Eighth Bastion
Fort Cochin, Kerala
The ground floor ‘East Indies’ restaurant is really the focal point of the hotel, with seating outside by the pool plus an indoor area that is air-conditioned and a welcome escape during the summer months. The lobby bar is small, and the restaurant really a better place to sit, drink and meet.
Breakfast is scrumptious: a large continental selection plus south Indian options also available. Service: excellent.
There’s an admirable emphasis on using local ingredients in the kitchen. The food could be described as Indo-Dutch or Indonesian-influenced (definitely try the satay), but if anything it is rather ‘eclectic’ (and as good as the prices suggest).
Lunch and dinner both operate from the same menu and though there really is a fancy, ‘gourmet’ slant to the food, there are a few tasty sandwiches and snacks which can be brought out to guests lounging by the pool.
There is live, Indian classical music here in the evenings, which could be either sombre or relaxing depending on your point of view.
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Menu
An eclectic, modern menu with emphasis on local ingredients and the spices of Kerala. A heavy emphasis on ‘fusion’ dishes, ranging from Indo-Dutch to Malay and even French and Italian influences.
We really enjoyed our cauliflower risotto and open cheese tart. The satay is great and there are some good options for vegetarians.
Dining nearby
There are some great little cafes around Fort Cochin, best known of all are Kashi Café on nearby Burgar Street, and Teapot Café on Peter Celli Street. Both are great spots for breakfast, snacks and lunch.
For a first-class dining experience try the restaurant at Malabar House on Parade Road, not far from Eighth Bastion.
For a really unique experience buy some fish at the seafront and get it cooked at a street restaurant on Tower Road.
Also see our guide to eating in Cochin.