Cafe Max: Of Fresh Air, Meatloaves And Cheesecakes

Cafe Max will satiate all your European cuisine and dessert needs and by the end of it you’ll be left wanting more.

Bavarian Meatloaf, Spinach Roulade, Aglio Olio Pasta

Wine, mocktails or tea/coffee

Their large selection of desserts and their lovely rooftop space.

On the top floor of the Goethe Institut in Indiranagar, in a rooftop space, with large windows and a gorgeous view {green trees on one side and the cafe on the other} to turn to, Cafe Max gives off the calm vibes with ambient music and lights that don’t shine too bright.

A breath of fresh air this place, even the water is served in a tall jar with ice cubes and mint leaves. So refreshing! For starters, the home-made fish cakes that include spring onions, chives, parsley, lemon served with tartar sauce are absolutely scrumptious. If you’re not particular about your fish, this is a great option, because it is made with Basa. I’d have preferred some bhetki, but well, such is life. If you’re looking to have some pasta, the good old aglio olio will not disappoint — red chili, garlic and parmesan — all things to love, really.

They have a pretty neat collection of wine to go with your Italian food fascination, although that’s the only kind of alcohol available. But what really is the deal-maker at Cafe Max is their Bavarian Meatloaf, which is a loaf {thick slice, if I may} of pork, smoked and lightly grilled, served with fluffy mashed potatoes, honeyed lettuce and a delectable sweet-strong mustard sauce. One is enough to fill a hungry stomach, but you’re definitely going to be tempted to eat another. The Spinach Roulade is the vegetarian equivalent of the meatloaf, in terms of satisfaction. There’s so much on the plate to munch on — spinach leaves stuffed with feta and ricotta cheese; sundried tomatoes and yellow bell peppers with mushroom sauce; a small portion of aglio olio pasta and a lot of baby potatoes, it really is a treat. Cafe Max also has a lovely breakfast menu full of German Frankurters, scrambled eggs, crepes, pancakes, fruits and whatnot.

The menu does not have a list of the desserts they have, and that makes it even more exciting, because you have to head to  their dessert bay that is a feast for the eyes, before it is a feast for the tummy. Try the Baked Philadelphia Cheesecake and the ChocolateTruffle Pastry, they’re truly sinful.

I’d definitely go back for the Bavarian Meatloaf, but some variety in fish would’ve been great, because Basa isn’t as flavourful to the palette. The desserts are a bit steep here, but really, totally worth it.

Price: INR 1,500 for two {approx.}