GOURMET
Never a better time to go out in Mumbai than during the onset of winter. The megapolis offers some of the country’s best eating and drinking experiences. Here’s the lowdown on the trendiest cafes, bars and restaurants to check out this season.
By Gayatri Rangachari Shah
BOMBAY NIGHT
NOV — DEC 2012
Out DOME BAR HARBOUR BAR AER
CAFE ZOE
On the iconic Marine Drive, Dome bar and restaurant on the roof of the Intercontinental hotel with its panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and south Mumbai skyline, is one of the best places to savour a drink and a kebab. With oversized white furniture and lounge music, Dome attracts everyone from the town’s glitterati to tourists. A poolside seating area permits smoking. The food is good: offering an array of north Indian tandoori favourites, and an assortment of bar snacks. A must visit for the first-time visitor, Dome best captures the spirit of cosmopolitan Mumbai.
So named for its ringside views of Mumbai’s southern harbour, the Harbour Bar at the 109-year -old Taj Mahal hotel is perfect for an afternoon glass of bubbly or a late-night drink. The single malt collection is one of the city’s best. Watch sailboats bob up and down in the water, and knock back a tipple at the long bar. You won’t be disappointed by the parade of Christian Louboutin wearing fashionistas and Brioni -suited businessmen who favour the bar’s discreet atmosphere. That it happens to be downstairs from Mumbai’s best Japanese eatery – Wasabi – only helps.
The highest rooftop bar in India, Aer, at the Four Seasons hotel in central Mumbai, rises 34 floors above street level, and offers sweeping vistas of a city in the throes of transformation. View a magnificent sunset during happy hours when Moet & Chandon is served by the glass. The PanAsian influenced bar menu offers everything from edamame to sushi. You can also order pizzas and sandwiches. Aer’s modernist decor evokes the feeling of being in any of the world’s grand cities, from New York and London to Hong Kong.
Located in buzzing Mathuradas Mill (also home to the music venue Blue Frog and Asian restaurant Busaba), Cafe Zoe has quickly attained a cult status for its easygoing vibe, excellent prices, all-day dining and free Wifi. Zoe is a favoured hangout for lunch, to meet friends over an afternoon coffee, or grab dinner mid-week. Friday and Saturday nights tend to be chaotic, but are a must-go if you’re looking for a decadent scene. For more quiet conversation, have an early dinner. Salads and pastas are excellent, but nothing beats the scrambled eggs with truffles.