Mumbai’s hot n’ happening restobars

It's time for the once-a-week-dine-out session (no kids allowed) and you're looking at hitting the most happening restobar sprinkled with celebrities. Check out the following places.

A décor with strong Thai and Balinese accents, a crossover menu that flirts with Southeast Asian and European flavours, and a pulsating bar are reasons enough to get you at Zenzi in Bandra. That’s not all. Any day of the week Zenzi is abuzz with poetry nights, salsa classes, film screenings, art shows and exhibitions. It even hosts the Hafla Lounge for women on Tuesday nights wherein the belle can learn belly dancing.

To sustain the tempo, the menu is equally varied. The Zenzi special salad of roquette, cherry tomatoes and goat's cheese sets the mood for the evening. Honey Wasabi prawns and Crab Ravioli are simply superb. You must also have a go at Five Spiced Duck marinated in Indonesian spices, tamarind sauce and served with wok-pickled noodles.

But no matter what, don’t forget to leave space for the soft choco dim sum—steamed or fried with fresh fruits and sinful chocolate—or the Panacotta, the exotic creamy banana dessert with (of all the things!) thandai and maple sauce. Fusion cooking at its creative best.

Indigo in Colaba is an all-time favourite. Located in one of the nondescript bylanes behind the Taj Mahal hotel, this five-star eatery has been voted as one of the “sixty Hot Tables” of the world by “Conde Nast Traveller”. You will bump into socialites, expats, foreign chefs and the who's who in the city.

The Sunday brunch here is legendary. Though the menu keeps changing, at Indigo they serve up your favourites on request, like the potato and porcine soup, the lobster risotto, or char-grilled beef tenderloin. Dig into the cappuccino soufflé and pair it with cocky cocktails, prized single malts and superlative cigars.

Seijo and the Soul Dish is second home to Mumbai’s swish set who likes to party as well. Cool reflections from the Japanese Manga comics in the bar (Seijo) area, sensuous lighting, egg-shaped loos and crazy cocktails define the place. Try great caprioskas or the ginger n’ lime while you gorge on grilled cottage cheese in sambal olek and poached pears in Merlot glaze.

Then there are prawn tempura, lobster and sesame roll and the grilled seafood platter. Portions are designer (read small). The desserts leave you licking your lips. Try the green-tea ice cream and cheesecake with passion-fruit jelly.

Find yourself on Page 3, the next day. Cheers.