Got into Mumbai on Sat night, April 1st, visiting friends and family.
Here are the places I went to, in case you decide to make your way here. If my friends who took me to these places are reading this, kindly add your comments and correct my errors
1. Asia Wok (Bandra, above Shopper’s Stop) : Restaurant, Casual, yet well appointed, and shanghai prawns to die for. Order at least two plates per person. Good view. Reasonably priced for Bombay ($10)
2. Out of the Blue (Bandra or Pali Hillish I guess, next to Olives, off Carter Road) : Excellent afternoon place. nice decor, simple, and not in your face. Nice pastel colors, outdoors are nice as well. sizzlers are absolutely great here. If going in groups, definitely order a pitcher of mimosa- its made with freshly squeezed orange juice. A little on the higher side, but definitely worth it. ($10-15)
3. Taj Lands End (Bandra Bandstand, next to Searock): Their breakfast buffet has one of the largest offerings of any breakfast buffet. Omlettes, dosas, multiple types of cakes, muesli, you name it, its here. Go early as they close by 10:30am, and definitely on an empty stomach. Good view of the sea as well.
4. Zensi (Bandra, near the ICICI Bank branch, walking distance from Shoppers Stop): Excellent decor, very mediterranean feel. comfortable couches outside to relax, good for chilling for a few drinks. Have heard that it gets pretty crowded on fri and sat, but on sunday it was prettty quiet. (About $7 a drink)
5. Great Punjab (next to Shoppers Stop): Good Indian food. Excellent paneer and kababs. Decor is ordinary but food more than makes up for it. Very reasonably priced for the food (Four of us ate for $30)
6. JPMorgan’s Technopolis Campus Cafeteria: A full Indian meal, with yummy mutton curry, dal, palak paneer, rice, roti, and vegetables for Rs. 30 (a little less than a dollar). A compelling reason to join the firm I’d say.
7. Cafe Coffee Day: Local answer to Starbucks, all over India. definitely have the Ethiopian Kava
8. Candys: relaxed breakfast place. Nice sandwiches and pastries and coffee. Very european feel with greenn leafy outdoors. Right next to Lilavati Hospital.
9. Brittannia Coffee House: Iranian coffee house that takes you back in time. In the town area, its a short walk from the high court near the customs house. I don;t remember the name of the area. Incredible food. Had berry pulao and boti-”something that means potato chips” which were out of this world. You have to go here if you are in the town area. Its just a very traditional place.
10. Mocha: Was taken to the one near Church Gate, but they are all over the place. Its the answer to Starbucks and its clones. Moroccan feel, with sheeshas if you are interested, but its also a coffee shop with comfortable cushions on the floor ergonomically placed so that you can comfortablly lie down and have a cofffee and a conveersation. If you are not a fan of half a glass of sugar with a little water, I would avoid the country lemonade.
11. Soul Fry (Bandra): Absolutely heavenly seafood (and meat as well, but seafood takes the cake). We ordered about seven or eight different dishes amongst four of us and every one of them was outstanding. The flavors were unique for each, the fish/prawns/crabs etc. were fresh, and for the first time in my life I had cooked fish that I liked (Fish Tikka). Probably my No.1 recommendation
12. Toto’s Garage (Bandra): Cool bar with a garage theme. Great for hanging out and having a few drinks after dinner
13. Hawaiian Shack (Bandra): Small place with good music, and space to dance. Very east villagy feel.
Also spent time at the JW Marriott poolside- luxurious, but also felt a little guiulty, seeing all this wastage of resources (water, electricity) when compared to places like Timbaktu in Andhra, where they used solar power and eco-friendly architecture.
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