The best of Mumbai's al-fresco dining to soak in the winter sun

Make the most out of the last few days of Mumbai’s version of winter by grabbing a meal under the sun at these charming al fresco restaurants and cafes

Gastropubs

Tank up

Wrap up a long work day with fun cocktails, sazeracs and house-blended whiskeys at this American resto pub called Saz Cafe. Pair your drinks with grub like avocado toast, truffle fries, buffalo chicken wings and wood-fired pizzas.
At: Ground floor, NRK House, next to Kamala Mills gate no 1, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
On: 12 pm to 12 am
Call: 9920056688

Tropical tales

Get your share of easy and fun tapas at a new tropical-themed restaurant and bar — Balsa. Choose from goat cheese tartine, truffle and parmesan shoestring pommes frites or the tomato basil puff pastry tart with burrata as you sip on cocktails like birds of paradise and the Balsa belle at their sprawling open-air seating area.
At: Utopia, gate 4, opposite Smaaash Go Karting, Lower Parel
On: 12 pm to 12 am
Call: 8657929833

Bouquet at PCO

Coded cocktails

Dial back time and slip into a speakeasy hidden in Lower Parel’s industrial hub. But first you must find the password to enter PCO (Pass Code Only). Once you’re in, ask for the mood cocktail menu that allows the mixologist to whip up a special drink for you, based on your preferences. Or choose from their specials like bouquet and buffalo trace bourbon.
At: NRK House, near Kamala Mills gate no 1, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
On: 2 pm to 12 am 
Call: 9920055588

Fine-Dines

Asian aromas

Gorge on piping hot Korean chicken wings, udon noodles (above) and pork and sugarcane skewers, courtesy, Ping’s Cafe Orient. The Asian joint offers al fresco seating and serves up fare from Hong Kong, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Korea, Burma, Japan and The Philippines.
At: NRK House, near Kamala Mills gate no 1,  Lower Parel
On: 12 pm to 12 am
Call: 9920054488

Gallop away

With refreshing views of the racecourse, trees that form natural canopies and a lush green environment, Gallops is one of the city’s oldest haunts for hearty brunches and romantic dinners under the sky. From nalli nihari and yakhni pulao to French onion soup and chicken ala kiev, tuck into all kinds of fare at this Mahalaxmi space.
At: Mahalaxmi Race Course
On: 12 pm to 12 am
Call: 8928947188

Mumbaikar in Paris

Fancy a Parisian meal while soaking in the winter sun? Step in for a sunny brunch at Soufflé S’il Vous Plaît. Sign up for their elaborate charcuterie offerings, or try the baked brie and the house-cured duck prosciutto. They also offer a mean chicken liver parfait, and a delectable range of soufflés — our favourite, soufflé chocolat. 
At: Ground floor, Nagin Mahal, Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate
On: 12.30 pm to 10 pm
Call: 8657512648

Cafes

The outdoor section at Silly

Bandra’s favourite

Nestling with a hot cuppa, a freshly made croissant sandwich and a decadent mushroom quiche at Candies, at one of their many outdoor vintage tables, with a friendly meowing cat at our feet is one of our favourite ways to spend weekend mornings. The Bandra haunt that boasts of hardcore loyalists young and old, has seating across multi-levelled terrace steps. It helps that it’s easy on the pocket.
At: Near Learners Academy School, Mac Ronells, Pali Hill, Bandra West
On: 9 am to 7 pm
Call: 9820426296

Keep it silly 

Roast your own coffee blend, read a book under a mango tree, or cosy up with your loved one in a corner at Silly’s outdoor seating section. With a brick-exposed wall adorned with antiques, macramé lamps, and colourful, comfortable couches, the Khar restobar-cum-café gives off a boho-chic vibe that wears well both in the day and at night.
At: Ground floor, 5th Road, Khar
On: 10 am to 1.30 am
Log on to: @sillybombay on Instagram

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