Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Cova, and the moment I stepped in, it was clear that this wasn’t just a restaurant – it was a dreamy escape. With interiors inspired by the mystery of caves, the space envelops you in earthy beige tones and carefully carved walls. The atmosphere is intimate yet vibrant, making it a perfect place for your culinary journey.
Photo: Nikita Nikhil
Our evening began with their signature cocktails, each thoughtfully crafted to showcase unique flavors. The first drink I tried was the Summer’s Plunge, a Mediterranean-inspired concoction that was flavorful and refreshing. The rough depth of Kettle One Vodka was beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the watermelon rind and the sparkling water effect of the passion fruit. It was a light, herbal opening that immediately set the tone for the evening.
But this was only the beginning. Next came the Fire Ritual, a bold twist on the classic Picante. The smoky undertones of Reposado Tequila pair brilliantly with the vibrant heat of red paprika, while the lemon agave rounds it out with just the right amount of sweetness. This cocktail had a fiery charm that lingered after the last sip.
To complement the drinks, we dived into the food. Their extensive menu has a large number of Mediterranean, Asian and fusion options. Although it was hard to choose one, we started with the Chicken Yakitori. The skewers were tender and flavorful, coated in a delightful glaze of sake, mirin, and soy sauce. The nuttiness of the sesame seeds and the freshness of the spring onions added depth and texture, making this a dish that was as satisfying as it was satisfying.
Photo: Nikita Nikhil
Butterfly Garlic Prawns was another highlight. Perfectly cooked and smothered in the richness of butter and wine, the prawns were enhanced by a hint of chilli flakes which added just the right kick. Paired with crusty bread to soak up the hearty sauce, this was a dish that took my taste buds on a roller coaster ride. However, it was the juicy and tender pork that stole my heart. I have never had such amazing gews.
Midway through the meal, we decided to explore more of their cocktail offerings. This time, I chose Inner Roots, a drink that celebrated the vibrant flavors of Thailand. Bombay Sapphire Gin served as the base, elevated by aromatic notes of lemongrass and galangal, while lychee cordial and kaffir lime essential oils added sparkle. This aromatic cocktail paired beautifully with blackened BBQ chicken, a smoky, juicy dish served with a refreshing corn coriander salsa and creamy cucumber cumin dip.
Photo: Nikita Nikhil
The culinary journey continued with two standout curries from Covah. Chicken Malacca Curry was a Malaysian inspired dish. The color of tamarind, the heat of cinnamon, and the aroma of curry leaves created a dish that was rich, hearty, and unforgettable. The Laksa Curry Bowl, recommended to us by the staff, certainly did not disappoint. The curry was a delicious combination of coconut milk, lemongrass, chilli and turmeric, with noodles that soaked up the aromatic broth beautifully.
Photo: Nikita Nikhil
We ended the night on a decadent note with Secrets of Java, a cocktail that doubled as dessert. Blanco Tequila, banana saccharum, and hazelnut liqueur combined to create a drink that was sweet, nutty, and tangy. The salted caramel banana tart finish was the perfect end to a wonderful meal.
Overall, I had a great time at Covah – The Cavern. The staff was polite, the atmosphere – spirited. The food and drinks were definitely the highlight of my visit. I can’t wait to try the other Mediterranean and fusion dishes this place has to offer!
Where: Bayan Bani, Sector 43, Gurugram, Haryana
Price: ₹2,000 + Tax