Mumbai, a bustling metropolis that never sleeps, is a melting pot of business, entertainment, and culinary delights. For those with discerning tastes, the city offers some of the finest dining experiences that will tantalise your taste buds and elevate your overall dining experience. Here’s a handpicked selection of some of Mumbai’s most exquisite and exclusive restaurants, a haven for those who savour the finer things in life.
Neuma: A Culinary Oasis by Karan Johar
The concept of Neuma is as captivating as the creative minds behind it: Karan Johar, a renowned Bollywood producer and director, along with Bunty Sajdeh and Delhi-based hospitality conglomerate True Palate Café Pvt. Ltd. Upon entering the space, there is a striking and inviting first impression of the Garden Café, which includes an open-air area, a coffee bar, and a communal wooden bench under the canopy of a mango tree; it offers an appropriate relaxing coffee break in the serene natural environment.
Move deeper into the oakwood Sun Porch, which has a large roof window fitted with a skylight that brings ample light into the room. Then, move to the courtyard, where large-sized potted plants reach the ceiling together with the black and white cemented floor. This is an excellent area for guests who wish to engage in conversation while in the company of the restaurant’s cheerful noise. Adjacent to the courtyard is the Rose Bar lounge, inspired by the famous Moulin Rouge district of Paris; the walls are made of wood with a faint red light and velvet sofas.
Neuma’s menu is by Head Chef Abhinav Sharma, serving food with familiar flavours and intense, unusual, comforting profiles. These include the Potato Boulangère, Orange Sweet Potatoes, Chipotle Mushrooms Snapper Laksa, and Soy Glazed Duck. For those who prefer their food meaty, they should opt for the New Zealand Lamb Chops, BBQ Belgian Pork Belly, and Grilled Salmon served with Black Rice. Sharma crafst excellent dishes using vegetables, and two delicious examples are the Mushroom on Toast and Harissa Cauliflower. Of equal interest is an array of tasty delights like the Vodka Pannacotta, Peanut Butter Parfait and the nice and warm Sticky Toffee Pudding. The bar at Neuma is even more elaborate, with the menu consisting of drinks such as Fish House Milk Punch, Pistols At Dawn, and others.
Indian Accent: A Taste of Global Flavors
Aiming for innovation, Indian Accent, located across London, New York and Delhi, opened recently in Mumbai’s new Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in BKC. Launched in New Delhi in 2009, it rapidly gained popularity due to the fresh concepts of new-age Indian cuisine. Aptly located in New York and now in Mumbai, it still leaves customers stunned with its innovative approach to creating a menu that uses seasonal local produce and exotic and rare ingredients.
It offers the flavours of India combined with global cuisine, creating a fusion that will appeal to both adventurous and conservative eaters alike. In terms of food, you can go for all-time favourite dishes that include the ‘meetha achar pork ribs with green apple,’ ‘ ghee roast soya both with roomali roti pancake,’ and the ‘Daulat ki chaat with rose petal chikki and roast almond.’
The new additions to the Mumbai menu include ‘gunpowder prawns with red rice, smoked chilli & raw mango curry’, ‘guchhi matar with asparagus and Kashmiri morel pulao’, and ‘burrata chaat with lotus root papdi and mustard tomato jam’. With its innovative fusion of local and global flavours, Indian Accent in Mumbai promises a culinary experience that is sure to delight every palate. Don’t miss the chance to explore this gastronomic gem at the NMACC.
Masque: A Trendsetter in Modern Indian Cuisine
Masque is a testament to modern Indian cuisine, offering a unique tasting menu that has earned it international acclaim. Overseeing the entire food preparation process from farm to table, Masque’s dedication to quality and innovation is evident in every bite.
Masque’s journey has been remarkable, starting with its recognition in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2020. Since then, it has consistently outperformed its competitors, being voted India’s best restaurant multiple times. The 10-course degustation menu showcases the restaurant’s forward-thinking approach to fine dining. A pioneer in the farm-to-table movement, Masque receives several prestigious culinary awards and is known for its innovative approach to traditional Indian cuisine.
With a menu that changes seasonally to reflect the freshest ingredients, dining at Masque is always a novel experience. The open kitchen concept allows diners to witness the meticulous preparation of their meals, adding an interactive element to the culinary journey. Under the leadership of chef Varun Totlani, Masque continues to push culinary boundaries, making it a must-visit for those seeking an extraordinary dining experience.
