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With new restaurants cropping up and adding to Mumbai’s thriving gastronomical scene, it can sometimes be difficult to keep up with the developments and we don’t blame you. Personally, the choice overwhelms us too. But to power through those dilemmas is what distinguishes a true epicure from the others. The search for not just good food but also the right ambience, music, and a variety of drinks to help down the food (in case it disappoints) is seldom easy. But almost always worth it.
In the past one year, Mumbai has witnessed the coming up of many multi-cuisine eateries, each trying to outdo the other in some way. And while it isn’t possible to try out all of them (or maybe it is), we’ve still managed to pick out the best of the new offerings around the city. From Izumi’s Japanese fare to Rue Du Liban’s Beirut-inspired cooking, let your palettes go wild with this one.
[Disclaimer: The following restaurants are not in order of preference.]
I. Izumi
Where: Shop 4, Ground Floor, Sunbeam Apartments, Perry Cross Road, Off Carter Road.
A recent addition to the authentic Japanese experience offered by the Kablys, Izumi is Nooresha Kably’s newest venture with a focus on delicious sushi and ramen dishes. A quaint little restaurant, with a long queue that just doesn’t seem to get shorter, located in Pali Hill – Izumi is for anyone waiting to gorge on a perfectly-flavoured, or even customised, bowl of hot ramen. Their sushi and sashimi plates are served up right in front of you from the live sushi counter. With interiors inspired by Nooresha’s personal visits to Japan, the entire place isn’t much bigger than a typical Shinjuku bar. But the food more than makes up for the lack of space. For dessert, we’d recommend the Japanese milk pudding, black sesame ice cream, and green tea malabi topped with seasonal fruits.
Cost: INR 2,100 for two people.
II. El Mercado
Where: Shop 3, Sunbeam, Perry cross road, Pali Hill, Bandra West.
With its soft music, delicate interiors, and an open kitchen – walking into this new Spanish eatery in Bandra is almost like walking into a home – inconspicuous and intimate. The food here comes with not just authentic flavours but a whole lot of warmth as well, for the owners of El Mercado are always around, chatting with their customers. Thankfully, the variety of tapas served her doesn’t disappoint and are totally worth the binge! Try the Classic Pablos Tortilla, the fluffy creaminess of which is bound to settle in a little corner of your heart. Or De Marisco Paella, a unique seafood rice with the perfect amount of tanginess. If the menu intimidates you, fret not, for the owners are more than willing to walk you through it and recommend the best dishes for the day.
Cost: INR 900 for two people.
III. House of Lloyd
Where: 1st Floor, Hotel Royal Garden, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu.
Bringing the best of Goan grills and barbeque food to Mumbai, House of Lloyd has successfully made Goan cuisine accessible to everyone in Mumbai – even the vegetarians. An al fresco bar, Mario Miranda illustrations adorning the walls, and azulejo tiles – the restaurant is a quintessential Goan experience brought to Mumbai. Their quirky menu begins with a ‘glossary’ of all things Goa and goes on to list a host of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. We’d recommend one of their unique in-house cocktails to go with any of the ‘Grandma Ermina’ dishes – special recipes sourced straight from Chef Lloyd’s grandmother. Vegetarians can also try Cashew Nut & Mushroom Xacuti or Badkar Style Caldeen which is a simple mix of vegetables cooked in coconut gravy.
Cost: INR 2,200 for two people.
IV. Rue Du Liban
Where: 43, Sasoon Building, VB Gandhi Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort.
Rue Du Liban adds that element of sophistication and elegance to the already chic neighbourhood of Kala Ghoda. This new Middle Eastern restaurant with its art-deco interiors, intimate dim lighting, and a distinct burgundy palette, is Beirut-inspired indeed. The menu here is exquisite, with a long list of Lebanese dishes for that much-needed fine dining experience. From homemade beef and lamb sausages to shrimps perfectly sauteed in garlic and baked goodies like Lebanese bread that comes in different varieties, the food here is prepared with utmost care and details in mind. For dessert, give their homemade mastic ice cream or Ossmallieh (baked vermicelli pastry) a try.
Cost: INR 3,000 for two people.
V. Miss T
Where: 4, Mandalik Road, Colaba.
Named after an imaginary woman who regularly frequents the bar, the menu at Miss T is an exciting mix of Burmese, Vietnamese, and Thai cuisine. Perfect for intimate dinners with a bar that clearly stands out with its handcrafted specialities like Peanut Butter washed Jim beam bourbon and a signature Miss T whiskey blend, this new restaurant is truly a gem for the global cuisine hub that Mumbai has recently come to resemble. Jackfruit seed curry, Vietnamese rice paper rolls, and sticky rice preparations –this eatery also prides in its non-alcoholic cocktails that are delicious and ideal for those unexpected mid-day brunch affairs. And by the end of it, if you’re not already full, bite into their delicious yuzu tart with sesame ice cream.
Cost: INR 4,000 for two people.
Feature Image Courtesy: Zomato
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