When you step off busy Brunswick Street and through the doors of
Garuva Hidden Tranquillity Restaurant, you may understand how the Pevensie children felt when they stepped through the wardrobe to Narnia. One minute you're amidst a noisy, crowded, familiar world – the next, you've been transported somewhere completely different.
As its name would suggest, Garuva is a slice of 'hidden tranquillity' on the corner of
Gipps and Wickham Streets in Fortitude Valley. First timers might walk right past it – with no outside signage, you really need to know it's there to find it. All advertising is via word of mouth and considering the restaurant has been around for nearly twenty years, that's saying something.
Inside is like a rainforest garden, with potted plants, tribal carvings and pan pipe music providing the atmosphere. The cosy intimacy continues with patrons seated on cushioned rugs at low tables, and each table curtained off for privacy.
Food is tapas style, with a selection of large entree sized meals all priced the same so that customers can order several to make up a meal. Garuva also has an extensive cocktail menu which includes their signature Shoes Off (strawberry liqueur, orange juice and lemonade topped with passionfruit.)
The back room is a cocktail bar with the same cushions and low tables as well as high tables and stools. Live music is performed every Friday and Saturday night from 8.00pm until 11.00pm.
Garuva Hidden Tranquillity Restaurant is open Monday to Sunday from 7.00pm. Bookings are essential.
