Mamma Killa: Inside Delhi’s First Members-Only Rooftop Bar

Have you ever sipped a cocktail and thought, ‘Maybe this tastes like pizza?’ Welcome to Mamma Killa, a members-only rooftop bar overlooking the Qutub Minar, where just a chosen handful can set foot to nurse a drink that takes its cue from food. Launched by restaurateur Zorawar Kalra, this is the city’s first invitation-only bar—an Aztec-themed venture that draws inspiration from the Moon Goddess in Incan mythology.

Membership: Who Gets In And How

Climb the stairs after crossing the Swan restaurant in Mehrauli to reach this 35-seater bar. But will you be allowed to go in? Let’s find out. The criteria is simple—fill out a form on the website and wait for the team to decide if you make the cut. “Anybody adding cultural value to the landscape of the city will be given access. You can be an artist, CEO, entrepreneur or a young founder. The goal is to come up with a space where you know that you're always going to get a certain set of people,” said Kalra. There is no fee, and you gain entry with a black and gold membership card. The count is currently about 200, and the goal is not to go above 500 or 600.

The Vibe And Decor

An eye-catching mural of the Moon Goddess, who defines the theme behind this bar, greets you as soon as you step in. Mosaic murals, terracotta walls, small fountains, and cane lights hanging from the branches of a tree add to the chic yet relaxed vibe of the 1,300-square-foot space. The island bar sits at centre stage, visible from nearly every table. Between two mosaic pillars towards the end of the bar, the name ‘Mamma Killa’ puts its stamp on this private sanctum. Despite the summer heat, I didn’t mind sitting outdoors, as the fans and coolers whirred, lending a cooling touch. But I can imagine this place being packed on sunny winter days and cool, bracing evenings.

Sips With A Twist

As I glanced at the limited cocktail menu, curated by Bar Manager Suvrat Mahindroo, I saw how much detail had gone into crafting each tipple. “Why not make food into cocktails?”—this one line explains the entire concept and philosophy behind Mamma Killa’s cocktail program. The idea was to flip classic dishes from Swan into drinkable experiences.

Start with Pizza-Ila, a pesto-infused tequila cocktail. The house-made pesto is steeped in tequila for four hours, and the soda component is crafted into a fizzy version from a homemade pizza sauce that includes pineapple and strawberries. It arrives topped with a charred cherry tomato, and somehow, the concoction works to perfection.

Yet another cocktail that took me by surprise was Ceviche, a complex tequila- and mezcal-based mango-flavoured drink. The ingredients in my glass went all the way from mango yoghurt to yuzu, melon cordial, and cucumber tonic—all adding up to a truly refreshing drink. However, the garnish of sweet potato somehow did not work well with it.

Adding an element of drama to the experience is the concept of the Guéridon cocktail trolley, which is wheeled in with five premium spirits—gin, whisky, tequila, vodka, and mezcal. Guests can pick both their elixir and the topping. The options are Orange and Vetiver, Lotus Biscoff and Peanut Butter, Palo Santo-Bee Pollen, and Banana and Fig. I chose tequila with Orange and Vetiver, which resulted in a cocktail that was on the bitter side—almost like a Negroni minus the Campari. Next came the tequila with Palo Santo-Bee Pollen. Both drinks hit the right notes.

Small Dishes, Big Flavours

The menu, created by Head Chef Krishna Sharma, is small but focused—just 15 global dishes, including sushi, tacos, pides, and appetisers that pair well with the drinks. The tropical prawn robata, served sizzling and topped with quinoa for added crunch, was flavorful. The smoked tuna taco with chipotle mayonnaise was also spot on, although I felt the mayo could have been a tad less. But the dish that surprised me was the Comfort Wings, which more than lived up to their name. Sous-vided in Coca-Cola, they were truly comforting and juicy. Among the desserts, which come from Swan, the bottomless tiramisu is sure to have many fans.

I glanced back as I left, quite sure this was an evening I would like to repeat—because after all, nursing a good drink in a private sanctum is truly special.

ELLE Gourmet’s Verdict

Apply for the membership, because this place is only going to gain popularity with each passing day. And if you do get entry, then it’s time to bond with like-minded people—or just enjoy a great space to chill over cocktails and food.

Address: Above Swan, Ward No.1, Kharsra No. 1501, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi
Membership form: www.mammakilla.com.
Timings: 6 pm to 1 am