Marigold and Honey Cafe is a delightful find that brings the ambiance of a quaint English tearoom to Karachi's Zamzama Boulevard.

Great care and attention has been given to keep the atmosphere cosy, unassuming and homey. Beautiful art and vintage details make the dark space warm and inviting.

In contrast to the hustle and bustle apparent at many Zamzama eateries, this is the perfect place to enjoy a tranquil, intimate meal.

Interior of Marigold and Honey Cafe. – Photo Courtesy Marigold and Honey Cafe Facebook page

The friends I went with had been here before and were all praises, so the bar was set high. On entering, the staff was polite but seemed a little lost. My friends noted that they were more efficient when the café owner, Shamira, was present.

We were lucky to arrive on a relatively quiet day when only three of the seven tables were taken. At full occupancy, the place is likely to feel cramped with tables squeezed too close to each other. Being seated right next to the kitchen door was somewhat uncomfortable, as sounds of the inner workings of the kitchen could be heard every time the door opened.

– Photo Courtesy Marigold and Honey Cafe Facebook page

If a menu is well crafted, reading it is almost as enjoyable as ordering from it. While the cafe has a small selection, there is something to be said about a quality menu that isn’t three pages long. The delicately handwritten menu adds to the old world charm of the café.

Since we visited during Ramazan, the café had an iftar tier full of satisfying appetisers, including scrumptious mini scones served with cream and jam, a variety of mini sandwiches and pinwheels (that would not be out of place at a garden party), culminating in perfectly seasoned grilled prawns all served on a gorgeous three tier floral china plate tower.

In fact, unique vintage style plates and cutlery replaced all generic dinnerware. This individuality and character added to the feeling that you weren’t necessarily in a restaurant – you could very well be at your great aunt’s for dinner.

The only let down of the iftar tier was the bland and unappetising fruit salad.

Fruit salad – Photo by author

As it arrived, its nondescript appearance prompted us to ask what it was. Consisting largely of white fruits (pear, melon, apple) with a few pieces of mango, this was unequivocally the worst fruit salad I had ever tried. A few berries or some citrus would have elevated it instantly. As it was, it remained barely touched in the lovely glass it was presented in.

Each main course was technically proficient, but lacked the flair and personality present in every other aspect of the café and meal.

Seafood choices were ‘Sole with Dill Sauce’ and ‘Red Snapper with Teriyaki Ginger Sauce’. The red snapper was flaky and tasted fresh, but the sauce it was smothered in was rather one note and overpowered the delicate fish.

Red snapper - Photo by author

‘Asian Marinated Beef’ was a generous portion of excellent quality, cooked to perfection (medium rare). However, my friends who had ordered this dish before felt the marinade lacked the flavour and kick it had last time.

Asian Marinated Beef – Photo by author

The third main ‘Cappellini with Roasted Garlic Caper Sauce’ was lacklustre with perfectly al dente angel hair pasta in a flat sauce with no variations in texture or flavour - and came without sides.

Cappellini – Photo by author

It was odd that both Asian beef and teriyaki fish came with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans. While perfectly appropriate for continental dishes, this side did not really match up to the Asian flavours and were uninspired. A good side should compliment the main, instead of merely being an afterthought.

In the midst of our dinner, the owner arrived. She was polite and amiable, wonderfully becoming part of the ambiance. We enquired whether the recipe of the Asian beef had changed, to which she apologised profusely, attributing the change to the fact that she was out for an hour.

The staff noticeably perked up and became more attentive in the owner’s presence.

On their last visit, my friends wanted to order tiramisu for dessert but were advised against it at the time by the waiter. Hence, we decided to order it this time. The waiter did not dissuade us. However, five minutes later the owner herself asked us not to go for it.

It’s commendable that they are not willing to serve anything that is below par, but then perhaps these items shouldn’t be on the menu.

Shamira suggested the dark chocolate cake as a replacement. While we waited for the cake to arrive we contemplated on the mystery of the tiramisu. Was it not set? Was an ingredient missing? Will there ever be a place in the city that serves good tiramisu?

When the cake arrived, all thoughts of the tiramisu disappeared. With gorgeous crackly crust and gooey center, offset with a tangy raspberry sauce – this cake was breathtaking.

Dark Chocolate cake – Photo by author

Marigold and Honey strides the line between restaurant and café, uncertain of where its focus lies. But it’s a great place for savouring the more refined, old school pleasures, and is a refreshing approach to dining. The limited variety could be their strength if there is more cohesiveness in the menu.

My advice – stick to the classics and high tea items and steer away from the Asian fusion flavours, which clash with the overall feel of the place.

I don’t recommend the café for dinner, but will give their breakfast menu a try and will definitely go back for the scones and the chocolate cake.

The café is a welcome addition to the Karachi food scene, but its longevity depends upon retaining its unique character and setting itself apart from the crowd.

Rating (3.5 out of 5):

Food: 3 | Ambiance: 4.5 | Service: 3 | Value for money: 3.5