Bastian: A Seafood and Asian-Inspired Delight
Jointly operated by founder and CEO Ranjit Bindra, Kunal Jani and Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, Bastian is a crowd-favourite dining eatery that offers exciting Asian cuisine and magnificent seafood. The offering at Bizza, its Bandra branch, includes different seafood specialities and hand-made pizzas on Bastian’s menu. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served with delicious desserts and exotic cocktails.
At first sight, Bastian’s door opens to a vast area with brilliantly designed interior design and hospitality with a touch of class. The restaurant is centrally located, and the breathtaking view of the city further enhances your meals. Business dinners, festive feasts, friendly gatherings, and spontaneous celebrations in elegant surroundings with a panoramic view of Mumbai can only be considered complete when visiting Bastian.
The menu, created with passion by Chef Daniel Punzo and his staff, includes a wide range of delicious artisanal pizzas and appetising gourmet dishes. Start with the ever-popular Burrata Salad that offers crisp greens, luscious burrata cheese and a vigorous pesto dressing. Dive into the menu’s heart with an array of pizzas, including miso aubergine & blue cheese, spicy cauliflower & jalapeno prawns, served with a range of delicious dips. Up your culinary journey with stellar drinks from the creative bar section, which includes the likes of Nutty Professor and Popped Melon. Tempt your taste buds with freak shakes such as The Rocher – a delicious hazelnut shake topped with chocolatey richness. Go to Bastian and get ready to taste some of the most amazing dishes ever created.
La Panthera: A Fusion of Elegance and Culinary Excellence
Located in Mumbai’s busy business and art destination BKC, the newly opened La Panthera is from culinary sensation Manuel Olveira. La Panthera is not a Spanish, French, Italian, or Greek restaurant but a harmony of all these cuisines. The menu has preeminent European dishes and, at the same time, elements of modern cuisine.
With its decorative interiors and secluded atmosphere, the restaurant belongs to the fine dining venue category. The moment one steps into La Panthera, they are embraced by the exquisite and warm ambience. The interiors are contemporary and adorned with comfortable armchairs, soft lighting, and stunning details. An open kitchen makes the food more appealing and enjoyable to consumers due to the delicious art incorporated into the food preparation.
Being the brainchild of Chef Olveira, La Panthera delivers a vast choice of mouthwatering dishes – Neapolitan pizzas and outstanding tapas. The most notable are the Burrata Di Bufala pizza with a very tender crust and the Baked Brie with caramelised onions, mushrooms and truffle oil. Complimentary cocktails such as The Double Happiness and The Roll the Dice act as the perfect companions to these delectable dishes. Some crowd-favourite desserts include La Panthera Profiterole for those who want to warm up their spirits and Tiramisu La Panthera Way for the gourmands who like dishes deconstructed. Whether for a romantic dinner or a formal lunch, La Panthera provides an incredible dining experience that makes sure it’s memorable.
The Table
Located behind the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, The Table offers a globally inspired menu influenced by San Francisco’s culinary style, blending casual elegance with the freshness of farm-sourced ingredients. Embracing the ‘Farm to Table’ philosophy since 2012, The Table Farm in Sasawne, Alibag, initiated by Jay and Gauri with assistance from Adrienne Thadani of Good Karma Farms, supplies the restaurant with chemical-free produce. Just an hour away, the farm grows heirloom tomatoes, spinach, beetroots, radishes, micro-greens, lettuce, edible flowers, mangoes, and passion fruit, ensuring the freshest ingredients for the kitchen.
The menu at The Table highlights these farm-fresh ingredients, crafting simple dishes to emphasise quality and nutrition. Vibrant salads and seasonal main courses showcase the natural flavours of the produce. The sophisticated yet inviting ambience and attentive service make The Table perfect for any occasion, from casual lunches to special celebrations.
Standing out in Mumbai’s culinary scene, The Table’s commitment to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients offers discerning diners a unique gastronomic adventure. For an extraordinary dining experience, indulge in The Table’s culinary excellence and savour the best of Mumbai’s fine dining.
Mumbai’s expanding dining landscape offers many options for residents and visitors. From Neuma’s aesthetically pleasing interiors to Masque’s innovative tasting menus, each restaurant provides a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re in the mood for Asian-inspired dishes at Bastian or a fusion of European flavours at La Panthera, these establishments promise to satisfy even the most discerning palates. So, indulge in the city’s finest culinary offerings and embark on a gastronomic journey celebrating luxury, creativity, and impeccable taste.
