint and coriander chutney to lift the flavours. The kind of dish that demands you pick up the bone and savour every last bite.
The drinks menu is a delight, with a well-curated list of Indian-inspired cocktails and mocktails. We both went for a spritz, which was refreshingly light and aromatic.
As for the atmosphere? The right-hand side of the restaurant is a dream for date nights—dimly lit tables tucked beneath dried tree branches, making for an intimate, memorable setting.
With attentive service, generous portions, and a reasonable bill at the end, Dosa Darlings has all the makings of being a Cowley Road favourite. Whether you’re celebrating or just after an exceptional dosa fix, it’s well worth a visit.
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