Food

Celebrity Owned Restaurants Lighting Up Mumbai’s Dining Scene

Mumbai is known as the city of dreams, and that extends well beyond Bollywood and cricket into its glittering culinary landscape. A growing number of celebrities have ventured into hospitality, fusing their personal flair with luxury dining experiences. From heritage mansions to rooftop lounges, these celeb-owned restaurants offer more than just food—they serve style, exclusivity, and Instagram-worthy moments. Hashtag Magazines gives you a lowdown of Mumbai’s hottest celebrity-backed dining destinations.

1. One8 Commune – Juhu

Owned by: Virat Kohli (Indian cricketer)

In the heart of Juhu, One8 Commune brings together nostalgia and modernity. Set in the former bungalow of music legend Kishore Kumar, this restobar marries casual luxury with a buzzing energy. Virat Kohli’s personality is evident in every corner—from the bold art and neon signs to the laid-back yet upscale vibe.

Cuisine: The menu offers a global tour with gourmet pizzas, Asian stir-fries, sliders, and indulgent desserts, complemented by signature cocktails.

Ambience: Quirky, vibrant, and artsy, the space is perfect for brunches, late-night hangouts, and influencer meet-ups. The lush alfresco section is particularly popular for sunset selfies.

Why go: Celebrity ownership, stylish interiors, and a well-executed menu make it one of Juhu’s trendiest spots.

2. Neuma – Colaba

Owned by: Karan Johar (Filmmaker)

True to Karan Johar’s flair for drama and design, Neuma is more than a restaurant—it’s a cinematic experience. Housed in a restored colonial bungalow in Colaba, the space is divided into multiple zones, each telling a different story.

Cuisine: Modern European and Mediterranean, with dishes like truffle mushroom risotto, burrata salads, and an exquisite cocktail list.

Ambiance: Whether you’re sipping in the Garden Café surrounded by greenery or enjoying a cocktail in the moody Rose Bar, every corner is designed for visual impact. Vintage chandeliers, velvet sofas, and curated dinnerware add to the charm.

Why go: For lovers of design and ambiance, Neuma is a visual and culinary treat—and often a set for editorial shoots and celeb sightings.

3. Bastian – Bandra (Bastian At The Top)

Owned by: Shilpa Shetty (Actress and wellness entrepreneur)

Located atop a Bandra high-rise, Bastian At The Top is where luxury meets indulgence. Shilpa Shetty’s stamp is evident in the health-meets-hedonism concept, catering to the well-traveled, health-conscious elite.

Cuisine: A celebration of global comfort food with a luxe twist—think lobster mac and cheese, sushi platters, gourmet American fare, and towering desserts.

Ambiance: Earthy Cappadocian design, plush lounge seating, and a rooftop pool create a sanctuary above the city bustle. Romantic lighting and elegant service complete the experience.

Why go: It’s one of the most celeb-heavy dining spots in the city—ideal for those who love their meals with a side of glamour.

4. Akina & Privé by Akina – Bandra

Owned by: Aallia Hospitality, with rumored celebrity backers

Offering a refined Japanese experience, Akina and its adjoining speakeasy Privé bring contemporary Tokyo to the heart of Bandra. While officially led by Aallia Hospitality, whispers of celebrity investors—ranging from socialites to TV personalities—add an air of intrigue.

Cuisine: Expect elevated Japanese fare like miso black cod, robata-grilled meats, sushi rolls, and matcha-infused sweets. Cocktails are crafted with Japanese ingredients and techniques.

Ambience: Minimalist yet intimate with moody lighting, deep tones, and sophisticated textures. Privé’s underground setting contrasts with Akina’s elegance, making it a top pick for after-hours gatherings.

Why go: For refined Japanese cuisine in a chic, hidden setting, with the added thrill of possibly dining next to a familiar face from the screen.

