India’s commercial and cultural capital Mumbai has long been a culinary haven. The debate about where the best Vada Pao can be found, numerous Khao Galis and the overall street food tradition have captured popular imagination around the city’s food culture. But the city also offers a variety of fine dining experiences characterized by distinct cuisines, from continental and international to modern Indian, and immaculate luxury, with a selection of premium wines and exotic ingredients. Following is a list of five of Mumbai’s ritzy restaurants that will surely leave you opulently satiated.
The Table
Some say the Table is among Mumbai’s biggest culinary successes. Located in Colaba and known for its simple but extensive selection of global food, it was one of the continent’s 500 best restaurants in 2013, as per Miele Guide. American chef Alex Sanchez has taken inspiration from all over the world; the Americas, Europe and all of Asia.
Go for: The place’s sophisticated appeal. The black-and-white chevron flooring with wooden interiors can offer both a jazzy atmosphere when out on a special occasion, as well as low-key but classy brunch vibes.
Don’t miss: their European courses. The zucchini spaghetti with almonds and parmesan, burrata ravioli with farm basil pesto and asparagus risotto are all-time favourites.
Estella
Estella has an upscale and posh vibe from the word “go”. Lying on the Juhu Tara Road, the cuisine is thoroughly global; Australian, Asian and American too. The restaurant’s open dining area captures the beauty of the Arabian Sea magnificently, and the indoor seating is urbane too.
Go for: The best views of Mumbai’s surreal sea-side views. If a romantic dinner date is on your mind, this place can undoubtedly be your best bet to impress your sweetheart.
Don’t miss: Their wide and exquisite range of cocktails. As a beach bar, Estella offers a drinks menu that includes all-time classics along with seasonal varietals, in-house specialities and never-heard-before cocktails.
Aer
Here’s another plush lounge with spectacular views – the Aer is on the rooftop of Four Seasons Hotel, Worli and impresses its guests with a towering landscape view of the city-that-never-sleeps. The Hotel also houses San-Qi, which is another fine-dining restaurant offering pan-Asian cuisines. Atop the 34th floor, Aer is Mumbai’s highest rooftop bar and uber-luxe, with minimalistic décor and a sophisticated environment altogether.
Go for: Its selection of innovative cocktails, premier wines and lip-smacking bar snacks. What’s more, teetotallers are in for a treat too; their non-alcoholic range is long, a happy aberration from the convention.
Don’t miss: Attending a special event at the Aer. Lively music pairs greatly with the breath-taking views and if you make it in time to catch the sunset, you’re in for a visual delight.
Trèsind
While the other restaurants in this list are known for serving delectable continental and international fares, Trèsind makes its mark in indelible ink, with its modern take on Indian cuisine. The restaurant is a flagship of Passion F&B, Dubai and has outlets in Dubai and Kuwait in addition to Bandra-Kurla Complex, Mumbai which is the company’s latest outing. Chef Himanshu Saini and mixologist Sherine John have respectively curated the food and drinks menus.
Go for: The restaurant’s progressive Indian menu, when coupled with gueridon service, offers a fine experience.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the menu is the Khichdi of India. It is a modern take on the national comfort food, a simple yet soulful preparation of rice and lentil dish using various ingredients from the different states of India. The dish is then served in a rather unique style. The serving bowls are placed on a map of India, based on the region they come from.
Bayroute
If Mediterranean-Arabian food is your idea of a sumptuous meal, head over to Bayroute. The chain has five outlets across Mumbai, but Cuffe Parade is where one can find their most premium experience. The interiors are splendid; you’ll love the earthy, rustic and appealingly Persian setting, with shamianas, decorative mirrors and wooden furniture. The banyan tree in their courtyard adds greatly to the charm.
Go for: Their eclectic menu. There’s authentic cuisine from all of Middle-East Asia – Lebanon, Greece, Morocco, Turkey and Egypt.Don’t miss: The classic selection of desserts. Their baklava, K’nafi Jibneh (a Lebanese pastry) and Lotus Drama (a kind of cheesecake) will please your sweet tooth much to your heart’s content.