The Giri Cafe is a charming spot, transforming from a cozy cafe during the day into a fantastic restaurant at night. But let me take you back a bit to The Giri Residence, an exquisite luxury hotel run by the same folks. Here, we decided to experience their 24-hour breakfast service. Instead of setting an alarm for breakfast, you can enjoy it whenever you wake up.
It was my birthday, so I indulged in a well-deserved sleep-in, perfect for trying the anytime breakfast. After leisurely getting ready, I went to find our personal chef, who was all set to whip up our breakfast choices. Freshly baked croissants, a variety of fresh fruits, orange juice, and coffee made for a great start.
Lloyd opted for poached eggs on toast with bacon, while I, having a notorious sweet tooth, chose pancakes. With breakfast finished (or brunch, considering the hour), we weren’t deterred by approaching rain and decided to explore the local hippy market.
The Hippy Market offers a bit of everything, which is impressive given its smaller size compared to London’s markets. I usually prefer food or flea markets, and while this one had a flea market vibe, it also featured many commercial items, which felt less ‘hippy.’ Nevertheless, the market’s lively atmosphere made it an enjoyable place to browse for an hour or so.
After about 30 minutes, we moved on to the Giri Cafe for drinks. During the day, the cafe serves excellent coffee, tempting cocktails (if you’re in the mood), and a delightful array of afternoon meals. They even grow their own herbs and spices, embracing that farm-to-table concept.
We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying more cocktails, relaxing spa sessions, and lazy poolside lounging (with maybe a nap thrown in). It was exactly the kind of laid-back day I craved and savored every moment of it. Such lazy days are rare, so I made the most of it.
That evening, the sky delivered on its promise of rain. Though it was tempting to stay indoors, it was my birthday, and rain or shine, I wanted cocktails! Thankfully, since The Giri Cafe was just next door, it was the perfect excuse to stay close by for dinner, avoiding the downpour.
We began with salmon caviar, alongside the cocktails I braved the rain for (a mere two-minute walk!). The cocktails are crafted with local ingredients, which make a delightful difference—everything tasted fresh, even the mint was super minty!
Lloyd chose a unique twist on a Caesar Salad, which was delicious due to the creamy chicken. I picked the avocado and octopus, which was also a hit!
For the main course, I couldn’t resist the lamb, which I paired with parmesan fries, while Lloyd opted for the fish. For dessert, I enjoyed a deconstructed strawberry cake, and unsurprisingly, Lloyd went for the chocolate cake, given his love for chocolate.
By the time we wrapped up dinner, most people had left, so I took the opportunity for another look around. With dinner concluded and a very happy birthday boy (that’s me) and Lloyd heading back to The Giri Residence, we were utterly content. There’s nothing like the satisfaction of a great meal, especially when it’s as good as it is here.
I’d love to say I stayed up for a chess match with Lloyd or caught up on emails when we returned, but the truth is, I went straight to bed, binge-watched some series, and enjoyed a fantastic night’s sleep. Happy Birthday to me indeed!
