Facing the serene Vembanad Lake, Café UUTOPIA, an art café and restaurant in suburban Kochi, serves South Indian and fusion continental cuisine.

The free-spirited diner exudes confidence and optimism with bright street-art style and elevated tropical ambiance. Located at the edge of Panangad, hidden from the bustle of the city, Café UUTOPIA focuses on the rustic charm of Kochi's rural region.

The view from the open front yard is Chinese fishing nets, a palm-dotted coastline, and the expansive blue sky. The restaurant converted a traditional waterfront tile-roofed Kerala house into a mural-filled open space.

The dining area consists of small wall-less booths that can accommodate a group of six to ten guests. The narrow aisles between dining spaces are marked with dark granite tiles and shiny pebbles. The simple and aesthetic design reflects an upbeat vibe, while it has also helped preserve a small natural pond and a few trees, including a mango tree.

Here's a video posted by Indu Krishna reflecting the feel-good vibe of the place.

Ideal for

Café UUTOPIA is far from the city, and it would take some driving through the winding rural roads to reach here. Evenings are amazing. Show up before sunset to beat the crowd; this is one of those places you go to relax, spend time with your friends, click photos for Instagram, or have a family dinner.

How to reach

Exit the National Highway 66 at Madavana Junction, and turn to Panangad Road. Continue for 3 KM. Take a left from Panangad Road to Valiyaparambil Road. Stay on the narrow road for 450 meters until you see the black sliding doors with the logo of Café UUTOPIA on your right. Don't blindly trust Google Maps because some of the diversions in the Valiyaparambil road don't exist.

What to order

The menu offers some MUST-TRY options. You can also read the chalkboard at the entrance to choose the 'best dishes of the day.'

Here's everything I ordered.

Chicken wings: The honey-glazed, spice-infused chicken wings are served super hot with a thick white dip. INR 280

Kozhi Idichu Porichathu: Shredded chicken marinated with spices and deep fried. INR 240

Mood lifter: A sparkling mocktail, bursting with the flavor of green apple with traces of mint and lime. It's punchy and served with a couple of thin slices of green apple. INR 140

Vanchikkaran fish: Fresh fish from the local market. The day's catch was Kera fish (Tuna), and the dish took a cue from the traditional Kerala recipe - a curry that heavily relies on the hot spicy condiment paste. INR 240

Karimeen Pollichathu: A no-twist, no-nonsense rendition of the classic Pearl Spot fish, the darling of Kerala's backwaters, marinated with spices and slowly cooked in a banana leaf wrap. INR 240

Paal Kappa: Starchy tapioca cooked in coconut milk. With its creamy consistency, you can pair it with fish and meat curries. INR 100

Uutopian Sunrise: Citrus, pineapple, and mango! This drink can't go wrong. INR 140.

Tips

1. Carry cash or have some money in your digital wallet; the restaurant doesn't accept cards.

2. Mocktails contain syrups.

3. The restaurant is open from 12 PM to 11:59 PM.

4. Don't miss the sunset.