Marseli Café & Patisserie in Bengaluru is a chef’s tribute to his mentor

Chef Suresh Kumar M spent 17 years working in professional kitchens in the UK. The Bengaluru-based chef, who also owns the popular burger chain Leon’s Burgers and Wings, was under the tutelage of Italian chef Pepe Marsel in London. Suresh made a promise to him that he will open a cafe in India, with all the techniques and skills he has learnt from him. Unfortunately, Marsel passed away in 2020. But Suresh kept his promise. The newly opened Marseli Café & Patisserie in HSR layout, is named after him.

Smores Hot Chocolate
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Special arrangement

The cafe is located on 24th Main Road in sector 1 of HSR layout. The wide roads of the locality meant I have no trouble finding parking outside. The cafe is busy and I even spot pets in the outdoor area. The decor is bright and inviting with tones of greens and warm orange. There are cosy nooks, and bigger tables for large groups. The patisserie counter is inspired by Parisian cafes and is gleaming with desserts.

Magnifico Burrata Foccacia
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Special arrangement

Bean talk

The coffee and beverage menu has all the favourites. Cold coffees, matchas, and juices. There is also a section called ‘Instagrammable’ for pretty drinks such as blue pea tea lemonade and raspberry matcha. My friend orders an Americano, and I get a Vietnamese coconut cold brew. The coffees take a long time to arrive, we are almost eating by then. But the cold brew coffee is delicious; not too sweet and the coconut is not overpowering.

My friend and I peruse the food menu. The breakfast platters are not available we are told, but they range from a classic full English to a veggie one with avocado toast. Salads, appetisers, and main course options like pasta and pizzas, are also part of the menu.

Desserts at the cafe

We are keen to try something from each section, so we order a truffle mushroom arancini and a Caesar salad. The Italian risotto balls are cheesy with a healthy stuffing of mushroom. It arrives on a bed of marinara sauce, and is served with a truffle parmesan cream. The truffle flavour is not pronounced, but the sauce is fresh and the arancini is crispy. The Caesar salad is just how I like it. with romaine lettuce, shaved parmesan, crunchy croutons and grilled chicken. The in-house made dressing is creamy but light.

Between two slices

There are many options for sandwich lovers here. There are bagel sandwiches, open face tartines, sourdough toasties, paninis, French toasts, burgers and Focaccias. We order a mushroom and cheese toastie. The grilled mushrooms and arugula stuffing is layered with a pesto sauce. The sourdough bread is freshly made, and you can taste the difference. From the pasta, we try the gnocchi. The pillow pasta is soft and tossed in a herby pesto sauce. The topping of grana padano cheese brings the dish together.

The gelatos look very tempting behind the counter. So, we pick up a dark chocolate scoop to go. And we polish it off on the drive back home.

The cafe is vibrant and fresh. Suresh’s passion for his craft shines through. I plan to return to try the patisserie.

Cost for two ₹1,800. 8 AM – 11.30 PM. At HSR Layout. For more details, call 7090779933