Mumbai Food: Kamala Mills in Lower Parel is a haven for foodies

Here's the definitive cut-and-keep guide to the buzzing culinary hub in Lower Parel, home to the newest F&B hotspots, the hottest cuisines and truly unique experiences

Illustration/Uday Mohite

Tamasha
A New Delhi import, this spot is where you should head if you're looking for a place to unwind post work, and if you don't mind really loud music. The grub, which includes South Indian and coastal food, is nothing to write home about, but some of the cocktails are light and summery - try the rum-based Hemingway Daiquiri (Rs 465). They also have molecular cocktails. For those who enjoy dancing, Tamasha organises salsa nights every Thursday.

Time: 12 noon to 1 am
At: Ground floor, Victoria House.
Call: 8291900141

TAG – The GourmART Kitchen
This restaurant created a big splash when it launched, on account of being celebrity chef Ranveer Brar's baby. TAG only serves vegetarian eats, but the innovative dishes are bound to convert even the staunchest carnivore. Pick the Mushroom Galawat (Rs 350), a vegetarian version of the Lucknowi-style kebab, which tastes incredibly close to the original.

TIME: 12 noon to 4 pm, 7 pm to 1 am
AT: C Wing, Trade World, next to The Bar Stock Exchange.
Call: 24955766

Also read: Head to a Kebab trail through the back alleys of South Mumbai

D:Oh
This venture by DeGustibus Hospitality is an eatery that straddles the line between a QSR and a casual dining space. They offer ready-to-eat items including salads, juices, breads, soups and desserts. Go here for the Adult Shakes - milkshakes with wine or beer. We recommend the Strawberries and Cream Adult Shake (Rs 225), made with wine.

Time 9 am to 1 pm
AT Ground floor, Unit 2B, Trade View.
Call: 62372829

Verbena
A terrace space, Verbena Brew Pub and Sky Garden, serves some unusual drinks. Their cocktail menu features herbs and plants plucked fresh from their in-house garden. Their LIITs replace cola with botanical extracts, while some cocktails fuse sorbets with alcohol. We recommend the whiskey-based Citrus Tamarind Tree (Rs 410), which comes with a saffron tamarind jam, and the Mango Mint Sorbet (Rs 470 onwards), which can be had with a vodka, gin or whiskey base.

Time: 4 pm to 12.30 am
At: 4th floor, Oasis Building, Gate No 4.
Call: 49143143

Also read - Mumbai Food: On the bhujing trail in Virar

Pravas
This Gujarati restaurant is one of the few places within Kamala Mills that isn't about loud music and free-flowing alcohol. Its design is inspired by the Palace On Wheels, to the point where it actually looks like a luxury train. Head here with your family and order the Sev Tomato Shaak (Rs 280), a sweet-and-sour tomato curry, or the Dal Dhokli (Rs 300), which features paper-thin wheat flour dumplings in a Gujarati-style dal. While you're at it, sip on some desi cocktails.

Time: 12 noon to 3 pm, 7 pm to 11.45 pm
At: Gate No 4, next to Smaaash.
Call: 39971887

Mojo's Bistro
The newest entrant to the area, this open-air rooftop bar cum lounge has an aerially suspended stage looking out onto seating areas divided into cosy cabanas. One of the founders is singer-composer Siddharth Mahadevan, Shankar Mahadevan's son. The food served is fusion, mixing global fare with desi flavours. Standout dishes include Reduced Pav Bhaji with Garlic Bread (Rs 295), Lobster Thermidor (Rs 1,500), and Veg Jhalfrezi Quesadillas (Rs 345).

Time; 12 noon to 1.30 am
At: Second floor, Kamala Trade House.
Call: 7768888800

1Above
A rooftop resto-bar, it stands out because it is an all-vegetarian space. Think of a meat dish and they have it in a vegetarian avatar. We love the Kheema Pav (Rs 425), which swaps meat with mushroom. Wash this down with a Negroni (Rs 800). Sheesha fans will like their menu, which spans flavours like frozen melon and lychee sangria. They've recently also started hosting gigs and comedy nights.

Time 6 pm to 1.30 am
At Second floor, Kamala Trade House.
Call 7700062111

Also read - Mumbai food: Explore delicious Sindhi dishes in Chembur

Theory
This dining spot - with its charcoal interiors and meandering strips of light - exudes a grown-up vibe, and is the kind of place you head to when you have a fat wallet. Among the cocktails, try the quirky Asian Mojito. From the small plates section, pick the Prawn Carpaccio (Rs 745), which comes with a tangy yuzu dressing, and for mains, opt for an indulgent Duck Leg Confit (Rs 1,100), served on a crispy waffle with a poached egg, duck jus and maple syrup.

Time: 7 pm to 1 am; Sunday brunch: 12 noon onwards
At: Unit 1, C Wing, Trade World.
Call: 66666506

Koko
Run by the Tham siblings, Keenan and Ryan, this 80-seater lounge cum bar serves primarily Cantonese fare. The cocktail bar has drinks created by UK-based celebrity mixologist and bar consultant Dimitri Lezinska. Sip on the salty and bitter Twisted Mule (Rs 550), the tangy Jamun Club (Rs 550) or the infused whiskey sours (featuring yuzu, lemon zest or matcha tea). Among the dishes, you can't go wrong with the tender but Crispy Pork Belly (Rs 525).

Ryan and Keenan Tham

Time: 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm, 7 pm to 1 am
At: C2, Trade World.
Call: 61053939

Desi Culture
Corum Hospitality's newest venture, Desi Culture, replaced Mr Baozi earlier this year. Unlike its predecessor, it offers fusion Indian food. Try the Raju Chinese Thali (Rs 275), or sample Chef Gidwani's signature Butter Chicken (Rs 290), which is slow cooked for nine hours. The cocktails here also come with a special Indian twist - try the Shikanji Mojito or the Trio Of Shots (both Rs 300).

Time: 12 noon to 4 pm, 7 pm to 1 am
At: C Wing, Trade World, next to The Bar Stock Exchange.
Call: 24955766

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!