Mumbai´s nightlife got a wonderful New Year´s gift this month with, not one, not two, but 4 different night spots opening their doors this month. Here is our rundown on the places for you:-
1Above
The first one on this list is this new open terrace/bar lounge located at Kamala Mills. The expansive terrace is tastefully separated into a bar, a seating area and a smoker’s area. The open air seating space has curtains that can be drawn to give privacy to the diners. The sheesha area is towards one corner of the place and does not intrude into the non-smokers space.
What we loved: The place has an amazing vibe and the music system & selection is excellent. Excellent flavours of Sheesha, look out for the pineapple paan flavour.
What we didn’t: Though a launch is not the right moment to review the food, the fare served at the launch was pretty basic.
Verdict: A great hangout place to go have a drink and enjoy some wonderful music. Oh, and they even have a covered area for those who like the comforts of an air conditioned environment.
Address: Kamala Mills, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013
Phone: 077000 62111
Matahaari
The massive door that leads you into this posh foyer sets the tone for the mystique and the elegance that awaits you inside. Named after the ill-fated Dutch dancer who was executed by the French squads in the early part of the last century, this place is one of the most beautiful places to have opened in Mumbai of late. The interiors are classy, elegant and plush, giving it a Studio 54-ish feel. The menu is expansive with around 60 dishes appearing on it,and the drinks spell class right from the word go. Different kinds of music plays in its three different lounge areas which adds further to its appeal.
What we loved: The interiors and the funky vibe, the three different ambiances, the main dance floor, the champagne lounge and the hidden-behind-a-bookshelf VIP lounge.
What we didn’t: lack of seating space for couples. All the seating in the lounge is essentially for larger groups.
Verdict: The food is spectacular, the drinks – seductive (don’t miss out on the Femme Fatale, their spin on the classic mimosa), and the ambiance perfect to take a date out to dance. With Valentine’s Day round the corner, this is the best place for your valentine and you.
Address: Level IV, The Atria Mall, Dr. Annie Besant Road,, Dr Annie Besant Rd, Lotus Colony, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400018
Phone: 022 6736 3636
Tamasha
After having a successful run in Delhi, Tamasha opens up in Mumbai and manages to occupy a huge space that includes a beautifully decorated interior and a nice and ample open terrace. The inner space doubles up as a restaurant and a dance floor. The menu features some very interesting dishes from their Delhi branch, as well as many new dishes which have been designed to suit the local palate. During the launch we gorged on dishes like Butter Chicken Sliders, Keema Pav, Laal Maans Sliders and Achari Mushroom Wontons.
What we loved: The Tamasha Martini and a very delicious Parsi Thali that had a flaky Patrani Macchi and a portion of Parsi Daal which was delicious.
What we didn’t: The service – the waiters seemed clueless about many of the cocktails that are being served at the place and had to rush to the bar several times to confirm what went into them.
Verdict: Another interesting place to go for some good food & drinks; in the same league as Farzi Café, Glocal Junction and Masala Bar.
Address: Ground Floor, Victoria House, E.B Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai
Phone: 022 33951579
Tre – Laze, Vapour, Buoyant
Probably the weakest of the lot, this 2100 sq.ft lounge is located above a restaurant called Panayaa in Raghuvanshi mills. The place looks like any normal restaurant and doesn’t have the feel of a lounge even though it is being marketed as one. The wooden steps leading up to it were bare and rickety and full of dust (gave me the feeling that they were in a hurry to get the place open without really working on the finer details). There is a terrace as well which carries sheesha, the food is vegetarian and the service is slow. Fried pita bread topped with cheese and some toppings is served as Nachos and the Thai Crispy baby corn looks and tastes like a cheaper Indo-Chinese version of an over spiced tempura.
What we loved: Walking away from the place within 30 minutes
What we didn’t: I think I have made myself pretty obvious
Verdict: Read about the first three places again.
Address: 25, Raghuvanshi Mills Compound, SB Road, Lower Parel, Mumbai
Phone: 08655010011
