India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) (62 page)

SOUTH MUMBAI: COLABA, FORT, CHURCHGATE & MARINE DRIVE

South Mumbai

Very Expensive

If you really want to dine among the crème de la crème and don’t mind shelling out top dollar for the experience, then by all means book a night at
The Zodiac Grill
,
one of the fine dining establishments at the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower. The quality of the French cuisine—served in an atmosphere of restrained opulence—has made it a legend among the city’s well heeled, many of whom no doubt come here to be completely cushioned from mainstream society. Main courses start at Rs 1,950, and a degustation menu runs Rs 5,500 to Rs 6,500

Indigo
FUSION/INTERNATIONAL Restaurateur-chef Rahul Akerkar has created a restaurant that tops every food critic’s A-list and is widely heralded as one of the world’s best. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Liz Hurley, the Clintons, and every other international celebrity passing through Mumbai seems to stop here. Indigo’s chic ambience is enhanced by the clientele: By 9:30pm the entire bar section is heaving with the city’s Beautiful People. Most important, though: Local devotees rave about the food. The excellent risotto with black olive tapenade is one constant on a menu that changes once a year—make it your first choice, but don’t be afraid to sample many more of the outstanding dishes. Their tuna loin (spiced with fenugreek and a Shiraz and clove reduction) is scrumptious, and vegetarians will be blown away by the many choices for them. End with the chocolate fondant with jalapeño peppers or, if available, the dreamy lemon soufflé. Indigo’s Sunday brunch with accompanying jazz band and free-flowing Indian liquor is legendary; if you’d like to stuff yourself silly while rubbing shoulders with Mumbai socialites, book in advance.

4 Mandlik House, Colaba.
022/6636-8999
or
-8980.
www.foodindigo.com
. Reservations essential. Main courses Rs 485–Rs 1,850; Sun brunch Rs 1,744. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily noon–2:45pm and 7:30–11:45pm.

Kandahar
NORTHWEST FRONTIER This has long been one of our favorite Mumbai dining establishments and a great place to sample the traditionally rich cuisine of the Northwest Frontier as well as enjoying some lighter, home-style dishes. At the time of writing, however, Kandahar remains closed while The Oberoi hotel undergoes extensive renovations and refurbishment following the tragic events that transpired in Mumbai in late 2008. When the hotel emerges from its slumber (definitely by 2010), expect Kandahar to once again be at the top of its game.

The Oberoi, Marine Dr., Nariman Point.
022/6632-5757.
Reservations essential.
Average meal Rs 1,500. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 12:30–2:45pm and 7:30–11:30pm.

Wasabi by Morimoto
JAPANESE Rated as one of the world’s top 100 eateries, this is by far Mumbai’s top Japanese restaurant—hallowed ground for anyone who worships at the alter of celebrity chef Masahuru Morimoto, aka “Iron Chef.” Seafood is flown in from around the world for the extensive sushi and sashimi menu (which features sea urchin, flying fish roe, sweet shrimp, jackfish, and fatty tunny—stay away if you’re concerned about the carbon footprint), and there’s an extensive vegetarian selection (try the crispy “Oroshi Ankake” tofu, or Kinoko mushroom curry), not usually available in Japanese restaurants. For a bit of drama at the table, order the
ishi yaki “buri bop”
—a yellowtail dish prepared on a hot stone right in front of you. Also interesting are the miso marinated black cod, and the Chilean sea bass in black bean sauce, ginger and shaved scallion. Don’t leave before trying the wasabi crème brûlée, and when you come back, try the tofu cheesecake.

Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Apollo Blunder, Colaba.
022/6665-3366.
Reservations essential for dinner. Sushi/sashimi Rs 325–Rs 500 per piece, Rs 2,050–Rs 3,945 assorted; sushi rolls Rs 500–Rs 750; main courses Rs 825–Rs 1,575; teppanyaki Rs 875–Rs 1,550. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 12:30–2:45pm and 7–11:45pm.

Expensive

CG 83
CHINESE This upmarket Oriental restaurant is highly regarded among the city’s elite—well-attired diners blend in perfectly with the slick and sumptuous decor. Despite its considerable good looks, though, this reinvention of the erstwhile China Garden is actually best appreciated for the quality of its creative cuisine. The menu here is dreamt up by Nelson Wang, the food hero who invented India’s nationally famous Manchurian chicken, and he continues to experiment by adapting Chinese dishes through subtle variations influenced by different parts of the Orient. There’s nothing on the menu that isn’t exceptional, but the prawns—either wrapped in bacon, or marinated with chilies and pepper—are a real highlight.