ELLE Editors Recommend: The Hottest Spots In Mumbai

It may be home to Bollywood - and 92 billionaires - but you don’t need to be super rich to enjoy it: wander along Marine Drive for sunset views over the Arabian Sea, marvel at the three Unesco sites, check out the galleries and café culture in Kala Ghoda, or haggle for antiques in Chor Bazaar. ELLE India guides you.

Trendy Eatery

Papa's

In his 12-seater chefs’ table restaurant, Hussain Shahzad is aiming for a Bandra home vibe for his fuss-free, fine-dining concept. His playful, 13-course tasting menu includes dishes such as grilled rabbit with red weaver ant chutney and blue cheese ice cream with fig jam.

3R3G+JMX, Waroda Rd, papasbombay.com

Local Food Hotspot 

Chaitanya Assal Malvani Bhojangruh

This family-owned restaurant is the best place to try Malvani cuisine from the Konkan coast of Maharashtra. Be prepared to queue for tasty dishes such as crab curry and Malvani prawns thali, and don’t leave without trying solkhadi – a drink made with coconut and tangy kokum.

33 SK Bole Road Dadar West, chaitanyahotel.com

Charming Hotel 

Abode Bombay

A stone’s throw from the iconic Gateway of India monument and the shoppers’ paradise of Colaba Causeway, this eco-friendly boutique hotel sits in the historical heart of the city. Set in a heritage building from 1910, the 25 rooms are kitted out in antiques and local artwork.

First Floor, Lansdowne House, M.B. Marg, abodeboutiquehotels.com

Buzzing Bar 

Dome 

Put Dome on your hitlist for rooftop views of an Arabian Sea sunset. On the 8th floor of the Intercontinental, white loungey sofas give Ibiza vibes, and with tasty lobster buns and tuna tataki, live music and mojitos or mango mint coolers under the stars, it’s a next-level nightspot.

Level 8, 135 Marine Drive, ihg.com

Pamper Places 

Florian Hurel Hair Couture & Spa

This upscale hair salon is our go-to for precision cuts, balayage and ombre. In the spa section, treat yourself to skin analysis, a micronised marine algae facials, or a spiruline boost treatment.

Antoine Villa, 33, Sherly Rajan Road, florianhurelhaircouture.com

The Oberoi Spa

Time for a wellness session with ayurvedic and western treatments? Try this luxurious spa’s relaxing hot poultice with herbs and oils, or body scrub with Himalayan rice, to remove dead cells and refine pores.

The Oberoi, Nariman Point, oberoihotels.com

Skin Story

Specialising in marine-based products (try the marine algae facial to boost and rebalance the skin), this skin spa also offers dermaplaning exfoliation, dermal infusions and collagen boost facials.

Shop No. 5, Shantivanam, Manuel Gonsalves Road, skinstory.in

It Fashion Designer

Sabyasachi Mukherjee 

Famous for designing Priyanka Chopra’s exquisite red wedding dress, which really garnered world attention in 2018, Kolkata-born Sabyasachi is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his fashion scene debut. He is loved for his ethnic bridal wear, ornate heritage jewellery, intricate designs and luxurious fabrics.

ICP Fort Heritage, Veer Nariman Road, sabyasachi.com

Style Hub 

OGAAN Mumbai

If you’re after high-end designer fashion, head to this prestige boutique in Kala Ghoda, Mumbai’s art district, for ready-to-wear and couture collections from leading Indian designers, including Sabyasachi Mukherjee. The focus is on traditional Indian styles, but there are western collections too, as well as accessories and bridal.

Ground and first floor, 6/8, Navbharat House Military Square Lane Burjorji, ogaan.com

Hottest Night Out

Bastian- At The Top 

With its cave-like interiors, spectacular 48th-floor views, and laughing Buddha statue, this makes for a very camera-friendly night out. DJs spin a mix of funk, Afro house and hip hop, and a fancy crowd dresses up for the innovative cocktails and eclectic menu (vegan green curry, poke bowls, chilli lamb tacos).

48th Floor, Kohinoirr Square, N.C, Keljar Marg, bastianhospitality.com

Secret Escape 

Alibaug

Just a one-hour ferry ride away from the city, this beautiful seaside retreat is a popular spot for weekending Mumbaikars. They go for its laidback vibe, swimmable, sandy beaches and jet-skiing, and with its historic temples and Murud-Janjira and Kolaba forts, Alibaug blends rich Maharashtrian culture with beach-town charm.