5. Yauatcha – BKC (Partnership with Shilpa Shetty, among others)

Owned by: Partnerships with celebrities including Shilpa Shetty (Actress)

What it’s about: A luxe dim sum teahouse blending Cantonese fine dining with sleek, modern design. Though originally part of an international chain, Yauatcha’s Mumbai presence has seen celebrity backing and frequent A-list clientele.

Cuisine: Cantonese cuisine with a heavy focus on dim sum, stir-fried specialities, Peking duck, and handcrafted teas and cocktails.

Ambience: Polished and contemporary with glass walls, soft lighting, and a minimalist aesthetic—perfect for business lunches and intimate dinners.

Why it’s popular: Consistently high food standards, excellent service, and a strong celeb following. A go-to for fine-dining Chinese in the city.

6. Tori – Bandra

Owned by: Tara Sutaria (Actress)

What it’s about: A bold new entrant in Mumbai’s Asian dining scene, Tori reflects Tara Sutaria’s artistic sensibilities and love for pan-Asian cuisine, with a cosy yet chic design focus.

Cuisine: Pan-Asian with a fusion edge—Korean-style wings, Thai curries, sushi, and innovative small plates.

Ambience: Earthy colours, handpicked art, dim lighting, and greenery create a relaxed yet upscale environment, great for date nights and casual celeb-spotting.

Why it’s popular: A fresh take on Asian dining with Tara’s personal touches in both design and menu curation. It’s also quickly becoming a hotspot for younger Bollywood circles.

7. B Café – Andheri

Owned by: Bhumi Pednekar (Actress)

What it’s about: A wellness-forward café that combines sustainability with flavour, aligning with Bhumi’s environmental activism and healthy lifestyle.

Cuisine: Healthy global eats—smoothie bowls, vegan burgers, gluten-free pastries, cold-pressed juices, and Ayurvedic teas.

Ambience: Boho-chic with jute furniture, indoor plants, and natural lighting. Think urban jungle meets LA wellness café.

Why it’s popular: Appeals to the health-conscious crowd, with regular visits from fitness influencers and Bollywood fitness junkies. Eco-friendly packaging and plant-based menus are a big draw.

8. Slink & Bardot – Worli (Co-invested by celebrities)

Owned by: Backed by celebrity investors, including actors and socialites

What it’s about: A modern French eatery that brings Parisian elegance to Mumbai. While the main ownership is professional, several celebrity investors and patrons have helped boost its profile.

Cuisine: Modern French with creative plating—duck confit, cheese soufflés, truffle mashed potatoes, and a fine wine and cocktail list.

Ambiance: Sexy, dim-lit interiors with velvet seating, vintage mirrors, and an ultra-cool bar. It’s as much a social club as a restaurant.

Why it’s popular: A favourite among the fashion-forward crowd, it’s discreet yet glamorous, perfect for intimate celebrations and industry gatherings.

9. The Ministry of Crab – BKC

Owned by: Co-founded by Sri Lankan cricketers Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, with Virat Kohli as an Indian brand ambassador/partner

What it’s about: Mumbai’s outpost of the world-famous Sri Lankan seafood restaurant, known for giant lagoon crabs and a no-fuss, flavor-first approach.

Cuisine: Seafood-centric with a focus on sustainably sourced crab, prawns, and shellfish. Signature pepper crab and garlic chili crab are must-tries.

Ambiance: Modern tropical with wooden decor, open kitchens, and large crab tanks. Understated yet stylish.

Why it’s popular: It’s where food purists and seafood lovers come to feast. Celebrity presence plus world-class cuisine equals instant buzz.

10. Tira Beauty Café – Jio World Drive, BKC

Owned by: Reliance Retail with influencer/celebrity partnerships (featuring Kareena Kapoor, Kiara Advani as brand ambassadors)

What it’s about: A beauty-meets-café hybrid inside Tira’s flagship store. While not fully owned by a single celebrity, its branding heavily relies on star power.

Cuisine: Instagrammable coffee, low-sugar desserts, fruit bowls, and wellness elixirs.

