Access denied to distraction, access granted to presence that is the quiet, confident philosophy behind 403 Forbidden, Bengaluru’s newest bar that chooses intention over excess and restraint over spectacle.
Founded by hospitality professionals Aman Dua and Rachit Saboo, 403 Forbidden takes inspiration from the HTTP error code for “access denied,” reimagining it as a modern luxury. In a world driven by constant noise, documentation, and performance, the bar is designed to deny distraction by default, inviting guests to slow down and truly inhabit the moment.
The space unfolds like a theatre rather than a nightlife venue. Lighting is deliberately dim and directional, guiding attention instead of demanding it. Sound, movement, and service are choreographed with precision, creating a rhythm that encourages conversation and quiet discovery. At the centre stands a striking double-height bar that visually connects both floors, functioning as a shifting stage rather than a static counter. Behind it, a dramatic translucent wall plays with the idea of illusion, abstract and unreadable to the naked eye, yet revealing itself only through a phone screen. It’s a thoughtful inversion of how we consume the world today, subtly questioning where our attention truly lies.
The bar programme is deeply personal, led by Aman Dua and rooted in liquid storytelling rather than novelty. Cocktails here are treated as compositions, not recipes. Built using advanced techniques like distillation, clarification, fermentation, and temperature-controlled infusions, each drink prioritises clarity, balance, and emotional resonance. Low-acid, gut-friendly, and consciously crafted, the cocktails move away from excess and toward quiet elegance. Each serve is accompanied by an aromatic element for an olfactory cue designed to heighten perception without overpowering the glass.
For those seeking something more intimate, 403 Forbidden offers a limited, by-request personalised cocktail ritual. Guided by intuition and technology, the experience translates a guest’s personal cues into a bespoke drink, turning identity into flavour and making each interaction entirely unique.
Food at 403 Forbidden follows the rhythm of the bar for minimal, thoughtful, and designed to complement rather than compete. A concise menu of small plates moves effortlessly from rosemary-scented garlic salt nuts and avocado-coconut ceviche to Nikkei lamb chops and red shrimp ceviche, before settling into comforting mains like Forbidden Chicken and Nihari Noir. The experience concludes on a refined note with a miso Basque cheesecake which is indulgent, balanced, and quietly memorable.
403 Forbidden is not a retreat from the world, nor is it a place chasing hype. It is a carefully constructed space where access feels earned, presence feels rare, and connection unfolds organically. A bar that doesn’t ask to be documented, but experienced.
Welcome to 403 Forbidden.
Distraction denied. Presence invited.
Timings: 6:00pm Onwards
Contact: 090713 17446
Price: INR 8000 Onwards
Address: Khata No. 789/A, 1st Floor, 12th Main Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Appareddipalya, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008
