Varsoo: Personal Comfort
Varsoo, spearheaded by Pinky Chandan Dixit, presents a deeply personal culinary vision, drawing from years of shared meals and treasured family recipes.
The restaurant reinterprets traditional food into an intuitive eating experience, focusing on dishes that resonate with current cravings. Imagine a soothing bowl of Moong dal khichdi, or Ravioli dal dhokli presented as a pasta-like creation, and complete thalis with roti, shaak, and kadhi. Each dish is crafted to be savoured individually while contributing to a harmonious overall dining experience, making it a space designed for contemporary enjoyment of familiar tastes.
Lisa's Lanka: Island Vibes
Bandra now boasts Lisa's Lanka, its inaugural Sri Lankan Bistro & Bar, infusing the city with the island's vibrant energy. This venue is characterized by its fast-paced, tropical ambiance, where expertly crafted cocktails, irresistible small plates, and an infectious atmosphere take centre stage. It's designed to be an immersive sensory journey, pulsating with the authentic spirit and diverse flavours of Sri Lanka. Chef Lisa's vision is to offer Bandra a genuine taste of Sri Lanka, creating an environment that feels both tropical and welcoming. She describes it as a heartfelt tribute to Sri Lanka's culinary heritage, brought to life with the dynamism of Bandra, aiming for each offering to tell a story of culture, taste, and warmth.
Cafe Como Xo: Veg-Forward Charm
Nestled within Kala Ghoda's artistic rhythm, Cafe Como Xo offers a tranquil haven for unhurried meals. This warm, vegetarian-forward café, founded by Meyuri Shethia and Charmi Ajmera, stems from their shared passion for travel and culinary exploration. The menu thoughtfully balances vegetarian options with a distinct eggetarian appeal, allowing flexibility without complexity. Curated by Chef Vinayak Mhatale, it features a delightful array of bowls, small plates, and comforting classics. A unique DIY ramen station allows guests to personalize their bowls, adding a playful touch. The café also shines with its diverse matcha offerings, including popular strawberry and cloud foam variations, designed to appeal even to those new to the drink.
Chaitanya: Malvani Roots
For over three decades, Chaitanya – Authentic Malvani has been a cherished name in Mumbai's dining landscape, now extending its legacy to Thane. What began as a modest kitchen in Malvan, established by Surekha and Nitin Walke, has evolved into a destination synonymous with home-style flavours, generous portions, and an enduring dining spirit. The new 90-seater Thane outlet embodies a contemporary Malvani home, featuring earthy tones and natural materials. The culinary philosophy remains rooted in preserving authentic tastes and heirloom recipes, with ingredients like coconut, kokum, and tamarind sourced directly from Malvan to ensure true character. The commitment to maintaining original flavours, exemplified by Surekha Walke's early efforts to replicate Malvan's water profile, continues to define the kitchen's dedication.
Staqx: Diner Indulgence
Staqx, a new diner concept from Chef Beena Noronha, merges familiar comfort foods with the energetic essence of 1980s diner culture. This 14-seater establishment focuses on indulgent, generous portions and satisfying flavor combinations, encouraging unrestrained enjoyment. The menu, featuring sandwiches, milkshakes, and coffee, is approached with a chef-driven perspective, enhancing classic formats with sharper contrasts and unique viewpoints. The name 'Staqx' embodies the brand's philosophy of layering elements—flavour, texture, and personality—to create a memorable experience. The interior design echoes 1980s diner aesthetics with neon, tile, and chrome, blended with contemporary touches for a vibrant, current feel.
