I bet all of us have this fantasy of eating like royalty similar to the ones you see in movies where this huge table of food surrounds you and you feel important. Well, that is exactly what I got to experience at Opium at Sherpa Mall, Durbarmarg during my last visit. It is not your basic go-to restaurant that you forget once you’ve visited. Be ready for some good impressions and what this place really has to offer.

As I walked through the door, the place welcomed me with the aroma of coffee.  You may feel like I am exaggerating a bit too much but I literally felt like I was in Notting Hill. 

Well, except the doors, you had chairs, vibrant and colorful, white walls and paintings, and me sipping my cup of coffee. The ambience was more spacious than what I’d imagine it would be. To my right, there was this ravishingly decorated private hall with chandeliers and paintings, and it would be a sin to undermine its versatility because it looked ideal for everything: a romantic dinner with your special someone; casual or business meeting; or simply some special family time    you name it. They also have an indoor children’s playground and when I saw it, the kid inside me was jumping with joy wanting to play there. 

I loved how clever the idea was    giving parents the joy of spending some quality time while their kids enjoy being playful. 

To my front, opened this beautiful space that overlooked the priceless view of Durbarmarg. The whole ambience was serene with tantalizing lights, live music and a bar. I knew I needed some good food to complement the mood that I was in. The service staff greeted me with such warmth and huge smiles, it lightened my mood just being there. I felt at ease and for me that is a huge plus point every time I visit a restaurant.  I went a bit crazy with the orders, but I am not to blame here because the menu at Opium is huge and choosing only a few dishes would be a shame. 

The first dish, I got to relish was the Mushroom Chillie, laced invitingly with onions, tomatoes and carrots that had such a lovely smoked charry flavor with just the right balance of salt and savory. It was a faultless way to set a first impression and I bet it was my lucky day because I also got to taste a selection from their new menu that was suggested to me by the chef himself. Their Mudey ko Piro Aalu and Phappar Fries Chilly were my perfect definition of comfort food. The aalu in particular was so light, gave an earthy vibe and was infused with flavours of sauce    nothing like I have tasted before. And my favorite dish Phappar Fries not only sounded distinct but also surprised me with how it tasted less like Phappar and more like French fries that were healthy and addictive. What a clever and delicious combination. 

Adding another dish to my list of comfort food was their Crunchy Paneer Roll. Normally, I find paneer rather heavy and would even say that it is not my personal favorite. This dish, however was making me consider my opinions about Paneer as it was crispy, fluffy and surprised me right off the bat. And my new personal favorite drink at Opium, the oh-so-refreshing Fresh Mint Lemon, is the nonpareil drink for the hot summer days. What I really got fond of was that the drink was not overwhelmingly sweet and gave such a pleasant vibe. 

The main course that I doved into was the visually orgasmic Involtini Di Pollo, beautifully executed, modestly portioned yet belly-filling with cheese and spinach stuffed chicken breast with mashed potatoes, smoky butter garlic vegetables and the heavenly red wine mushroom sauce. My mouth had already started watering and it tasted just as good as it looked. 

Everyone there must have judged me for the amount of food I ordered, but Opium offers such a great variety of food that it is really hard to resist. Sadly, the series of fortunate tasting at Opium came to an end. Though my belly was full, but my mouth was not. My last meal was Murgh Biryani which I would call a heaven for all biryani lovers. Succulent pieces of chicken marinated in Indian Spices went flawlessly with the long grain rice. It was not too oily, had a garlicky taste that complimented the distinct and lip-smacking flavors of the raita, and I may say it was an absolute delight. 

All in all, I have to commend the artistic beauty of the place, its multi-faceted space that welcomes people of all age groups. And their tempting food definitely makes it a place that I would visit over and over again. If you are someone who loves eating great food and spending time with your friends, family or your special someone then don’t forget to treat them with a special time at Opium. Make sure you don’t forget two things to take with you though    your camera and your appetite.