The first time we visited Cocoparra, there was a private party going on. The moment we announced that we weren’t invitees, the hosts apologised profusely, ensured they noted our details, promised us a complimentary drink the next time we visited and even gave us a little delicious take-away as an apology. We were genuinely impressed and touched by the establishment’s sincerity towards catering to their guests.

The next time we visited, it being a Wednesday night, we were the solo diners. We walked around the simply-done, green property and loved its rustic, wooden table-and-bench outdoor look. They also had a machaan with flowing curtains for a bigger group and the regular air-conditioned indoor restaurant. In the dark (they are only open 8 pm onwards), the much-spoken-about river is but a patch of black but even then, Cocoparra was as close to a natural setting as possible.