11 restaurants in Mumbai that made 2023 a year of newfound design and culinary experiments!

This has been the year of new restaurants and exceptional artistry. Especially in the cultural capital “Mumbai”, where one gets to experience the best from the world of culinary and design. As the year draws to a close,  ELLE DECOR India brings you a curated list of city’s most talked about restaurants, setting the bar higher for 2024.

Cafe Holiday, Mumbai
Live a life straight out of Santorini, Greece at Cafe Holiday designed by Minnie Bhatt. The hues of blue and white paired with custom-made cane lights and furniture in wood, jute and cotton rope, feels no less than an offshore paradise. An arched entrance poses as the facade with an exterior wall in a blue ombré paint. A canopy engulfs the outdoor area while the two swings at the end keep the demeanour relaxed. On a natural terracotta and vintage black tile flooring, the outdoor bar can be closed off as and when, with the MS rolling shutters. On the contrary, the indoor area is a minimalistic haven with beaded chandeliers and pale aqua wall panelling and stained glass shutter on the other side. Along with continental, the menu has a broad variety of food ranging from Italian to Asian, sided with yummy desserts you won’t stop eating!

Where: 7/11, Meera Apts, Juhu Versova Link Rd, opp. Versova Social, Seven Bunglow, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053

Amazonia, Mumbai
A new restaurant lounge in the heart of Mumbai’s thriving luxury retail district, BKC, Amazonia captivates diners with its extravagant nature-inspired design. Architect Abhigyan Neogi, principal architect and founder of Chromed Design Studio combines lush greens and vibrant colours to create a thrilling modern oasis. Statement walls, fabric chandeliers and bamboo swings adorn the space, while a central tree-shaped column and a giraffe sculpture add a touch of rainforest charm. With opulence and quirkiness in abundance, Amazonia promises a culinary adventure enhanced with  vibrant colours and greens, creating an inviting ambience for patrons.

Where: Unit No. 5, G Block BKC, Godrej BKC, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400051

Pleo, Mumbai
Mumbai’s newest resto bar located in BKC, conceived by Design Konstruct, offers a delightful menu of Italian and European cuisines, in a pleasant and earthy atmosphere. With a relaxed vibe, it’s perfect for weekend outings or unwinding after work. The outdoor area features comfortable seating, greenery, and a playful railing. Indoors, soft music and dim lights create a comforting ambience, while the varied seating, hanging plants, and arch metal lights add a sense of cosiness. With its contemporary design and delicious food, Pleo promises a memorable and luxurious experience. 

Where: G2-A, Ground Floor, Trade Centre BKC, opposite MTNL, G Block, MMRDA Area, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400051

Yazu, Mumbai
CEO of Indus Hospitality, Ranbir Nagpal, opened a new home for the beloved Pan-Asian Supper Club in an exquisite space dubbed Yazu in Lower Parel, designed by Sumessh Menon. With its already existing outposts in Andheri and Goa, this South Mumbai outlet boasts a sprawling 6,000 sq ft space with an inviting indoor dining area and a mesmerising biophilic outdoor setting. From small bites to wok tossed dishes, along with a curated menu of cocktails, the menu is segregated into Jain and Keto, offering a one of a kind experience to all.

Where: 2, One Lodha Place, Senapati Bapat Marg, opp. Lodha Supremus, Upper Worli, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013

Affogato, Mumbai
Bringing New York to Mumbai, Affogato is wittily disguised as a subterranean art gallery, just like the ones in Manhattan, designed by Kaviar:Collaborative. The only catch? That Affogato is a gelato and coffee shop with a large glass facade and bare interiors that mimic an interesting semblance of organic, pared-down interiors. Inspired by the swirls of gelato, it is a minimal monochromatic space that speaks volume with its textures and soft curves. One can find a wide variety of gelato and coffee displayed atop the stone blocks, just like the art sculptures that are showcased on pedestals in an art gallery. 

Where: Plot No 483, Asha Apartments, 17th Rd, Khar, Khar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400052

Baliboo, Mumbai
To whisk you away to the tropics is Baliboo, a new culinary gem in the city’s bustling suburb Goregaon. The restaurant brings with it a lingering mood of Bali’s lush flora and fauna, and unravels itself to the diners to experience a modern, inviting and a warm ambiance. The co-owners of Baliboo, Divya Kadam and Kedar Shetty aimed to create a space that engulfs the spirit of a tropical getaway and ignites a sense of adventure. The Right Brain Design did just that, by merging the restaurant’s layout into contemporary elements filled with an easy on the eyes palette and a serene colour canvas with plentous natural light. With a delightful blend of Asian, Continental and Indian cuisines, indulge in the spirit of a tropical getaway with every bite. 

