Japanese pancakes with Mediterranean martinis: Inside The Hood, Olive Group’s new restaurant in Bengaluru

The newly opened restaurant focuses on three neighbourhoods from around the world. AD Singh, the founder of the Olive Group of Restaurants, tells us more about The Hood, and the group’s 25-year journey

The Olive Group has a new restaurant, and this one will take you on a trip across the globe.

The restaurant group has been a pioneering name in the industry with brands such as Olive Beach, Fatty Bao, and Monkey Bar. One of their flagships, Toast & Tonic, Bengaluru’s popular cocktail bar shut its doors last year. And now in its place is The Hood, their latest offering. Taking inspiration from neighbourhoods from different parts of the world, The Hood wants to be international, yet familiar.

AD Singh, MD & Founder, the Olive Group, says, “Toast & Tonic was built around the East Village neighbourhood vibe. I think Toast here in its avatar and design had done its time. So we thoughts let’s bring in a new concept which has grown from that. We wanted to expand the vision, and look at the neighborhoods to the world. Look at their history, their traditions, and their experiences. It will always be fresh, because every few months we will add a new hood.”

AD says Bengaluru is an advanced, food-forward city. There are new places opening in the city all the time. There is a lot of money, and the industry is widely accepted. “When I started in this industry 25 years ago, it was like starting from scratch. There were stand-alone restaurants, kebab places or dosa places. But cool places where youngsters could hang out...almost zero.” Now it has grown exponentially, Singh says, and customers want better and better.

AD Singh, MD & Founder, the Olive Group

Like with other Olive properties, The Hood has a thoughtfully curated menu. It looks at three popular neighbourhoods and dishes from each of them: Gion in Kyoto, San Lorenzo in Florence and Mar Mikhael in Beirut. Chef Dhruv Oberoi, the culinary director, says, “The menu is simple but authentic. We have started with these three hoods, and moving forward, you will see other neighbourhoods coming in the picture.”