Hakkasan Mumbai
2nd Floor, Krystal Building, Waterfield Road, Bandra West
This branch of trendy London restaurant chain is under the management of Michelin-starred chef Tong Chee Hwee. It always takes the top positions in the rating of the best Chinese restaurants in the world. The branch in Mumbai, which was opened 5 years ago, only strengthens the reputation of the chain. The place is located in the luxurious district of Bandra and fits organically into surrounding it fashion boutiques and design studios. There is a 16-meters-long counter at the bar made of blue glass; on the menu there are king’s prawns for an extortionate, considering Indian prices, amount of money; and all possible Bollywood celebrities enjoying their meal at the dark oak tables.
AER Lounge
1/136, 34th Floor, Four Seasons Hotel, Dr. E. Moses Road, Worli
Every huge megacity must have at least one iconic bar on the roof of the luxurious hotel. In Mumbai that role is taken by the futuristic AER Lounge, situated on the top of the local Four Seasons. There are white egg-shaped armchairs; a bar counter, reminding of Zaha Hadid’s architectural boats; but the main bargaining chip of the place is, of course, the stunning view of the city. A few details: shorts and flip-flops are prohibited by the dress code of the place; on weekends it would be better to make a reservation beforehand; and on Thursdays a nice 70s disco is on.
Le Cirque Signature
8th Floor, Leela Hotel, 4, Andheri - Kurla Road, Mariyyman Nagar, Marol, Andheri East
A branch of world-famous restaurant chain Le Cirque, which has its other branches located at iconic Bellagio in Los Angeles, in the heart of Manhattan, and in the best hotel of Abu Dhabi. There are no gastronomy revelations or design surprises: Le Cirque has a French-Italian cuisine in its traditional and most sophisticated expression. The place is located on the 8th floor of Leela Hotel, but we would recommend booking a table even if you are a hotel’s guest.
Wasabi By Morimoto
The Taj Mahal Palace, B K Boman Behram Marg, Apollo Bandar, Colaba
The place is located in the most famous historical hotel of the city – monumental Taj Mahal Palace. And this fact is probably speaks for itself. Cuisine, service, interior, and public leisurely enjoying their stuffed crab claws - all of these parts go together pretty well. This restaurant is one of the most expensive not only in the city, but also in whole India, entering the list of 50 best restaurants in the world. On the menu there is a fashionable quintessence of Japanese and Thai cuisine and European service.
Pali Bhavan
10, Adarsh Nagar, Pali Naka, Bandra West
The only place on our list where you can find traditional Mughlai dishes. There is something very cosy and family oriented even in the colonial interior with its aged wicker chairs, retro-photos, and wooden window trims. Though at your family dinner at home you probably won’t end up paying hundreds of rupees for the classical soup Rasam and ragout Sabji, but on the other hand, at home you could have too much salt in your dish, while in here every single one is a piece of culinary art! Everything is very tasty and very nutritious. Only one negative: at lunchtime the place is full of chatty tourists with backpacks on their shoulders. By the way, the restaurant has its “little brother” - cozy café with continental menu Pali Village Cafe (Dr BR Ambedkar Rd, Khar West).
