The ongoing pandemic forced some of our favourite restaurants to shut down temporarily last year. Even though they would deliver meals to our doorstep, we can all agree that the experience of going out with your friends and family for a nice dinner just elevates the experience. And some meals are just fit for eating at restaurants. Fortunately, some have re-opened with all the safety measures and social distancing policies in place. Whether you plan to indulge in Asian, Mexican or Indian cuisine, here are six restaurants you can head to when you want a break from home-cooked food.
1. Royal China, Bandra West
You can now go back to enjoying authentic Chinese food at Royal China. Dive into the flavours that merge traditional and contemporary elements into Cantonese cuisine.
Chef’s Recommendations: Truffle Edamame Dumpling, Salt and Pepper Prawns, Chicken with Chilli Oil and Spring Onions, Classic Soft Corn Curd, Silken Tofu with Chilli and Blackbean Sauce, Toffee Banana.
Price For Two: ₹3,000 approx. (for a non-vegetarian meal) and ₹2,600 approx. (for a vegetarian meal)
2. Poco Loco Tapas And Bar, Khar West
Tacos, burritos and pizzas—has the mere mention of these dishes made you salivate? Then head to Poco Loco to enjoy its Spanish and Mexican cuisine. What makes the experience more fun is its interiors with red brick walls and Sombrero-shaped lights with intricate cane detailing that transport you to Mexico instantly.
Chef’s Recommendations: Mango Gazpacho, Paella Valencia, Rollo De Aguacate, Mushroom Parmesan Croquettes, Gambas Al Ajilo, Enchiladas Gratinadas, Chimichangas.
Price For Two: ₹2000 approx. including alcohol
3. Masala Library by Jiggs Karla, Bandra Kurla Complex
One of the first Indian restaurants to have introduced molecular gastronomy in its cooking has re-opened. Go ahead and indulge in some lip-smacking Indian meals with a contemporary twist at Masala Library.
Chef’s Recommendations: Dahi Bada (airy lentil bread served sweetened yoghurt foam), Thakkali Thokku Chicken (South Indian tempered chicken cooked in tomato-based gravy, served along with tempered, house-made iddiyappam on top), Braised Lamb Chops, Maple and Kokum Glaze, Ras Malai Tres Leches, Carrot Cream, Rose Petal Net (three layers of rasmalai layered with carrot cream, served with saffron milk on the side, and garnished with a rose petal net).
Price For Two: ₹5,000 plus taxes (for the vegetarian tasting menu) and ₹5,400 plus taxes (for the non-vegetarian tasting menu)
4. The Bombay Canteen, Kamala Mills
The true desi in you can savour the classic dishes and cocktails from The Bombay Canteen all over again.
Chef’s Recommendations: Paya Soup Momos, Charred Winter Carrots, Slow Cooked Pork Belly Thukpa, Winter Greens Stir Fry, Madurai Chicken Salna, A-Kela Bread (an ode to 2020’s most popular quarantine dessert), Guava Tan-T-Tan.
Price For Two: ₹1,000 without alcohol and ₹2,000 with alcohol (for lunch) and ₹2,000 without alcohol and ₹3,000 with alcohol (for dinner).
5. ASILO, Lower Parel
Missed dinner and drinks with a view of the Mumbai skyline? Well, you can now enjoy it again at one of Mumbai’s popular rooftop bars. Golden Hours at ASILO presents a variety of cocktails and food platters you wouldn’t want to miss.
Chef’s Recommendations: The Veg Robata Platter includes Teriyaki Roasted Potatoes, Barbequed Cottage Cheese, Chargrilled Mixed Vegetable Skewer and Roasted Potatoes with sweet chilli and yoghurt, whereas The Non-Veg Robata Platter includes Spicy Tamarind Prawns, Fish in Black Pepper, Turkish Chicken Seekh Kebab, Kun Pao Chicken Satay, and New Zealand Harrisa Lamb Loin Skewer.
Price For Two: ₹5,000 for two people (approx.) with alcohol
6. House of Mandarin, Bandra West and Powai
Dig deep into Asian cuisine at House of Mandarin’s extensive six-course set menu- The Mandarin Spread.
Chef’s Recommendations: The Mandarin Spread featuring a soup, dim sums, appetisers, mains, rice and noodles, and a dessert.
Price For Two: ₹2,200 approx.
7. Smoke House Deli, Pali Hill, BKC, Lower Parel and Kemp’s Corner
Love European meals? Then head to Smoke House Deli. The café’s new version, which is called SHD 2.0, is an amalgamation of artfully curated interiors and thoughtfully crafted food. A highlight of Smoke House Deli’s evolution is the all-new Goodness to Go section – a station where patrons can step in to grab fresh and quick meals, healthy shakes and smoothies, salads and sandwiches, cold-pressed juices, and more.
Chef’s Recommendations: House Spaghetti Carbonara, Black Forest French Toast, Smoke House Deli Asian BBQ Chicken, Flourless Chocolate Fudge, Smoke House Deli BBQ Pulled Pork Burger.
Price For Two: ₹2000 approx.
