7-Dining Haunts In Mumbai Where Design Tells The Story Of The Cuisine

Mumbai’s culinary scene is undergoing a vibrant shift, with standout restaurants embracing global trends through curated tasting menus that spotlight creativity, artistry, and impeccable service. At the same time, bars and fine dining are blending like never before, giving rise to a seamless, high-end night out. Guests now settle in with craft cocktails, transition into a multi-course culinary journey, indulge in dessert, and wrap up with a final round—all within the same immersive space. What’s emerging alongside this gastronomic cornucopia of pleasures is a design renaissance. Restaurants are finally elevating their aesthetic game, giving spatial storytelling as much importance as the food itself. This marks a new era where design is just as central to the dining experience as the cuisine.  

DP curates a definitive list of Mumbai’s newest culinary hotspots—where design and dining unite in bold, immersive ways. From textile-draped spaces to a dim sum crawl under a high-tech soundscape to a mood-shifting luxury bar, we find them all. 

1. The Dimsum Room, Kalaghoda –  Blending Hong Kong Heritage With Lounge Culture

The Dimsum Room rolls out as a sensorial dining experience where Hong Kong’s rich culinary heritage meets the laid-back soul of a vinyl lounge. Guests step into a dimly lit, cosy, acoustically treated space outfitted with leather-wrapped sofas and plush fabric chairs, where the eye is drawn to a striking turntable console flanked by shelves of vinyl records. Designed by Munro Acoustics, the room is kitted out in grey wall panels, with an angled roof that naturally minimises sound reflections. From jazz classics to downtempo electronica, the music sets the tone as the dimsum menu unfolds. The space also opens up to a hidden, elegantly designed speakeasy bar and an open-to-sky terrace garden.

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 Head Chef Malavika Pratap, trained in top Hong Kong kitchens, brings a menu of over 50 dimsums, rooted in Cantonese tradition and other culinary cultures shaped by the city’s multicultural pulse. Standouts include ‘Crispy Prawn Cheung Fun’ wrapped in silken rice rolls, ‘Cream Cheese–Asparagus Potstickers’ with a lacy top layer and the classic ‘Xiao Long Bao’—soupy dumplings bursting with your choice of rich broth. ​​Don’t miss the ‘Silken Tofu in soy-chilli dressing’ or the ‘Baked Ham Sui Gok’—glutinous rice dumplings with veg or protein fillings, offering a deliciously chewy crunch. For mains, the hand-pulled ‘dan dan noodles’ in rich pork mince sauce is a clear favourite. And to wrap it all up, the Hong Kong-style French toast drenched in malt custard is pure indulgence. The bar, led by Razvan Zamfirescu, stirs in East-Asian ingredients and Hong Kong tea-room flair. Founder Mayank Bhatt, an audiophile and ex-Impresario CEO, has plans to curate live music nights, making this one of the city’s most buzzworthy new haunts. 

DP loves the state-of-the-art listening room that draws inspiration from Hong Kong’s bustling tea houses and the golden age of vinyl.

2. Bar Paradox, Lower Parel –  A Masterclass In Spatial Storytelling

Housed in a 2,500-square-foot former mill in Mumbai’s iconic Shakti Mills complex, Bar Paradox unfolds a space expansive and, paradoxically, intimate throughout. The vision of Aditya Dugar, who collaborated with Atelier Ashiesh Shah to come up with an immersive bar where design tells its own story. A discreet foyer opens into a soaring hallway, where curved vitrines and Art-Deco panelling nod to the cinematic charm of old Bombay. At its heart stands Ashiesh Shah’s sculptural ‘Matka Mirror’, casting playful, mirrored reflections. At the lower level, an open kitchen boils with energy, flanked by a Jamavar-inspired dining nook and leather-wrapped banquettes with mother-of-pearl-lined drawers. At the far end lies Fumoir—a private, textile-draped cocoon layered with New York designer Peter D’Ascoli textiles, Chamba Rumal embroidery and beadwork by Bengaluru-based contemporary artist Avinash Veeraraghavan.

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Upstairs, an expansive burlwood bar takes centre stage, while private booths hug the perimeter, framed by octagonal windows. The bar program at Paradox throws out the rulebook—playful, inventive, and built for ease. A standout is the tap cocktail selection, offering swift pours without compromising on craft. With four rotating cocktails on tap—featuring vodka, tequila, mezcal, and gin—the lineup is as smart as it is crowd-pleasing. The menu includes 10 signature drinks and 10 house specials, striking a balance between creativity and comfort. On the food front, Chef Varun Totlani leans into a small plates format, peppered with familiar finesse, reminiscent of Masque, where his culinary mastery first made waves.

DP loves the hand-embroidered silk panels at the bar side that depict a midnight Indian forest—wild monkeys rendered in intricate zardosi—wrapping the walls in a theatrical opulence.

