This culturally diverse metropolis boasts a wealth of unforgettable fine dining experiences.
By Elite Traveler | June 24 2022
Brimming with talented chefs and fantastic restaurants, a visit to Mumbai is a serious treat for any discerning gourmand. And while you’ll be spoilt for choice with aromatic curries and flavor-packed rice dishes, the bustling metropolis has much more to offer than its traditional cuisine. India’s largest city boasts an array of unforgettable fine dining experiences that reflect its culturally diverse landscape. Here, Elite Traveler picks six of the best restaurants in Mumbai.
[See also: Discovering India on The Maharajas’ Express]
San-Qi
San-Qi at Four Seasons Mumbai (pictured above) pulsates with the spirit of new Asia, offering an energetic dining experience that takes guests on an eclectic culinary adventure through some of the most popular cuisines of the East. The name San-Qi means “three energies,” and here, within sleek and contemporary surroundings, you can savor a selection of exotic Far Eastern and subcontinent cuisines.
The restaurant features tandoor kitchens, with its upper levels dedicated to Thai and Japanese cuisine. Linking the two floors is a dramatic staircase lined with wine racks housing a small but impressive wine list, including the best of the Old and New World wineries. A passionate team of sommeliers are on hand to guide you through the classified clarets, hand-picked Bordeaux’s and the best blends from the emerging wine producers of the Nashik region of India. Four private dining rooms are available for exclusive events.
Wasabi by Morimoto
Drawing inspiration from Japanese culture and forged with the unique styles of Indian craftsmanship, Wasabi by Morimoto in Mumbai is a regular include in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The chefs here provide an extensive menu of mouthwatering Japanese delicacies with an array of delicious sakes and succulent sushi. The gorgeous interior decor is dominated by the teppanyaki kitchen, which serves as a focal point of activity, as well as a large artwork by Mumbai artist Sadan and Shirke. The wide variety of single malts and blended whiskies forms the perfect accompaniment to this exotic culinary experience. Private dining can be arranged for up to eight guests who will enjoy an exclusive selection of sushi prepared by their own personal chef.
Golden Dragon
The Golden Dragon at the Taj Mahal Palace has iconic status in Mumbai
Swathed in the sumptuous decor of the Orient, the Golden Dragon at the Taj Mahal Palace has long held its iconic status as one of India’s most innovative restaurants. The Buddhist altar at the entrance bestows good luck, health, and prosperity upon arrival, encouraging diners to relax in atmospheric rooms resplendent with exquisite Chinese artifacts. The perfect location for an intimate dining experience, The Golden Dragon can provide private rooms catering for up to 12 guests.
[See also: The Best Indian Restaurants in London by Andy Hayler]
Trèsind
The chef’s signature dish is the Khichdi of India
Many of the best restaurants in Mumbai have attempted to serve modern Indian cuisine, but Trèsind is one of the very few who get it right. Dishes are served in spectacular and playful ways, but every flavor coming out of the tasting menu is unmistakably Indian. We recommend the chef’s 10-course tasting menu that is served at dinner. It takes diners on a visual and sensual journey through India’s various food cultures. The chef’s signature dish is the Khichdi of India, a rice and lentil dish using various ingredients from the different states of India. The bowls are placed on an outline of the country, with each dish placed according to its origin.
Ziya
The elegent dining room at Ziya
Relish exotic spices and aromatic herbs of the East at Ziya, the Oberoi Hotel’s signature restaurant. Under the direction of two-Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia, the restaurant presents an innovative evolution of traditional Indian cuisine. Bhatia, considered by many as Britain’s most talented Indian chef, is renowned for breaking boundaries in the combination of ingredients and for his creative style of presentation. Relax in elegantly furnished surroundings and enjoy the ‘light and imaginative’ dishes of one of the masters of Indian cuisine.
Masque
Last but by no means least on our list of the best restaurants in Mumbai is Masque. Located in the city’s former industrial mill area, the farm-to-table eatery sources its ingredients from its own farm, foraging trips, and a network of trusted local producers. The restaurant offers an outstanding ten-course tasting menu, with a vegetarian version.
Expect modern plates of food that elevate the bounty of seasonal ingredients to new heights. Highlights include the indulgent lamb bhutwa with potatoes and ragi roti, and blackened sunchokes (Jerusalem artichokes) with horse gram (a type of lentil native to Southeast Asia). There’s also an impressive cocktail menu, with the option for guests to infuse their own customized gin with a selection of herbs, spices and fruits.