Where: First Floor, Commerz II, International Business Park, Oberoi Garden City, off Western Express Highway, Yashodham, Goregaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400063

Cray Craft, Mumbai
An exquisite balance of textures and warmth, step inside Cray Craft, to indulge in a one of a kind experience. Located in Andheri, the enchanting restaurant and bar designed by Ruchika Chhabria of her eponymous studio Ruchika Chhabria Interiors unfolds an overall ambience focused around a palpable earthy elegance. Generous use of in Situ Terrazzo and French Beauty Pattern (handmade cement tile) from Bharat Floorings’ Bloom-Heritage collection takes focus with the entrance lobby’s flooring splashed with detailed depictions of birds and flowers, outlined with a brass patti and enclosed in terrazzo. 

Where: Shop no.06,106, Town Centre, 1, Andheri – Kurla Rd, Mittal Industrial Estate, Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400059

Gigi, Mumbai
A glamorous venue where time slows down, Gigi in Bandra wraps a timeless allure of vintage accents and exposed brick walls on the ground floor. As one ascends the wooden staircase to the first level, the vintage sensibility soon transforms and assumes a more urbane appearance, touched up with refined hints of design. The 150-seater space is a mix of communal tables and plush sofas, against a setting of wooden accents, patterned flooring and peculiar decor that blends old-world charm with a contemporary flare. Nikita Harisinghani, Co-founder of Chrome Asia Hospitality along with Dhaval Udeshi, Afsana Verma, and Pawan Shahri collaborated with local artists and designers to curate handcrafted pieces that embellish the interiors. The decked up island bar stands as the central interior statement of Gigi, serving as the perfect spot for guests to unwind from weekdays to weekends! 

Where: Unit 3, Ground Floor, Unit 1, First Floor, Supreme Headquarters, Linking Road, Bandra West, Mumbai

Nomi, Mumbai
With a standout Mediterranean semblance and tones of bright whites, sunburnt oranges, raw wood and terracotta, Nomi, the rooftop bar in Mumbai’s Andheri neighbourhood cradles an alluring canvas of peach and cream sunsets. From design gazing to dining; Darshan Gala, Creative Director at Shade Design Studio, has completely transformed the restaurant into a space of serenity, quiet intimacy and an appearance that of a vast cavern. The white walls and dimmed golden lights coupled with soft curves and intricate patterns, together, ooze an old world charm blended with modern aesthetics. Nomi’s menu offers a tantalising fusion of flavours led by chef Rakesh Talwar that brings the luscious flavours of the Middle East on the table! 

Where: 7th Floor, Ambica Acropolis, Veera Desai Industrial Estate, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053

Que Sera Sera, Mumbai
Embrace life and live all its beautiful moments. Standing by this philosophy is Que Sera Sera, a joint venture between Monarch Liberty Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. and Green Turtle Hospitality. The restaurant brings the culinary delights of Italy within a cosy 1,800 sq ft space. Upon entry, you are greeted by green doors framed by bamboo trellises and colourful bougainvillea plants. With its natural stone flooring, lush greens, wooden tables and ceramic pendant lights, the outdoor space at Que Sera Sera is a visual trip to Italy, while the indoors evoke a sense of antiquity and mystery with its rustic stone-textured walls and eclectic collection of decor treasures from around the world. 

Where: Clifton Trishul CHS Ltd., Ground Floor, Near Laxmi Industrial Estate, Vaastu Lane, Oshiwara, Andheri West, Mumbai 400053.

Aamchee, Mumbai
Creating a retro-style ambience is Aamchee designed by Salonee Kothari of Studio SKO. With wallpapers designed by Krsnaa Mehta of India Circus and artwork by Mena Malgavkar, these elements contribute to the immersive and visually appealing dining experience, taking you back to the nostalgic allure of Bombay. With high ceilings, intricate patterned tiles and vintage wooden jalis, it is a contemporary Indian café creating a welcoming atmosphere for its patrons and embodies the dynamism of this bustling city. Reminiscent of the charming gardens of Bombay, that we loves taking strolls in, the restaurant has abundant greenery. This latest venture by Pinky Chandan Dixit, cherishes the tastes of Mumbai’s street food, and the menu is a symphony of soups, salads, small eats, coffees and classics, served with desserts, an ode to the nostalgic flavours of Mumbai.

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