Here’s a New Indian Cocktail and Snack Spot on the Plateau

The Plateau has a tidy new Indian drinking and dining spot with India Rosa now open on Mont-Royal.

It comes from an experienced restaurateur: Ajmer Sandhu already owns two other neighbourhood spots: Bistro Guru on St-Denis, and Sandhu on Papineau. In terms of food, India Rosa swings back more towards the classics than the Italian-Indian fusion of Sandhu, although a handful of Sandhu-esque naan pizzas live on the menu (see: jalfrezi vegetables with mozzarella and tomato, or the cheese-free tandoori chicken-cilantro option).

Otherwise, expect some classic kormas, vindaloos, saags, and chana masalas, to name a few. There’s also a little focus on various spiced-up, tandoor-cooked meats — on offer are malai shrimp with cashews, paneer (cottage cheese) tikka, and four versions of chicken.

It’s those bites that make for a tidy 5 à 7 option with India Rosa’s rather hot-weather-friendly cocktail program, overseen by barman Fidel Vasquez. There’s plenty of rum and bright fruity flavours, alongside creative spicing with options like the chai masala, or mango-based rum drink jijivisha.

India Rosa/Facebook

India Rosa/Facebook

The 60-seat restaurant has had quite the makeover from its previous incarnation as a Starbucks: tiling, exposed beams, plush banquettes, wicker chairs, and a smattering of plant life makes for an eclectic space held together with lots of woody tones.

STATUS — India Rosa is open at 1241 Mont-Royal E from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday to Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday to Saturday.

• India Rosa [Official]