From Chic To Retro: 7 New Restaurants In Mumbai You Won’t Want To Miss

In Mumbai, dining out has evolved into an all-encompassing sensory journey where design takes centre stage, transforming each meal into an unforgettable spectacle. Think of the barmy European wonders of Mercii, brought to life by Arpita Khan Sharma, or the vintage chic profusion of Scarlett House, conceived by Malaika Arora. These spaces prove that great design isn’t just an added perk, it is the heart of the experience. From bamboo ceilings that whisper tales of Japan and Peru to the pearly radiance of Art Deco stained glass, Mumbai’s restaurants dream up exotic mirages through every corner. Whether you’re sipping on cocktails in a Parisian-style bistro or surrounded by traditional carvings, here are 7 newly opened establishments embracing the power of design with an unforeseen gusto.

1. Mercii, Santacruz (W) – A Sultry European Summer

Arpita Khan Sharma recently unveiled Mercii, a glamorous European gourmet haven crafted in collaboration with seasoned entrepreneurs Ketul and Gaurav Parikh, alongside hospitality veterans Anuj and Vicky Chugh, who designed the interiors. Their vision brings a playful sophistication to life, with oversized plants adding a natural, inviting warmth to the space’s chic allure. Plush seating, swathed in sumptuous textures, invites guests to linger comfortably without compromising style. 

Helmed by Chef Dennis Koll, Mercii’s menu redefines continental cuisine with an inventive take on heirloom recipes. Standouts include the ‘Coco Lobster’, ‘Xec-inspired Beurre blanc’ and the indulgent ‘Potato Mille Feuille’ layered with ‘Périgord truffle.’ Desserts like ‘Hazelnut Tiramisu’ and ‘Pavlova’ offer a sweet finale; while rousing beverages such as ‘Smoky Terrain,’ with Talisker whisky and passion fruit, and ‘Purple Haze,’ stirring Tanqueray gin with lavender and blue pea tea, elevate the experience.

DP Loves: the scene-stealing skylight feature that doubles up as a sunlit haven by day and a starry escape at night.

2. Scarlett House, Bandra (W) – An Attic Overlooking The Past

Walking through Scarlett House today feels like an exquisite makeover. Founded by the dynamic Malaika Arora in tandem with restaurateur Dhaval Udeshi, this charming spot breathes new life into the weathered beauty of this 90-year-old bungalow. The design team from Splendour Living presided over masterfully by principal architect Nyishi Parekh, fondly envisioned a vintage chic palette: soft creams, nutty browns and forest greens daubed with ecstatic accents of burnt orange. The most striking element? Wood. Aged wooden floors, rustic furniture and antique cabinetry lend authenticity to the space, while marble tabletops and industrial metal touch—a nod to mid-century bistro influences. The space is filled with a hypnotic tapestry of eclectic curiosities, including rugs and lights from Parisian markets, inducing a sense of discovery with every visit. The juxtaposition of old and new in Scarlett House is nothing short of enchanting.

At Scarlett House, the cuisine is as ebullient in spirit as the style vocabulary. Chef Beena Noronha, known for her work at Gigi, brings a wholesome quality to an assortment of dishes reflecting Malaika Arora’s personal taste and traditions. The highlights in the ‘Malla’s Favourite’ section include the ‘Malabar Prawn Curry’ with ‘Indrayani Rice,’ ‘Sea Bass Baked with Spices’ and the ‘Malaika’s Paneer Thecha.’ The beverage menu propels innovation to the next level with nourishing cocktails and health-boosting drinks like chlorophyll-infused waters and collagen-packed blends.

DP Loves: The beautifully restored stained glass windows at Scarlett House preserve the bungalow’s historic character and add an air of timeless elegance.

3. Bumipura, Lower Parel – A Confluence Of Culture & Sci-Fi Design

Founded and designed by Johor Bahru native MingYang Chai, this Mumbai-based cocktail bar is a testament to his futuristic vision. Ming forges together the sensually edgy industrial aesthetic while curating the menu and inventing the drinks– ensuring an authentic representation of Singaporean and Malaysian flavours. Determined to move beyond bastardised interpretations, he brings an uncompromising approach to both the visual language and cuisine, redefining the Southeast Asian dining experience in Mumbai. The interiors pay homage to Mumbai’s Elephanta Caves, with colossal basalt-inspired columns juxtaposed against a striking 21-foot stainless steel bar, custom built courtesy of Haus of Bars by SpeedX. A refined palette of natural materials—wood, jute and linen—adds warmth, while handwoven Songket fabric elevates bespoke details like uniforms and coasters.

At the heart of Bumipura’s narrative is gastronomical expertise blending inventive mixology with reinterpreted Southeast Asian delicacies like mutton satay, nasi lemak balls and kaya toast. Their ‘O Is the New Black’ is an inventive take on Malaysian ‘kopi’, featuring smooth coffee notes with a hint of spice for a perfectly harmonious sip. 

DP Loves: With its sliding fluted glass doors, unique lighting and acoustic enhancements, The Private Dining Room is a blend of intimacy and functionality. 

