Bear with me as I might just sound a tad bit ‘parently’ but pizza, pasta and pitas sure sound utterly delicious, but buttery naan swabbing curry, dosas dipping in sambars and rice drenched in fragrant daals remain pretty unbeatable. If you do not mind getting your hands dirty for some pretty fantastic flavours, Indian restaurants in Mumbai strive to serve your every craving- with some even playing with classic ingredients to present dishes in imaginative interpretations.
1. The Bombay Canteen, Lower Parel
An easy star among the restaurants crowding the city, The Bombay Canteen with its mustard tiles and communal tables offers its own pretzel to Indian dishes. From coastal flavours to North Indian favourites, its 3-part menu features plump prawns in a pool of chilli oil, slow-cooked mutton masala rolls, and malai kofta drizzled in cilantro oil among others. Take a step up and order one of their audacious cocktails featuring negronis to whisky and gins all wrapped in their Bombay playfulness. Do not forget to ask your server about Espresso Martini on tap!
📍Kamala Mills, Near Radio Mirchi Office, Lower Parel
2. Trèsind Mumbai, BKC
Trèsind Mumbai, with its degustation menu along with a chef’s 14-course tasting menu, pushes the envelope when it comes to progressive Indian dining. Subject to change every few months, their current menu features prizes like confit duck with peanut makhani to be swabbed with Malabar parathas and butternut ravioli with a side of erissery and kafir lime oil. The restaurant beautifully manages to stir childhood nostalgia with an element of surprise that comes with ingenious crafting and plating.
📍Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East
3. Ishaara, Lower Parel
Go for the great food, but come back time and time again for their commitment to making the world a tad bit better. Offering a thoughtful interpretation of classic Indian dishes– the likes of Truffle Butter Pav Bhaji, duck laal maas, and kathal roganjosh, are all served by staff with speech and hearing impairments. The open-plan space with botanical prints finding a home in their ceiling-high cream walls makes the experience all the more gentle.
📍Palladium Mall, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
4. Ziya, The Oberoi
From creamy Malai-Kashmiri Chilli Lobster to spicy Rajasthani Lamb Chops, Ziya in Oberoi offers a delightful burst of flavours. The Charcoal Prawns with pindi hummus and Tandoori Aloo are also standout picks offering a combination of a gratifying crunch and tender cooked delicacy inside. It also stands to mention that the golden interiors giving way to a beautiful open sea beats any other date night plan that you’ve had.
📍The Oberoi, Mumbai, Nariman Point
5. Oh! Calcutta, Multiple Outlets
Oh! Calcutta is all about capturing the essence of a wholesome Bengali cuisine. Whether you order the tender butterflied prawns, the plump and fragrant Aam Ilish or creamy pools of chingri malai curry with a dome of steamed rice, the echoes of a city still drawn to the slow life persevere.
📍Multiple Outlets (Tardeo, Veera Desai Area, Vashi)
6. O Pedro, BKC
Tucked behind frangipani trees, O Pedro’s menu inspired by Goa’s flavours, serves the likes of Charred Broccoli with bubbling cheese fondue, Lotus Root Chilli Fry, and Chilled Red Snapper Ceviche. The Green Watana Rassa with bhatura poee is a must-try and paired with tropical cocktails, is an experience that is simply divine.
📍Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East