Ambience: Sleek, glossy interiors with pastel colours, ring lights for selfies, and café tables designed to double as beauty consultation pods.

Why it’s popular: It blurs the line between retail therapy and café culture, with a heavy dose of celebrity-led branding and influencer buzz.

Mumbai’s celebrity-owned restaurants go beyond star value—they offer curated experiences that merge personal branding with high-end hospitality. Whether you’re a foodie, a fan, or just looking for your next Instagram post, these celeb-driven hotspots promise a memorable outing.

May 9, 2025

Farzi Beach Goa: Cocktails, Sunset Vibes & Playful Plates by the Sea

If you’re looking for a beachside spot in Morjim that mixes sundowner energy with inventive cocktails, Farzi Beach Goa is worth a stop. Part of Zorawar Kalra’s ever-growing stable of Farzified concepts, this laid-back restaurant at Mayfair on the Sea brings Farzi’s trademark playfulness to a breezy coastal setting, complete with live music and a front-row view of the Arabian Sea. Sip: Creative Cocktails by the Shore The bar menu is where Farzi Beach really sparkles. The KitKat Picante featuring tequila, fresh watermelon, Tabasco, and lime is an instant mood-setter, balancing sweet heat with tropical freshness. Picante lovers can also try the Wasabi Fistron, a sharp kick of wasabi, mint, and cucumber, or the Habanero Picante for a deeper spice hit. From the Farzi style creations, the Kokum Collins (Goan kokum puree, gin, citrus) is tangy and refreshing, while the Chuski Margarita riffs on the classic with an aam panna chuski perched in the glass. With an extensive cocktail list covering everything from fruity spritzes to smoky infusions, there’s something for every palate and every Instagram story. Bite: Fusion Plates & Familiar Comforts Farzi Beach’s food menu is extensive, featuring a diverse range of Indian, Asian, European, and Middle Eastern flavours. Tapas like Dahi Puchka Shots and Hibiscus Pani Puri are playful and photogenic the latter comes with a rose-rimmed edge and the option of spiking it with vodka. The Asparagus & Edamame Dim Sum is soft and fresh, while the Dal Chawal Arancini cleverly fuses homestyle comfort with Italian crispness. For non-vegetarians, the Chicken Changrezi Quesadilla stands out with its juicy filling and a smoky red-pepper sauce. Pizzas are crowd-pleasers too: the Tropical Temptation is all about sunshine flavours, and the Jasper Chicken Pizza piles pulled chicken, red paprika, and spring onion over a thin crust. If you’re looking

Food

The New Wave of Indian Fine Dining

From luxury ice cream to buzzy rooftop clubs, India’s dining scene is brimming with exciting new openings. Here’s a look at the freshest launches across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Mumbai. Nandhini Opens Grand New Outlet on St. Mark’s RoadWhere: Bangalore Bengaluru’s iconic Andhra dining destination, Nandhini, has unveiled its latest and most ambitious outlet yet on St. Marks Road, opening September 10th. Spanning 6,000 sq. ft. with a 250-seat capacity, this marks one of the brand’s most significant projects to date. Designed by Reshma Raju & Nishant Raju of Abstract Design Studio, the space blends tradition with contemporary flair, inspired by Bengaluru’s T2 Airport and its “Garden City” identity. The outlet offers thoughtful experiences, such as the Biryani Bell ritual and Polaroid giveaways, alongside two private dining rooms for intimate gatherings. Guests can enjoy Nandhini classics, including Andhra Meals, Chilli Chicken, and Nellore Biryani, as well as exclusive new dishes such as Gunpowder Popcorn, Paneer Ghee Roast Biryani, Appam with Mutton Chops, and more. A refreshed bar menu featuring beer on tap and signature cocktails complements the fiery Andhra flavours. With 18 outlets in Bengaluru, Nandhini now sets its sights on national and international expansion, bringing Andhra cuisine to the global stage. SALT Restaurant All Set To Launch Its Second Outlet Where: Hyderabad Adding to the city’s evolving dining scene, SALT is set to open its second outlet in Hyderabad, offering a fine-dining experience that celebrates Indian cuisine with a modern twist. Already loved in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Pune, SALT lives up to its tagline “Indian Food Made Interesting” with Chef Balachander leading the charge. The menu spans across India, from Galouti Kebabs and Butter Chicken Lollipops to Alleppey Fish Curry and Masaledar Prawn Biryani, complemented by inventive mocktails like Kala Khatta and Turmeric Maple Hot Toddy. The new space

