EL - The Portal To Elsewhere At JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

Some rooftops promise escape; EL delivers a quiet, deliberate transformation. Sitting pretty, above JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, the newly opened rooftop bar positions itself as a threshold to “Elsewhere,” and that idea begins to take shape long before the first drink arrives. The ascent up the staircase feels intentional, almost ceremonial. It signals that this is a speakeasy moment, but one that rejects dim corners and whispers for something more surreal, more expansive.

At the top, The BubbEl Room sets the tone with its trippy, almost dreamlike vibe. And then, almost like stepping through a veil, the space unfurls into an open-air rooftop that immediately shifts the city’s energy. Mumbai’s roar dissolves into a soft hum, the skyline feels closer yet quieter, and there’s a rare clarity in being suspended between sky and glass towers. EL’s design leans into that pocket of serenity: curated lighting, rhythmic music that moves with the night, and an atmosphere that feels both cinematic and intimate.

A Culinary Map Held Together By Flavour

EL’s 'Flavours That Travel' philosophy is at its sharpest in its small plates, and this is where the evening truly finds its stride. I started with the Goi Con, a light, almost meditative rice-paper roll with a maple-ginger dip that wakes up the palate without overwhelming it. The Stracciatella was comfort in its softest form – silky cheese, warm sourdough, and confit garlic that melts into everything it touches. 

But the star of the night, without contest, was MANG-GO. The mango tiradito is a dish I would return for on its own; the sweetness of the Netherland-imported mangoes hits with a brightness that feels almost unexpected, especially against the ponzu and fennel. The Shishito Breeze Maki brought crunch and freshness, the Empanadas added a warm, creamy note, and the Gaia dessert tied the evening together with dark chocolate, toasted coconut, and a cool vanilla sorbet.

Beyond what I tried, EL’s food menu is built for both grazers and indulgent diners. Vegetarians will find global comfort in dishes like Silken Futomaki, Inarizushi, Plantain Bowl, Power Vegan Bowl, White & Green Asparagus and the Rellenas stuffed with truffle mushrooms. Non-vegetarians can travel through Japan, South America and the Mediterranean in a single sitting, from Hamachi tiradito and octopus chirashi to shrimp camarones, Greek-spiced chicken souvlaki, Naga pork skewers, karaage, and lamb shank finished with airy mash. The menu is designed for sharing, lingering, and mixing cuisines effortlessly, making EL the kind of place where small plates become the main event.

Drinks That Rise Above The Everyday

The Elixir was my pick, a cocktail that leans aromatic and zesty, with lemongrass gin and kaffir lime bianco creating a bright sourness that lands just right. It set the tone for the night: refreshing but layered, familiar but with a twist. The bar bites pair well with drinks, and the setting encourages slow sipping as you stare out at the sky.

For guests exploring the full menu, EL offers three distinct cocktail paths: citrusy & fruity, floral & herbal, and strong & stirred, each with its own personality. Think pink-gin spritzers, zesty limoncello vodka mixes, truffle-infused champagne cocktails, coffee-tonic experiments, tropical rum highballs, and smoky mezcal creations. Classics like Negronis, Old Fashioneds and Aperol Spritzes sit comfortably beside signature concoctions. There’s also an impressive whisky and gin selection, wines by the glass and bottle spanning France to Chile, a curated sake list, playful shots, and a thoughtful set of zero-proof cocktails for those skipping alcohol. In short, whatever your drinking style, EL has a lane for you, and a view to match it.

ELLE Gourmet's Verdict

EL aims to linger in your head once you have experienced it. It’s the kind of place where after-work drinks stretch into a slow, unhurried evening. Where bar bites are small but fulfilling enough that you don’t miss a full dinner, and where sky-gazing in Mumbai, a rarity in itself, suddenly feels possible. High above the city, with a drink in hand and the skyline laid out like a quiet, glittering map, Elsewhere doesn’t feel very far. At EL, it feels entirely within reach.

Address: IA Project Road, Near Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Andheri, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400099
Contact: 7710009250
Seating capacity: 96 covers
Time: 5 PM till 1 AM
Cost for two: 3500 plus taxes