Life in the big city is not easy. Constantly running after one thing or another and keeping up with the world at all times is necessary but exhausting. However, divine intervention sometimes manifests itself as howling wind and rumbling thunder followed by a heavy downpour, forcing this fast-paced life to a sudden stand-still and allowing you a moment of respite.

For those wise enough to seize this moment, here are 5 restaurants to visit this monsoon, each with its unique allure and a promise of mouth-watering culinary experience to make your rainy-day escape even better.

Terracotta Tales, Tejgaon

Terracotta Tales offers the most authentic of Bengali comfort food, the ultimate love language we all learnt growing up.

Be it the simplicity of luchi alur dom or the luxury of ilish paturi, you will find it all here. Their khichuri with duck curry is an absolute delight on rainy days, with flavours that tap on the doors of nostalgia and put your mind to a peaceful reset.

The spacious establishment is beautifully furnished with a combination of rattan and wood. Large windows overlooking the balcony provide a glorious view of the rain that you must enjoy with a cup of their masala tea in hand.

Prezzie, Gulshan

Prezzie is a cosy deli located right in the heart of a super busy Gulshan Avenue, serving an array of delicious dishes and the right aesthetics to go with it. Be it their rich breakfast menu, mouth-watering pasta dishes, baked delicacies or desserts, there is something for everyone in this place.

Prezzie also happens to be one of the quieter places in Gulshan, perfect for some much needed 'me time.'

Place your order and take a seat by the glass curtain wall to see every lightning strike. When the rain comes beating down on it, you finally grasp the concept of rain and romance that writers and poets talk about.

El Patron, Banani

You have not tasted authentic Mediterranean food in Dhaka unless it is from El Patron.

From starters to desserts, each dish is designed with elegance and packed with flavour. For their slow cooked Moroccan chicken, lamb shanks and beef ribs, you may set your knife aside altogether. The meat comes off at the slightest touch of a fork and melts in your mouth.

The décor consists of intricate Greek patterns and sculptures. Add to this aesthetic raindrop sliding down the large French windows, and your experience will be nothing short of heavenly.

Cilantro, Dhanmondi

If there ever was a place made to enjoy monsoon to the fullest, it would be Cilantro.

This cosy little haven passes all vibe checks for a rainy day with its modern rustic interior, dimly lit ambience and elements of nature infused in every corner. The open area right at the centre, separated with only glass, lets you enjoy the rain from up close, almost instantly turning a frown upside down.

As for their food, from pizza, burritos, quesadillas to every one of their main courses, each dish is packed with all the right flavours. Churros of Cilantro are a sweet surprise and the perfect component to wrap up your whole experience.

Ajo Idea Space, Uttara

Perhaps one of the first places to introduce people to aesthetic décor, the charms of Ajo have always been incomparable. From rustic brick walls to minimalistic wooden furnishing, everything about Ajo has its own artistic charm. Glass windows and open spaces give the perfect backdrop for a monsoon visit.

Their chicken platters and sizzlers are undoubtedly some of the best in town. But a true fan will tell you that Ajo's crunchy calamari with a bowl of their seafood soup makes for the ultimate comfort food on a rainy day.