Gong: Pan-Asian Sophistication
Mumbai's Bandra welcomes Gong, the latest culinary venture from Specialty Restaurants Limited, offering a sophisticated Pan-Asian dining experience enhanced by immersive design. Inspired by the concept of 'Asian [Sound] Soul,' the space, designed by Sumessh Menon Associates, translates the resonance of a gong into its ambiance with earthy tones and brass accents. Chef Sahil Singh leads the kitchen, crafting a menu rooted in global expertise and accessibility. A cornerstone of Gong is its extensive sushi program, featuring nigiri, sashimi, and omakase, with premium seafood ensuring freshness. The restaurant also pioneers Chuka (Japanese comfort bowls) and Itameshi (Japanese-Italian fusion) in India, alongside other Pan-Asian staples. The cocktail menu complements the cuisine with Asian-inspired flavours and innovative options.
Everhome Café: Bungalow Bliss
Situated within a century-old bungalow in Ranwar Village, Everhome Café provides a serene retreat designed for connection and relaxation. The restored heritage structure preserves original architectural details, highlighted by a striking 30-foot ceiling with a central skylight. Offering seating across multiple rooms, including a community space, garden room, and terrace, the 98-seater café features furniture and fixtures that evoke a sense of lived-in comfort. The menu emphasizes familiarity, starting with rosemary-infused rustic bread and breakfast options like Turkish eggs and paratha pockets. All-day dining includes sandwiches, pastas, and homestyle dishes, complemented by a dessert selection and specialty coffees, matcha, and cold brews.
Laguna: Tropical Escape
Laguna, a mood-driven tropical cocktail café-bar in Santacruz, offers an urban sanctuary that seamlessly blends daytime coffee culture with energetic nightlife. This venue, inspired by Latin American culinary traditions and curated programming, aims to provide a travel-inspired escape. The all-day menu presents a culinary journey across the Americas, featuring fresh Californian and New York influences, bold Mexican flavours, and warm South American coastal tastes. The menu is designed to evolve throughout the day, from light and fresh to warm and indulgent. Signature dishes include Smokey Queso, Green Goddess Vegan Bowl, and unique offerings like Chicago-style deep dish pizza and New Orleans-inspired jambalaya, alongside inventive desserts.
Monarchy: Vegetarian Luxury
Monarchy, located in Andheri, redefines vegetarian dining by merging modern luxury with a vibrant nightlife atmosphere. This versatile establishment caters to guests seeking a seamless transition from relaxed daytime meals to energetic evenings, adapting to various moods and occasions. Founded by Neha and Ankit Sharma, Monarchy aims to elevate vegetarian fine dining, particularly for Mumbai's Jain and Gujarati communities, by offering a diverse and indulgent global menu. Highlights include Fondue Genevoise, Tandoori Platter, sushi, and Mezze spreads, complemented by a signature cocktail and mocktail list designed for an elevated experience.
RumBabaa: Coffee & Vinyl
RumBabaa, an all-day coffee and vinyl-focused space in Andheri, offers a tranquil environment centered on specialty coffee, thoughtful food, desserts, and music. Inspired by Japanese minimalism, the café provides a warm, uncluttered setting designed for unhurried enjoyment. The name, derived from a rum-soaked dessert, signifies comfort and gentle indulgence. The menu balances wholesome and indulgent options, featuring nourishing bowls for breakfast like the Longevity Bowl, alongside dishes such as Rumbabaa Eggs and Tiramisu French Toast. Later in the day, offerings expand to flavour-forward plates like Kataifi Prawns and Bajra Tacos. The coffee program is extensive, featuring classic brews and creative signature drinks like the Dark Velvet Espresso Cold Coffee.
Bar Stock Exchange: Bungalow Nights
Bar Stock Exchange has opened in Chembur, transforming a 150-year-old bungalow into a vibrant nightlife destination. This new outpost incorporates the brand's signature trading concept for drinks, alongside a refreshed food and beverage menu. Patrons can enjoy open-air seating, signature cocktails, and IPL screenings, all within a relaxed, Mykonos-inspired ambiance. The Chembur location aims to bring a novel nightlife experience to the neighbourhood, combining its established trading model with an inviting atmosphere and a curated selection of F&B offerings within a unique heritage setting.
