Mumbai’s dining scene has been grabbing attention from foodies all around and for all the right reasons. From hearty global plates to innovative spins on quintessentially Indian dishes, restaurants in Mumbai are upping their game. The best part is that there is always a new joint to explore. Whether you want to spend an evening chatting with a friend over coffee, relish a cosy dinner with your family and friends, or enjoy a solo date, we have got you covered with these newly-opened cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Mumbai.
The Italian food chain that has had a successful run in other cities, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Delhi, has now opened its doors in Navi Mumbai’s Seawoods Nexus Mall. The interiors are funky and inviting. Helmed by Chef Jean Michel Jasserand and chef Goutham Balasubramanian, the restaurant boasts its authentic flavours and premium quality ingredients imported from Italy.
Their hand-stretched sourdough pizzas, pastas, lasagna, risotti, and healthy insalata (salads) made with homemade dressings make this a perfect spot if you’re craving authentic Italian and a laid back vibe. Some of the highlights from their menu include spaghetti carbonara, pepperoni pizza, salmone grigliato (grilled Norwegian salmon), insalata di formaggio di capra e pere (goat cheese and roasted pear salad) and chicken di toscano (spinach & ricotta filled chicken breast). Finish your meal with their special tiramisu or smooth kahlua mousse from the dessert menu.
Address: Plot R1, Second Floor, Nexus SeaWoods Mall, Sector 40, Nerul, Navi Mumbai – 400706
Price for two: INR 1,800
Located in Santacruz, Mercii is Arpita Khan Sharma’s venture into the culinary and hospitality industry. It is a refined and sophisticated European dining destination with earthy and warm interiors punctured with hues of burnt orange. The artificial skylight that bathes the restaurant in sunlight during the day and lets you enjoy a starry dinner at night is the showstopper at the restaurant.
The food is just as exciting with chef and culinary director Dennis Koll at helm. The menu is exhaustive, with vegan and pescatarian options in addition to regular dietary preferances. Some standout dishes from the menu include mushroom ceviche, truffle gomma kale, hamachi carpaccio with truffled ponzu, tuna ceviche with edamame and pumpkin seeds, potato mille feuille with périgord truffle and chives, and the signature farmer’s selection. No meal at Mercii would be complete without indulging in their exquisite desserts like the hazelnut tiramisu or a hearty portion of pavlova.
Address: Mercii, 81 crest Linking Road, below The Collective Showroom, Santacruz (West)
Price for two: INR 4,000
Basque by Breve, a warm, community-focussed cafe founded by Usman Bhadelia and Farhaz Bhadelia—is Bandra’s newest hot spot. The cafe features earthy tones and natural textures, coupled with an open kitchen layout that makes for a warm and inviting atmosphere. With a compact menu, the hero is the San Sebastian cheesecake. We would suggest you pair the spoonfuls of cheesecake with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. If you’re in the mood for something savoury, choose from salads and pot pies.
Address: Shop No 7, St Sebastián Road, Bandra West
Price for two: INR 500
Malaika Arora’s Scarlett House, nestled in a 90-year-old Portuguese bungalow Pali Hill is all the rage and for good reason. It is much loved for its cosy ambience that makes you feel like you just stepped into a cheery living room. It also has plenty of Instagrammable corners. The dishes on the menu are as meticulously picked as their vintage yet contemporary interiors. Curated by Chef Beena Noronha, the list features Arora’s favourite home recipes and a few diet-friendly options. Daal khichdi, ragi rice, banh mi, and paneer thecha are some of the most talked about dishes on the menu. You might also be lucky to spot the actress hanging out with her friends at her restaurant!
Address: Red Bungalow, 3, Pali Rd, opposite Yellow Rose Building, Pali Village, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
Price for two: INR 2,000
The new entrant in Mumbai’s bar scene is Ocho, which shares the building with the Japanese restaurant Megumi in Bandra. Ocho is a speakeasy inspired by the Mayan civilization. Behind a steel door with cautionary signs like ‘Do not enter’, ‘Danger’, lies the quirky space. As you enter, the ceiling with an inverted volcano-like installation will catch your eye instantly. The dimly lit space is decked with deep purple sofas and heavy stone sculptures of Mayan deities.
With only 35 dishes, Ocho’s menu is heavily inspired by flavours from the Americas. Meanwhile, the cocktail menu is inspired by the 13 moons of the Mayan calendar. When it comes to food, lamb birria, jackfruit tostada, and chimichurri lamb chops are the standout options. There are also plenty of options for vegetarians, such as the forest mushroom tacos, veggie empanadas, cottage cheese steak, and mock meat taquitos.
The cocktail menu explores many options with rum, pisco, tequila, bourbon, and vodka as base spirits. There’s a lot to choose from. We recommend Dualidad, a whisky-based drink where smooth bourbon meets fruity pomegranate and creamy coconut, and Intensidad, which blends dark rum, coconut, and passion fruit for an unforgettable kick.
Address: 9th floor, Ramee Emerald II, Linking Rd, above Nike Showroom, Vithaldas Nagar
Price for two: INR 4,000
After an overwhelming response, Blah opened another brunch spot and café in Santacruz. With funky and whimsical interiors featuring flamingoes and disco balls, this is a perfect spot for a brunch with the girls or a reunion with college friends. Incorporating new brunch-friendly options to the ever-loved dishes from the Blah BKC menu, Chef Rahul Desai has curated dishes for your lazy brunches and power-packed dinners. A range of pancakes, croissants, toasts, and platters are some additions to the menu. The cheese platter, south-style chicken popcorn, Thai-style watermelon and feta vodka-infused salad, makhana trio, zen avocado toast, Moroccan shakshouka, and the signature almond leek fennel soup are must-tries on your visit to Blah!
Don’t miss out on their exquisite cocktails, especially the passion fruit martini and lychee martini.
Address: 1st and 2nd Floor, Krishna Heritage, Linking Rd, above Landmark Cars, Santacruz (West), Mumbai, Maharashtra 400054
Price for two: INR 2,000