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Beef Steak at The Only Place

The Only Place For Steaks

For almost half a century, continental food, especially steak, has been attributed to the one and only The Only Place. Originally bang on Brigade Road, for some time now, it has been located peacefully tucked into Museum Road, with a brand new branch at Indiranagar. Founded by Haroon and Alice, it was an early introduction to American culture in the city.

Aside from the charbroiled lamb chops and gourmet burgers, the steaks, especially the chateaubriand (medium-rare) are so good that the cast and crew of Academy Award-nominated film, A Passage to India dined there when in the city. This is no surprise either. For decades, The Only Place has consistently been maintaining a high level of quality of traditional American food. Their line of meats is first class and even some of their vegetarian entrees are quite a cracker. The place is frequented by foreigners and Indians alike, but some regular visitors to the city make it a point to eat there, almost like a cult.

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With such an open and organic reach purely driven by love of food, we caught up with Faraz Ahmed, owner of the restaurant, who told us a little about its legacy and how his restaurant has helped promote steak culture.

soundplunge_test: How have you seen “steak culture” change in the city over two decades?

Faraz: The Only Place has been around for 49 yers and has seen steak culture change drastically over the decades. There is more awareness among local people as they are travelling to the west on business, studies or leisure and exploring new cuisines. People have become a lot more open to try something different these days. People are actually aware of what a steak really is. Before, the only way to eat meat was “well cooked” but now I see a lot more Indians enjoying their steak ”medium” or even “rare”. From having an 85% Expat to 15% Indian Clientele we now look at 75% Indian  to 25% Expat Clientele.

soundplunge_test: Is there enough scope for such a restaurant in the city today, despite heavy competition, especially in areas like Indiranagar? 

Faraz: Being in a city like Bangalore which is a melting pot for the IT sector, there is never too much for this city. The city is growing everyday with people from all over the world pouring in. Competition in such a scenario is only healthy which keeps the old restaurants like us on our feet, constantly thinking of newer ideas, trying to do something different, making us modernise and change with the times. At the end of the day there is enough pie for Everyone.

soundplunge_test: Are there any incentives or special offers that you regularly offer the customers or do they keep coming back for the food?

Faraz: My prices are very competitive to any other steak house in the city. I try to stay focussed on three Things: Quality, Quantity and Consistency. As long as I maintain this, people only keep pouring in for my food.

The ambient indoor/outdoor setting.

soundplunge_test: What do you feel The Only Place stands for in terms of restaurants in the city?

Faraz: I think The Only Place being one of the oldest restaurants in Bangalore and the first steak house in India has set a Benchmark in Continental Cuisine. With our consistency and quality of food The Only Place is now a landmark of Bangalore. People now identify Bangalore with The Only Place.

soundplunge_test: What is the frequency of foreign residents and travellers visiting your restaurant? If it is significantly high, why do you think it so?

Faraz: The expat crowd has reduced considerably in the last few years, primarily because I do not serve liquor anymore due to licensing issues. Still a lot of patrons keep coming back only for our food. This is ‘The Only Place’ where you find a line of people waiting outside for a table without alcohol on the Menu.

soundplunge_test: What is your take on the extended curfew in Bangalore? Has it helped your business? What do you feel are the pros and cons of a city like Bangalore having a legal nightlife till 1am?

Faraz: The extended curfew doesn’t affect me as I still close at the same time as before. I don’t find it feasible to keep open until 1 am.

A legacy that has sustained through tremendous periods of change, the restaurants ambiance, food and service have all made it a landmark eatery in the city. A must-try for someone visiting the city, it also makes for a great regular hangout and weekend steak.

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