3. Donmai, Worli – A Space That Celebrates Japanese Craft Beyond Sushi 

Walls dressed in fabric hangings and textile installations welcome one to Donmai in Worli, drawing your focus to a deconstructed kimono mandala near the bar, woven with recycled layers. ​​Another showstopper is the bar back—an artful resin-clad möbius strip that carves out sculptural niches to showcase an impressive array of Japanese spirits, from smooth sakes, shochu to rare, collectable whiskies. The sleek, semi-circular bar counter—clad in grey tile-chip panelling and topped with a solid marble—sets the stage for mixologists to roll out concept-driven, spirit-forward pours. Designed by architect Sumessh Menon and featuring founder Isha Patil’s textile art, Donmai’s interiors strike a sleek balance between Japanese minimalism and contemporary elegance. A harmonious palette of grey and burgundy is accented by oak-finish wood, while terrazzo flooring embedded with marble blocks lends a fluidity to its design theme. 

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Executive Chef Oishik Neogy shares that the menu is thoughtfully crafted for a contemporary Izakaya experience—small plates meant to be savoured alongside umami-forward cocktails or fine Japanese whiskies. The ‘Shishito Robata’, a zesty pepper, kicks off with a bold hit of smokiness. The ‘Beetroot and Watermelon Salad’, topped with yuzu ice cream foam, is a great start to the mains. The ‘Inari Sushi’—stuffed with yuzu furikake rice, kosho mayo, avocado, and citrus pearls is a mouthful of layered flavour. ‘Smoked Avocado’ gets amped up with kimchi cream cheese. Ramen fans can dig into all comfort bowls, but the ‘Mezosoba’—a Nagoya-style dry ramen—stands out with its buttery mentaiko sauce, grilled salmon, cured yolk, and a punch of fermented chilli. Finish off with the ‘Sakura Hanami—a light pink mousse in raspberry syrup with chocolate crumble—an ode to sakura season. While the menu dives deep into Japanese flavours, Isha Patil’s eye for textile art pulls the space together, creating a textile gallery-like setting that invites a lot of eyeballs while dining. 

DP loves the hanging by the thread and kimono wall installations—artworks that subtly echo the intricate layers and craftsmanship woven into the space’s rich narrative.

4. Inka, Parel – Unfolds Like A Glamarous Voyage To Peru 

Tucked into the upscale lanes of Parel, Inka sprawls across 6,000 sq-ft with 200 seats and an open-air mezzanine—perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks amid sculptural design and biophilic waterfall elements that set the mood. Step inside, rows of columns reaching up to ornate plaster ceilings, and mosaic embellishments across the floors and bar front pull you into a bold design journey. Designed by Minal Chopra, the space channels a glamorous, global aesthetic. Embossed patterns on walls and columns add depth, while bold elements—like a glowing backlit bar, oversized floor lamps, mismatched dining chairs, and striking sculptures—come together to create a gloriously maximalist vibe, all within the elegant black-and-white colour theme.

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Helmed by Chef Kinyo Rodas Tristan, a Peruvian native, the kitchen serves up bold Peruvian flavours layered with Japanese techniques. Key ingredients—like native potatoes, quinoa, rocoto (apple-shaped bell peppers), habanero, chipotle, and amarillo chillies—are flown in straight from Peru. The expansive menu is split into three sections—mar (ocean), montaña (mountains), and bosque (forest)—reflecting Peru’s diverse natural landscape. The bar program, led by Argentinian mixologist Dario, is all about celebrating the bold flavours of Latin America, spotlighting regional spirits. Chef’s top picks include the ‘Calamar Crocante’, where crispy quinoa steps in for panko to bring a healthier crunch; the ‘Inti Smoked Tiradito’, an elevated spin on ceviche with hamachi, chilli heat, and zingy chalaquita; and ‘Mistura’, a trio of Peruvian potato dumplings topped with spicy, creamy huancaína sauce made from aji amarillo. Add to that a line-up of porks, seafood, rice mains, vegan plates and veggie bowls steeped in bold Peruvian flavours. ‘The menu is so expansive,’ Chef says, ‘you’ll need to drop by at least three times to take it all in.’ 

DP loves the open-air mezzanine that flows into a dramatic, untamed landscape—complete with cascading waterfalls and life-size sculptures that conjure a sense of mythic wilderness.

5. Loya By Taj, Colaba – An Alliance Of North Indian Flavours With Luxe Design Sensibility

Loya by Taj Hospitality offers a grand gastronomic journey through the north, tracing a path from the foothills of the Himalayas to Punjab and Kashmir, celebrating a cuisine shaped by centuries of tradition and the ancient Silk Route. Designed by Fab Studio, durries float overhead like tented drapes, while copper accents, earthy textures, and a warm, enveloping palette set the tone. Arabic influences appear in elegant arches, filigree pendant lamps, and intricate latticework, creating a rich visual narrative. Silk Route-inspired murals line the walls, tying the entire story with evocative detail. 

