Fashion brands delving into the culinary world isn’t new. Armani dipped its toes in this space in 1998 with the launch of its Paris restaurant. Fast forward to today and it has over 20 such high-end restaurants, cafes, and bars around the world. After marking its presence in Milan, Doha and Cannes, the first Armani/Caffè in India (and South Asia) opens its doors in Jio World Plaza at BKC Mumbai. Occupying a premium position next to the Giorgio Armani boutique, the cafe offers a culinary experience that mirrors the legendary style, simplicity and sophistication of the Italian lifestyle. And, of course, I dropped by for an experience.
The Interiors
The cafe embodies the signature style of Giorgio Armani from the design aesthetic to the menu choices. Enter the 52-seater space and you’ll be greeted with a sophisticated yet welcoming Italian ambience. The interiors feature a palette of softly muted blues and greens accented with classic Armani motifs and screens featuring a delicate palm tree motif.
The Food
The menu features a carefully curated selection of Italian dishes, each reflecting the finesse synonymous with the Armani/Caffè experience. You’ll also find some of the designer’s favourites. With most ingredients sourced from Italy, expect nothing but authentic flavours.
My dining experience began in true Italian style – with warm, olive oil-soaked focaccia and breadsticks, meant to be paired with the soup that came next. A departure from the usual red colour, a green Minestrone (featuring asparagus, butternut squash, green peas, courgette, and spinach) made its way to my table, which set the tone for the lunch ahead.
My appetisers began with the signature dish Carpaccio di Barbabietola con Peperone Crusco e Zeppoline alle Alghe, a beetroot carpaccio seasoned with the Italian Senise pepper and seaweed zeppoline. Another cold plate, the Maiale con Tonnato brought the combination of pork loin and tuna sauce to the forefront. Other must-try small plates include the Insalata Caprese (mozzarella, Datterini & Corbarino tomatoes, basil oil) and the Armani Ceasar Salad–classics you can’t go wrong with.
The light dishes left enough room for savouring more; so I didn’t hesitate to try the pizza. The 12-inch thin-crust Pizza Parmigiana intrigued me the most as it features aubergines along with corbarino tomato sauce, mozzarella and parmesan. I’m not a fan of eggplant but serve it to me as a topping on a pizza and I’m sold.
If you choose to continue your love affair with bread, you could get your fill from the panini (sandwiches) section. As for me, the pasta caught my attention. You can’t leave Armani/Caffè without indulging in the hand-rolled pasta. While I relished the Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, featuring gnocchi tossed in tomato sauce, mozzarella fondue and parmesan, the Cannelloni con Ricotta e Spinaci (cannelloni, ricotta, spinach, parmesan fondue, pecorino, basil sauce) and Scialatielli con Vongole, Limone Candito e Alga Marina (scialatielli, clams, candied lemon, seaweed) emerged as winners for me. The former brought in a sense of comfort whereas the latter uplifted my senses with the citric element of candied lemons.
For the mains, the Aragosta alla Catalana, the lobster tail sitting in a citrus bisque, topped with red onions, brought a burst of flavour to my palate, whereas the Filetto di Agnello con Melanzane e Piselli, lamb fillet with aubergine, snap peas, and red wine jus offered a comforting touch with classic flavours. And don’t forget about desserts! You ought to conclude your meal in true Italian fashion; the Tiramisù Chicco (mascarpone mousse, coffee cream) helps you do the deed. But if you prefer something light and don’t have much of a sweet tooth, the Pannacotta alle Fragole featuring a Madagascar vanilla pannacotta with strawberries is a must-try.
The Drinks
The beverage programme is not to miss, especially the wines, which are the star of the show. Comprising 52 carefully curated Italian wine labels from across traditional and emerging wine regions of Italy, the wine list pairs beautifully with the resident food and offers bold flavours for guests seeking a unique wine-tasting experience. The wine list features some exceptional labels from different Casa Vinicolas, small batch labour such as the full-bodied Produttori del Barbaresco from Barbaresco to the powerhouse Amarone della Valpolicella from Casa Tenuta Sant Antonio. Additionally, there’s a varied list of prosecco, and 03 champagnes, notably a bio-dynamic Blanc de Blanc Brut Reserve from Philippe Gonet.
The cocktail menu is still in the works and will soon be available for diners with classics such as Negroni and Old Fashioned, among others.
ELLE’s Verdict
Whether you choose to satisfy your cravings in between your high fashion shopping errands or simply want to spend some quality time with your friends or family over a comforting meal, Armani/Caffè promises traditional bites that will transport you to the quaint streets of Italy.
