I bet if there’s anyone who isn’t frustrated enough sitting at home, doing house chores and not being able to meet their friends, party hard on weekends, go for after work dates. There are surely a lot of things that all of us are missing. Wo tapri ka chai- sutta combo, a long drive to lonavala, local train ka rush and auto nahi milna, canteen ka khana and Tupperware office/college mei bhul jana, I miss all of these and after 6 months of staying at home, I hope I get my life back to normal so I can revisit Marine drive without a mask on my face, eat at chowpatty with friends without a second thought, and make memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Hello guys, I’m Ishani Shah, and here is the list of my favorite eateries in Mumbai that I feel are a must-visit with your friends, family, or your special one, once things are back to normal. If you are a Mumbaikar, then I’m sure most of you all must have been to these places. If you have, then revive your old memories, if not, let’s explore them one by one.
- Boho Bar and Kitchen (Goregaon): Nothing is better than starting off your freedom days with a glass of wine in one hand and pizza in another, while you groove to a group of a live band. Also known as the tallest bar in town, it recently opened before lockdown in the month of February. The menu runs across a variety of quick bar bites, but the one I found the most worthy is their BOHO SPECIAL DESSERT, it is a big colorful platter of ice-cream and brownie, that is a treat for both your eyes and taste buds.
- BKC Dive (BKC, Bandra East): For those who prefer partying on the town side, this place has got you covered with good food and inexpensive booze. They used to have happy hours almost throughout the day and I am sure the same would continue post lockdown. Their Sunday lunch buffet starting at just Rs 699 would be the easiest excuse for me to not cook on Sundays and pool with my gang up here.
- Drifters Tap Station (Bandra East): If you are someone who loves beers, this must be on the top of your bucket list. Handcrafted brews by the experts, from the classic Belgian wit to new experiments like Watermelon Pilsner and Kokum cider, they have a huge list to please everyone. Oh hey, are you a coffee fan? Yes, you thought that right, they have coffee and toffee flavored beer too- ‘Milky way’. Pair your drink with the classic stuffed kulcha bomb, crumbed cottage cheese, chicken wings, or butter garlic prawns.
- Bayroute (Multiple outlets): A detour from the routine, this place is sure to teleport you to the Middle East. Right from the interiors to the cutlery and to the music, it will surely give you an experience of Lebanese, Turkish, Egyptian, and Moroccan food like never before. Delectable dishes are prepared using ancient recipes, authentic ingredients, family secrets, with lots of love and passion. Every dish has its authenticity in its taste and freshness/innovation in its presentation. Must have: 1. Baklava, a Traditional dessert- finely layered phyllo pastry filled with Iranian pistachio, almonds, sweetened and held together with delicious desi gulkand icecream, topped with luxurious rose brittles. 2. Muhammara and Beiruti Hummus, I am a big fan of hummus but these are a step up to the classic hummus. With their authentic spices, they leave a flavor in your mouth like never before.
- Pa Pa Ya (Multiple outlets): Hands down, it is by far one of my most favorite Asian cuisine restaurants in the town. They have the most number of varieties (about 68) of dumplings than any other places that I have ever been to in Mumbai. Cute dumplings in various shapes and sizes are a treat to the eyes and the soul. The place is usually quiet, surrounded by family and corporate lunch meets. If you are an Asian cuisine fan, this should be on your go-to list.
- Razzberry Rhinoceros (Juhu): GOA is just a FEW kilometers away!! Sunset, beach, silent breeze, and celebrations vis-a-vis loud music at the club, if this matches your vibe, let your hair and stress loose to the gush of wind here. A date with your special someone, a birthday or anniversary celebration, it’s an ideal place for those special moments of life. Live those moments and make the most out of them here.
- The Bay View (Marine drive): Located on the first floor of Hotel Marine Plaza, this place gives you the luxury of dining by the Queen’s Necklace. A spectacular view and good food are all that is required to celebrate your success dinner party or a special proposal to the girl who is truly in love with Mumbai. They have an ala carte and buffet both, I personally choose the buffet to get my hands on all their variety of dishes, from salads to starters, from the main course to desserts, their spread is sure to please everyone.
- Maharaja Bhog (Multiple outlets): Forget about your calories and indulge in authentic Gujarati and Rajasthani food prepared in desi ghee with lots of love. Eat that piping hot dhokla-chutney and dal baati to your heart’s content. One thing that I must mention is that the staff makes sure that you eat well, just like a mother to her child, undoubtedly the best service ever.
- Hitchki (Multiple outlets): For every Bollywood fan, this place has a Bollywood inspired menu. Based on Dhai (2.5kg) kilo ka haath dialogue, they have a whopping dhai kilo ka chaat which actually weighs 2.5kg. I bet if you can complete it all alone.
- Noir by Chef Manish Khanna (Multiple outlets): A balanced diet is a dessert in both the hands. They have an exclusive range of fancy desserts with elements of surprises. Indulge in the goodness and luxury of chocolates, hazelnut, berries, and other exotic ingredients in every bite. After all, just like no meal is complete without dessert, this list is incomplete without Noir in it.
These are the top 10 eateries that I suggest you visit after lockdown or post-pandemic! I truly believe you will have a great experience at all of these. And leave your feedback, I’d be happy to hear.
Story contributed by Ishani Shah, a food blogging enthusiast.
For daily updates on food, eateries, and recipes, follow her on Instagram: relatedtofood