At Karoo, it doesn’t matter what you’re wearing or what you’re drinking. Show up in jeans or a cocktail dress; order champagne or diet coke, either way is just fine - that is the beauty of the newest addition to Camana Bay’s ever increasing selection of eating and drinking options.

Owners Markus Mueri and Neil Bryington, the renowned duo behind Abacus, Prime and Deckers, wanted to offer customers an alternative to the high end, fine dining options that predominate at Camana Bay, and that alternative is Karoo. It’s simple, casual and easy going. And it’s not a restaurant – a point Markus is keen to emphasise.

There is food of course – a short but eclectic menu that focuses on small, tapas-style plates and finger food – but there is no obligation to eat while you are there. There isn’t a starched white tablecloth in sight and the menu is delivered on a piece of paper along with a pencil for you to fill in your order.

The menu may be small but the dishes are imaginative and tempting: artisanal pizzas, Thai beef bowls, French onion soup and seared tuna sliders to name just a few. The owners are keen to keep Karoo informal and affordable, so food items start at $4 – but for those with hearty appetites there is also a small selection of larger plates.

Karoo is a family friendly venue, where mums can watch their kids at play in the traffic-free surroundings, and the menu includes a selection of children’s favourites: mac n cheese, hot dogs, burgers and more.

In the evenings, Karoo becomes a meeting point for friends, or a pit stop for that last nightcap. Pitchers of Pimms, sangria and margaritas will help get the party going, or there is a menu of elegant signature cocktails in addition to draft beers, a variety of sipping rums and tequilas and plenty of wine and bubbly too – whatever tickles your fancy.

The owners are brimming with ideas for their new venture, but are taking it slow, and letting Karoo grow and evolve according to what their customers want.

For more information, visit karoo.ky or call 946-6633.