Despite its proximity to twoinstitutions of higher learning (National and MMK) and its sophomoric tagline (“It’s tuking awesome”), there were no college students lounging around the sleek new Bandra multi-cuisine eatery TUK aka The Urban Kitchen when we visited one recent evening. Instead, there were a bunch of young professionals grabbing a bite as they debated which bar to head out to later. That’s exactly the kind of crowd the management seems to be aiming for, what with the elegantly minimal décor, Italian and Middle Eastern menu and prices just out of range of a college student’s allowance.

That said, nothing at the allvegetarian TUK costs more than R200. It has pastas and pizzas, falafel and fries, sandwiches and soups. There’s also an Indian section with paneer mutter, dum aloo, naans, makhanwali dal and other standards.

We were in the mood for travel and decided to sample TUK’s Mediterranean offerings. They turned out to be more Indalian than Italian, flecked with chilli and with more tomato sauce than strictly necessary, but we aren’t excessively hung up on authenticity. After a long day at work, it all tasted good and left us fired up, especially our spirited penne arabiatta ( R195), bursting with cheese and tomato. Before that, the red tomatino basil soup ( R80) was creamy, complemented subtly by the slivers of fresh basil on the surface. Our side order of garlic bread ( R70) made for a perfect dunk. The hummus was fresh and smooth, with the hint of chilli and garlic. It cried out to be chased down by a pint, but TUK is a non-alcoholic venue. Though TUK isn’t exactly haute cuisine, it’s pretty good value for money.

It will be an option for the times we’re home late and too tired to cook.

THE BILL

Meal for two approx R550.