Food

Festive Flavors: Chefs Share Their Favourite Recipes for a Delicious Diwali

Diwali is a festival of lights, laughter, and above all flavours that bring families and friends together. From age-old mithais to inventive fusion bites, the festive table is as much a celebration as the fireworks in the sky. This year, we bring you chefs who open their recipe books and hearts, sharing dishes that add sparkle to your celebrations. Whether you’re planning an elaborate spread or looking for quick festive fixes, these recipes promise to make your Diwali truly memorable. CHEF MALVIKA HADA KUMAR About Malvika: Malvika Hada Kumar is a recipe developer and food content manager with over eight years of experience in curating engaging culinary content. What began as a passion for cooking soon turned into The Spicy Story her platform dedicated to simple, creative, and approachable recipes. In just two years, she has built a vibrant community of over 1 million followers, inspiring food lovers with flavours, traditions, and stories from her kitchen. About recipe – Mathe Wale Aloo A rustic Rajasthani-style potato curry simmered in buttermilk, infusing it with an earthy aroma and a comforting taste. What makes it truly special for Diwali is its simplicity! After all the decadent sweets and heavy festive dishes, this simple curry with garma garam pooris feels like home on a plate. Mathe Wale Aloo Recipe 👇🏻 Ingredients – 2 tbsp oil 1 tsp cumin seeds 1/2 tsp mustard seeds 1/4 tsp hing 1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped 2 green chillies, finely chopped 2 tbsp besan 1 tsp red chilli powder 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 2 tsp coriander powder 1/2 cup water 2-3 boiled potatoes, slightly mashed 1-1/2 cups buttermilk Salt, to taste 1 tsp dry mint 1/2 tsp garam masala powder 1 tbsp coriander, finely chopped Instructions: Heat oil. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, hing, and cook for a

Food

Celebrating Goddess Durga with South Indian

Durga Puja is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in India, especially in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and Tripura. The festival, which honours Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, is marked by grand pandals, cultural programs, traditional rituals, and of course, food. While Bengali delicacies like khichuri, luchi, aloor dum, and mishti doi usually dominate the festival menu, this year, why not add a unique twist by embracing the rich flavours of South India? South Indian cuisine is known for its aromatic spices, diverse vegetarian options, and comforting flavours. Adding these dishes to your Durga Puja celebrations not only introduces variety but also showcases India’s culinary diversity. Imagine enjoying your bhog with crispy dosas or finishing a cultural evening with a steaming bowl of payasam it’s a fusion that blends tradition with innovation. One of the simplest yet most flavourful dishes to include is lemon rice. Light, tangy, and quick to prepare, lemon rice can be served as part of the bhog or as an evening snack for pandal hoppers. For a richer dish, bisi bele bath, a wholesome mix of rice, lentils, tamarind, and spices, brings comfort food vibes with a festive flair. Its hearty texture and aromatic seasoning make it a perfect counterpart to traditional khichuri. When it comes to snacks, South India offers endless options. Medu vada, the crispy lentil doughnut, pairs beautifully with coconut chutney and sambar. These golden delights can easily be served at community gatherings during Puja evenings. Another great option is masala dosa crispy crepes stuffed with spiced potatoes, served with chutneys. It’s a crowd favourite and can be adapted to large gatherings. Of course, no festival is complete without sweets, and South India has plenty to offer. Payasam, made with rice or vermicelli, simmered in milk and flavoured with cardamom