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Loya’s menu is led by Chef Rajesh Wadhwa, a Taj veteran. It is a celebration of long-preserved recipes, bringing bold, authentic flavours and time-honoured techniques to the forefront. The chefs draw on ancient methods such as ‘dhungar’—a traditional smoking technique, ‘baghar’, where spices are tempered in hot ghee, the ‘sigree’, which infuses a charcoal depth, and ‘dum’, the art of slow steam cooking. This experience is best enjoyed with Loya’s exclusive tasting menus, thoughtfully curated to showcase India’s rich culinary tapestry. À la carte options are also available. Standout creations include the ‘Daal Ki Chaat’—a medley of besan and gehun paratha crisps layered with chaat elements, chilli oil, and garlic nibs; ‘Kafuli’, a rustic Himalayan spinach preparation; ‘Timri Jheenga’, prawns served with bhang jeera chutney; and the indulgent ‘Kala Moti Gucchi Pulao’, a fragrant blend of black gram and Kashmiri morels (mushrooms) paired with raita. The bar program is thoughtfully curated, blending trending spirits with Indian botanicals—from mulethi and saffron to paan—creating cocktails that are both contemporary and rooted, crafted to suit a wide range of palates.

DP loves the handcrafted finishes—draped fabrics, the warm glow of the brass lanterns, to earthy tones greeting one with the timeless charm of the Silk Road cities. 

6. Eve, Santacruz (W) – A Meal Surrounded By Storied Shelves And Stately Decor

A winding staircase enclosed with a circular library draws the gaze upward, creating a moment of visual drama and quiet intrigue. On the upper level, twin chandeliers cast a soft glow over plush seating arrangements alongside a dazzling marble-clad bar, setting the tone for what unfolds beyond. ‘The black and white library’, a cosy alcove framed by solid wood bookcases, offers another intimate escape. A private dining room with a grand 12-seater table and a series of thoughtfully arranged lounge sofas, layered with rich textures and ambient lighting, transforms the space into something far more personal—less restaurant, more exquisite residence—perfect for both elegant dinners and convivial gatherings. Designed by Chrome Asia Hospitality, this new outpost of Eve is another good fit in Mumbai’s ever-evolving F&B landscape. 

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Thoughtfully curated for the discerning palates of young professionals and local tastemakers, the food program at Eve is led by Chef Sanket Moore. The globally inspired menu spans everything from refined sushi and elevated hummus plates to a delicately reimagined Nizami classic—each dish balancing bold flavours with contemporary finesse. Start with the inventive bar bites like ‘Jhalmuri Makhana’ or a ‘Trio of Hummus’—which comes with blueberry, scallion, and pepper flavoured hummus. Move on to small plates like ‘Prawn Sriracha’, wrapped in a golden, buttery crunch, or the ‘Cafreal Chicken’, which switches up the classic tikka with bold Goan flavours. For mains, the ‘Nizami Chicken Dum Biryani’ hits the mark with its layered richness. Wrap it up with the ‘Gianduja Mousse’, where hazelnut and chocolate meet sesame brittle, berry compote, and strawberry boba. If you’re in no mood to drink on a weekday, sip on the ‘Yuzu Sour’ or the ‘Butterfly’—refreshing, flavour-packed, and alcohol-free.

DP loves the dine-in library concept of Eve, where curated book collectables surround you, inside a majestic home.

7. Late Checkout, Lower Parel – Cocktails And Late-Night Energy Collide In Style

Late Checkout is a 4,000-square-foot sanctuary of style, housed within a beautifully restored textile mill. Towering teakwood lamps, sculptural conifer chandeliers, and dramatic 22-foot ceilings set the tone for a chic cocktail bar that feels both transportive and timeless. Late Checkout marks the tenth venture from Chrome Hospitality, co-founded by Pawan and Nikita Shahri, who helped shape the space’s striking aesthetic. Walking into Late Checkout, one is greeted by an old-school hotel concierge desk with rows of vintage keys dangling from hooks: a playful nod to the bar’s name. While angular skylights pour in sunlight that washes the interiors in a golden glow, at night, the space shifts into a chic mountain-style retreat, warmed by elegant teakwood accents. The metal-and-wood bar stands out as a focal point, drawing guests in. 

Helmed by Chef Amit Dhoundiyal, who honed his craft under culinary icons like Reina Nagai of Nagai, Ibiza, and Migita San of Mount Fuji, the menu is a refined take on global favourites. Each dish is a thoughtful reinterpretation of flavours the co-founders encountered on their travels, elevated by the chef’s distinctive touch. ‘The French Onion Tempura’ comes with shiso-dusted, crispy onions and a rich dip, which is the modern twist to the classic French onion soup. ‘Smoked Tuna Carpaccio’ is elevated with truffle ponzu, avocado sorbet, and a touch of 24-carat gold. ‘Avocado Tempura’ hits the sweet spot—golden outside, creamy inside, and hard to put down. At the bar, Prithvi Agarwal shakes things up with bold, flavour-forward cocktails—a 16-hour cold brew with coconut oil–washed vodka, mezcal with a celery salt rim and olive brine, and even a nori shrub–spiked drink that dials up the umami.

DP loves the soaring ceilings, exposed brick walls, and an alpine-inspired façade that set the tone, while skylights bathe the space in morning light and chandeliers add a touch of evening glamour.