Coconut Lagoon is truly a gem in the world of restaurants. Maureen and I recently had the pleasure of taking our daughter Alaina Viau there for a belated birthday dinner, and it was an experience that left us speechless.

From the moment we walked through the doors, we were struck by the beautiful and inviting atmosphere of the restaurant. The décor was sophisticated and elegant, with stunning lighting and tasteful artwork that added to the overall ambiance.

We started off with some fantastic drinks – Maureen went for the Lagoon’s Dream, which was a gin/raspberry/lime fruity and refreshing cocktail that set the tone for the meal ahead. Alaina opted for the Lime M Rickey and I had the Munnar Mojito, both of which were equally as delicious.

The appetizers were a perfect start to the meal, and we were blown away by the flavors and presentation of each dish. The Chili Scallop was a standout dish, with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that left our taste buds dancing. The Pappadam Basket with Sauces was another winner, with crispy and light pappadums that were perfectly complemented by the creamy sauces. We could tell that the chefs at Coconut Lagoon take great care and attention to detail in every aspect of their cooking.

Moving on to the main courses, we were equally impressed by the range of flavors and textures in each dish. The Kadala Charu, which is a spicy chickpea curry, was a standout for its bold and complex flavors that were perfectly balanced by the accompanying rice. The Mushroom Curry was another winner, with tender and flavorful mushrooms that were cooked to perfection. The Erissery, which is a traditional Kerala dish made with vegetables and coconut, was bursting with fresh and vibrant flavors that made it a standout dish.

The sides of rice and pickles that we ordered were the perfect complement to the curries, with fluffy and fragrant grains and tangy pickle that added an extra layer of flavor and texture to the meal.

Finally, it was time for dessert, and we were impressed by our selection. Maureen opted for the Coconut Mousse and Alaina the Fruit & Lime Sorbet, and both were outstanding. The Coconut Mousse was creamy and rich, with the perfect amount of sweetness that didn’t overpower the delicate coconut flavor. The Fruit & Lime Sorbet was a refreshing and light dessert that was the perfect way to end the meal.

The service at Coconut Lagoon was impeccable, with friendly and knowledgeable staff who went above and beyond to make our dining experience a memorable one. Our waiter was able to guide us through the menu and make recommendations based on our tastes, which was incredibly helpful.

Overall, our experience at Coconut Lagoon was truly exceptional, and we left feeling completely satisfied and in awe of the culinary expertise on display. The attention to detail and care that went into every dish was evident, and we agreed that it was one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had. If you’re looking for a restaurant that truly elevates traditional Indian cuisine to new heights, then Coconut Lagoon is a must-visit.

Restaurant Photo by Leah Larocque/CTV News Ottawa