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

Kai Kitchen in Bangalore: A global feast in the clouds

Bangalore is often known for its weather, start-up culture, and (unfortunately) traffic. Let’s throw another iconic thing into this mix: Kai Bar and Kitchen. Located on the thirteenth floor in the heart of the city, this rooftop restaurant feels like an escape pod from the town below. Once you step off the elevator, the noisy streets become a thing of the past, as you get ready to experience an “elevated” dining experience. The exceptional use of natural light makes the already spacious interiors look even larger and more open. The retractable glass ceiling, coupled with the relaxed atmosphere, creates an inviting vibe, perfect for indulging in a sobremesa that lasts hours! Their special fixed lunch menu, aptly named Zenith, is proof that great food tastes even better with a view. It comprises a thoughtfully curated selection of Asian, Continental, Oriental, and Mediterranean influences. Five courses, five moments You would expect the prices to be as sky-high as the view, but they are unbelievably down-to-earth. Zenith offers two options in its fixed menu: a three-course meal priced at 999 and a five-course meal priced at 1299. Plus taxes, of course. We highly recommend the latter, because the more the better, right? Soups, salads, dimsums, sushi, appetizers, large plates, and desserts. Gotta have ‘em all. The Smoked Chicken Salad, with baby arugula, is dressed to perfection with a yuzu vinaigrette and feels fresh and quite the looker. The Togarashi Crispy Lamb seemed a little too crisp, but felt familiar and comforting in its own right. Vegetarians, you will probably love the Edamame Dumplings and Green Paradise Sushi, both offering a symphony of flavours. A very special mention here to the Chocolate and Cranberry Cookie Dough Tart with Mascarpone Cream. Decadent yet subtle, the berries’ sourness is perfectly balanced by the rich, sweet

Food

Top New Restaurant Menus in Mumbai and Delhi

What: New menu at Vanilla Beans Where: Bandra, Mumbai Vanilla Beans, Mumbai’s premium eggless patisserie, has launched its New Strawberry Menu, celebrating the city’s strawberry season with fresh, handcrafted creations. Known for its artisanal, made-to-order desserts, the Bandra-based brand founded by mother-son duo Deepa and Rohit Desai continues to champion seasonal produce through layered textures and bold flavour pairings. This year, alongside its cult-favourite Nutella Strawberry Cake (also available in single-serve tubs from ₹250), Vanilla Beans introduces two new highlights: the Nutella Strawberry Krispy Kunafa, made with imported kataifi and homemade pistachio paste for a delicate crunch, and the Nutella Strawberry Crunchy Crumble, featuring a buttery crumble over creamy Nutella and fresh strawberries. The expanded collection also includes Belgian Dark Chocolate Strawberry, Biscoff Strawberry, and Strawberry Cheesecake, with vegan and sugar-free options across cakes, bentos, and tubs. What: KampaiWhere: New Delhi Kampai, one of Delhi’s most prominent modern Japanese restaurants under TasteShop Pvt. Ltd., celebrates its seventh anniversary with a first-of-its-kind feedback-driven menu. Known for its authentic flavours and warm hospitality, the brand invited loyal diners and 10 leading food enthusiasts to co-create its refreshed culinary direction. Guided by the Kampai chef team, months of tastings and guest review sheets shaped a dynamic new menu that blends Japanese classics with contemporary Asian influences. The revamped selection introduces bold additions such as Sandos, Sushi Tacos, Crispy Nori Bites, Prawn Sesame Toast and Cornets, all enhanced with Japanese condiments and house-made sauces. Desserts see a dramatic upgrade too, featuring a Pull-Up Cake, Cotton Cheesecake, and the much-awaited Mochi in signature flavours. With locations in Aerocity and Vasant Kunj, Kampai continues to pair minimal Japanese aesthetics with a vibrant social dining atmosphere marking a new chapter fuelled by community, creativity, and collaboration. What: SumaWhere: MumbaiSuma, Mumbai’s newest fine-dining destination by S.P. Motles, founded

Food

What’s New: Four New Places Making Waves Across Indian Cities

What’s new: Nanna House Where: Bandra Nanna House brings the bold, heartwarming flavours of Andhra breakfast to Bandra, adding a fresh twist to Mumbai’s morning ritual. While most South Indian eateries focus on Udupi or Tamil flavours, Nanna House celebrates the distinct comfort of Andhra cuisine with dishes like Pesarattu, Poori Saagu, Babai Idli, Butter Idli, and crisp karam podi laden dosas. Founded by Mir Aga Syed of Aegyo Cafe and Dirty Martini Nanna House is inspired by his daughters’ love for the flavours they grew up with. “Nanna,” meaning father in Telugu, reflects the warmth and nostalgia behind the concept. The menu blends homestyle comfort with variety: Millet Cone Idli, 70mm Dosa, button idlis, and a special Kiddie Meal for younger diners. To complete the experience, there’s classic filter coffee, iced versions, oat milk options, and signature Hyderabadi chai. With no fixed seating and a quick-service format, Nanna House serves fast, soulful, authentic Andhra mornings right in the heart of Bandra. What’s new:4NOTEWhere: Hyderabad Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli has unveiled 4NOTE, an immersive dining destination where live kitchens take center stage, transforming every meal into a multisensory experience. Launched on 9th October 2025, 4NOTE brings together four distinct culinary traditions—North Western Frontier, Oriental, Telugu, and European under one beautifully designed roof. Guests can choose indoor or outdoor seating surrounded by lush greenery while enjoying the excitement of dishes prepared right before them. The concept celebrates diversity and togetherness through food, allowing diners to explore global flavours in a single space. From corporate gatherings to family celebrations, 4NOTE’s warm, thoughtfully curated interiors make it a versatile venue that encourages connection and conversation. “4NOTE is designed to be more than just a restaurant it is a destination where live kitchens, curated menus, and immersive spaces blend into unforgettable experiences,” says Piyush Sharma,

Food

Como Agua Reimagined: Goa’s Freshest Culinary Escape

Tucked into Vagator’s lush tropical edge and gazing out at the Arabian Sea, Como Agua has always been one of Goa’s most striking venues. But this season, it has transformed from a beloved pizzeria and Negroni bar into a full-bodied culinary destination one that’s as committed to craft as it is to creativity. Ratna Vuppala gives a lowdown of this place. A Menu Built on Freshness — and You Can Taste It The refreshed menu, led by Chef Amit Kumar, is anchored by a simple, rare promise: no processed ingredients. Everything from the citrus infusions in the cocktails to the buttermilk in the fried chicken is made fresh, in-house, and handled with intention. My meal began with the Citrus Avocado Toast, an unassuming dish elevated by its creaminess and surprising brightness. The avocado was lush without being heavy, with citrus cutting through in all the right ways. The Fried Chicken Tenders were a standout juicy, crisp, and coated in a house-made buttermilk batter. The sweet chilli dip on the side delivered the perfect hint of warmth without overpowering the chicken’s tenderness. Then came the star of their new commitments: the Burrata with Garlic Chimichurri, served with warm focaccia. Light, fresh, fragrant and unmistakably high-quality. Their fresh mozzarella and burrata are made in-house using A2 milk, giving the cheese a rich yet clean flavour that sets it apart from anything you’ll usually find in Goa. Pasta That Surprises, Pizza That Comforts For mains, the Fettuccine was easily one of the best I’ve had in recent memory silky, perfectly cooked, and subtly indulgent without being overwhelming. The Spaghetti Aglio Olio was simple, bold, and executed with confidence: exactly how Italian classics should be. Of course, Como Agua’s heritage lies in its pizza and their Neapolitan-style pies, slow-fermented for 48 hours, continue to