Also Read: A Guide To Mumbai’s Latest Bar Scene: 3 Must-Visit Spots

4. Amaru, Bandra (W) — Where Precision Meets Passion

Nikkei cuisine is an odyssey narrated in flavours, where the precision of Japanese techniques trickles into the soul of Peruvian ingredients, unearthing something entirely new yet deeply anchored in both worlds. A brainchild of DJRS Hospitality, materialised into existence by founders Srikar and Jeenanath Shetty, with interiors envisioned by Imran Majid; Amaru transcends the same old tapas and ceviches of Nikkei cuisine, offering a refreshing dining experience. Signature dishes such as the ‘Seco de Cordero’ and vegetarian ‘Quinotto del Bosque’ promise a memorable fusion of culture. Drinks like the ‘Amaru Punch’ and ‘Nikkei Mojito’ deftly tread the tightrope between subtle ingredients and the restaurant’s experimental ethos.   

The design, influenced by Japan’s commitment to sustainability and South America’s appreciation for natural beauty, features extensive bamboo and woodwork, cosy alcoves for intimate dinners, and a 22-seat communal bar that encourages a lively sense of camaraderie.

DP Loves: The handwoven bamboo ceiling installation creates a sense of fluidity and the private cabanas with sliding screens for a serene feeling of exclusiveness.

Also Read: New In Mumbai: An Artisanal Chocolate Factory, A Nostalgic Sandwich Bar, And More

5. Kerala Quarters, Lower Parel – A Portal To God’s Own Country 

Kerala Quarters, the latest project by Flavour Pot Foods led by Pankaj Gupta, dwells upon a quirky intersection of conventional toddy shops from God’s Own Country and the laid-back, unpretentiousness of Mumbai’s quarter bars. 

The interiors, crafted by Nishant and Umesh Desai from UDA India, blend earthy tones with lush greenery with a nostalgic ambience that feels like stepping into someone’s home. Coconut leaf accents, deep red couches and the playful lilt of Bollywood music add a cheeky charm to the space. Helmed by Chef Sudheesan PG, the menu is a rapturous fusion of Suriyani, Malabari Muslim, and Iyer culinary influences. Highlights include the buttery Kanava Thoran (squid with fresh coconut) and the exceptionally flavour-packed Attirachi Ularthiyathu (Ernakulam-style dry-spiced mutton).

‘Quarters’, the bar program, offers generous 90ml pours and gobsmacking cocktails like the Banana Negroni and the Coconut Ghee Rhapsody. Each drink is paired with “Touchings,” Kerala’s beloved bar snacks, a rustic accompaniment to the libations.

DP Loves: The elegant wall carvings, ecstatic yellow hues on the walls and their unique memorabilia from South Indian homes add a personal touch.

6. Sixteen33, Pali Hill – An Elegy To Old World Elegance

A neighbourhood speakeasy and chic cocktail room that shapeshifts into a demure all-day dining spot, Sixteen33 is a fitting rejoinder for those with discerning taste. The design trajectory of this watering hole was masterminded by Shahrom Oshtori, a Bandra native with an impressive repertoire in the hospitality industry, and Akshay Pakvasa, co-owner and pre-eminent interior designer with more than half a century of expertise, in collaboration with designer Shweta Kaushik of SKID. 

Together, they have created the ultimate destination for locals and cosmopolitan expats alike. The downstairs area exudes the nonchalance of a classic pub, with carefully chosen beige walls, fluted wooden doors and scalloped panels—instilling a smidge of dark imperiousness. The upstairs den introduces a beguiling dichotomy, where vivid burgundy walls cocoon with dim lighting, a black stainless-steel bar and wooden Venetian blinds that introduce a tactile warmth to this hushed, luxurious tableau. 

Sixteen33’s signature concoctions, like the Ranwar rice liqueur and Chimbai sea-inspired drinks, celebrate Bandra’s storied past. Paired with comfort food classics like Bacon-Wrapped Prawns and dark rum-glazed Pork Ribs, every sip and bite weaves together a mosaic of local heritage and avant-garde decadence.

DP Loves: The sleek materiality of black powder-coated steel that is offset by warm wooden accents, and the inviting low-ledge seating by the window creates a perfect perch for people-watching and clandestine conversations.

Also Read: An Arresting Eatery In Udaipur, Which Is A Rajasthani Design Lover’s Dream Come True

7.  Onrique, Linking Road – Where Parisian Charm Meets Rooftop Vibes

Onrique is a tale of two moods, envisioned by Abhimanyu Jakhar, the young entrepreneur who wears many hats. The first level captures the romantic picturesqueness of a Provençal luncheonette, with esoteric murals and a mirrored ceiling that augments the vivacity of the space. Swanky seating and enveloping niches beckon you to carry on long-winded conversations over Euro-Korean appetizers. Head upstairs, and the vibe shifts to a rooftop sanctuary inspired by the French countryside. A pergola ceiling, stained glass details and al fresco seating against the Mumbai skyline create an idyllic setting, whether for a daylit brunch or sundowners.

Daytime delights include The Dak Bowl, a hearty mix of scallions, wakame and crispy chicken katsu or the Tiger Tear, featuring tempura fried prawn, avocado and pickled cucumber. Evening dining takes on a more adventurous tone with dishes like the Lamb Bulgogi that entice you with a medley of kimchi fried rice, bean sprouts and mushrooms to be paired with sliders, flatbreads and gimbap. Refreshing coolers like the Lemon Spritz and the Jamun Slushy add to the lineup, while the boozy espresso variations like the Affogato Martini promise to end the evening on a befuddling note. 

DP Loves: The Art Deco stained glass murals cast an almost otherworldly glow, creating a dreamy backdrop that whisks you away to a European cabaret.