Food, wine and someone special: Mumbai's romantic restaurants

Yes, you can snatch moments of togetherness amidst the manic milieu of Mumbai urbania. For the mushy, the following venues offer cocooned romance.

There is a slice of still-unravaged Mumbai beach left in the city. Come to Salt Water Grill at Marine Drive Chowpatty and give in to the pleasure of feeling the shingle beneath your feet. Leaping flames inside hollow clay menhirs usher you in, where the thatched-roofed bar enthrals much like the wooden seats within canoes. A star-studded sky and the rushing sea bear witness to all those sweet nothings.

Start off with some great cocktails like Pleasantly Plum, a unique combo of Californian plums and Smirnoff. Let the grilled platter and other exotic European delights—melons with feta, tenderloin steak, barbequed piscean platters and grilled vegetable ravioli—serenade your senses. Finally give in to the magic of the Pastry Chef and dig into droolworthy hot chocolate fondant, gooey brownie or mud cakes. Kids aren’t welcome. But hey, you are here to romance, aren't you?

Gourmet gospels, winking lights of the Gateway of India far, far below and just the two of you. Sounds too good to be true? Believe it. Casablanca is an exclusive dining nook that is tucked away from the main restaurant Souk, atop the 24^th floor of Taj Mahal Palace and Tower in Apollo Bunder. Soak in the exclusivity: fresh flowers, Moroccan curios, Versace dinnerware and chefs serving you.

Tuck in the exemplary designer fare—tasty Moroccan tagines, Lebanese mezze, Egyptian seafood, fattoush, the Beirut sambusek, kebab meshwi, Damascan dolma, and kibbe—and complement it with the best wines: French, Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Argentinian Malbac.

Now the next one comes at a staggering price. Turn into a special resident guest residing at the luxury floor of the ITC Grand Central Sheraton & Towers in Parel to achieve this coup. Welcome to Point of View, atop ITC Grand Central, a venue that gives you an unparalleled view of the entire city.

Dance in the moonlight, recline easy and relish the caviar-spangled starters with choicest international spirits, before hopping on to Upper Crust, the main dining area. Sink into plush couches and take in the ambience enhanced by secretive palms and amazingly-tall windows. The food? Simply divine.

Make your booking well in advance. Mum's the word.