It’s a rather thrilling time for bon vivants in Bombay, with a buzz-worthy collection of bars & restaurants recently enriching the city’s high-octane dining scene.
Gathered here is a rolling round-up of these new spots, with a candid low-down on what to expect – the hits, the misses, and any “meh moments” in between! If our experience falls short of living up to the hype fuelled by an overworked P.R. machine, we spell it out like it is; whilst extolling the virtues of the vaunted ones that merit jumping to the top of your must-visit list!
Nara Thai, Colaba
Chic interiors mix with cosy corners at Nara Thai’s new outpost in Colaba. Textbook classics (such as the arrestingly-attractive blue pea rice) have made their way to the menu here, alongside dishes unique to the restaurant’s new location in a neighbourhood brimming with old-world charm. There’s seating a-plenty with private dining rooms perfect for hosting celebratory occasions. The icing on the cake is of course in the form of the magnificent layers making up Nara Thai’s signature Mille Crepe Cake, enriched by the lush sweetness of the season’s freshest mangos!
Nara Thai India, Amar Chand Mansion, Madame Cama Rd, Dr Ambedkar Statue Chowk Area, Colaba, Mumbai
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Qualia, Lower Parel
Sweet-and-sour symphonies, thoughtful textures and nuanced plating are just a few of the compelling culinary draws to Qualia, which sees legendary restaurateur Rahul Akerkar make a welcome comeback. The ingredient-led menu here is anchored by Akerkar’s fascination for fermentation (expect to see close to 600 jars of pickles prominently on display!), manifesting in a vivid composition of colours and flavours against a debonair setting. Do save room for dessert, the extraordinarily-sophisticated Banoffee Mess ought not to be missed!
Full review, here | Qualia, Lodha World Towers, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
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Town Hall, Lower Parel
Situated right next door to Qualia, is the city’s new Town Hall. It has quite a charm to it, with nostalgic touches a-plenty; and is as busy as you’d expect given the behemoth bar commanding pride of place at the centre of the 150-seater space! As for whetting your appetite, well, the over-extensive menu is far too ambitious in it’s bid to offer everything to everyone. While we can’t vouch for everything, we’d definitely be back in a heartbeat for the stellar selection of sushi, not to mention the fabulously-fun overtone!
Full review here | Town Hall, Lodha World Towers, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
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Americano, Kala Ghoda
Early 2019 also sees the eagerly-anticipated return of Alex Sanchez, almost two years after he left The Table, Colaba. Americano is his labour of love (opened with his partner, Mallyeka Watsa), presenting a new neighbourhood hangout nestled within the thrum of Kala Ghoda.
Visit for fuss-free comfort food (including picture-perfect pizzas served up from a golden oven!), alongside dishes that showcase Sanchez’ creative flair (sweetcorn ribs, anyone?). Desserts are just as dreamy, with the chocolate-coated tiramisu one of the best to be had in Bombay!
Full review, here | Americano, 123, Nagindas Master Road, near Kulture Shop, Kala Ghoda
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwCZkJEHpdq/
Sorrentina by Foodhall
Speaking of exemplary riffs on tiramisu, I’d be remiss to leave out Sorrentina. Tucked away at the top of Foodhall’s action-packed super-store on Linking Road, this cheerful eatery is inspired the sun-drenched town of Sorrento in south-west Italy. With ex-Oberoi chef Aabhas Mehrotra at the helm, you’ll find both authenticity and skill here in spades, with star billing going to a terrifically-truffled tajarin.Â
Full review, here | Sorrentina by Foodhall, Second Floor, Foodhall@Linking Road, Plot No.106, Linking Rd, Santacruz West
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Cecconi’s
The proliferation of regional Italian cuisines – in its versatile glory – continues with Cecconi’s. With its enviable beach-side setting within the haute Soho House Mumbai, Cecconi’s has fast fashioned itself as the place to see and to be seen in the city, drawing in the city’s chic set for its breezy sea-side glamour compounded by an elegant rendering of Italian classics.
Full review, here | Cecconi’s, Soho House, 16, Juhu Tara Rd, Mumbai
Seefah, Hill Road
To level with you, the experience falls rather short of our high expectations at Seefah – the new Japanese/ Thai eatery from the eponymous chef who garnered a cult following at her previous (hole-in-the-wall) eatery, The Blue. To put it simply, our dinner here is gratifying if not the elevated epicurean evening we’re hoping for. There are a few special dishes (who knew mango and avocados would find a happy harmony in a maki roll?), but there are also under-powering ones, well-intentioned but missing a spark…
Full review, here | Seefah, 3rd Floor, Khan House, Next Time Square, Hill Road, Bandra
Foodhall @VAMA
From the almost-hypnotic sight of Romanesco broccoli and purple cauliflowers, to our daily dose of Hass avocados and freshly-ground nut butters, grocery shopping has never been as fun as it is at Foodhall’s new outpost in South Bombay. Of course that’s not the only reason to visit this joyful new space. You’re as likely to find us here for the cathartic comfort of a Malaysian Laksa bowl or for a virtuous medley of Mexican greens at the globe-trotting Café at Foodhall; followed by a Vietnamese Iced Latte from KC Roasters and a silkily-smooth soft serve sprinkled with speculoos!
Find out more, here |Â Foodhall @Vama, Peddar Road, Mumbai
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Amazing! So excited to try out Americano and Qualia!