Mumbai’s drinking-out scene is subtly adopting Italy’s beloved aperitivo hour. While aperitivo bars are gradually mushrooming, we found cocktail-forward bars where you can make this Italian custom your own
The Sunday brunch at the outlet. pic courtesy/the dimsum room
The Dimsum Room
The old pairing of dimsum and tea gets a modern upgrade with dimsum and cocktails. Let dim sum be the hero at the table, and start with their Peking dumplings, baked dimsum and pillowy baos. Then move to the drinks menu. The Fresh & Fizzy section is particularly aperitivo-friendly, and features light, citrusy and refreshing cocktails like The Dove and the Yuzu Spritz.
At K Dubash Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort.
Cost Rs 850 onwards
Bombay Daak
Bombil. Pics courtesy/Bombay Daak
If aperitivo had an Indian cousin, it would look a lot like Bombay Daak. The bar is designed as a cocktail-and-chakna destination, where regional drinking snacks are reimagined. Expect plates like Bombil, Bumaloo and Bombay Daak, an elevated version of kismoor.
Santra
Another standout is Ras Tameta, which pairs cherry tomatoes with buffalo cream. For drinks, the Santra is refreshing and vodka-based. While, Noon, a boozy interpretation of noon chai, is surprisingly perfect for easing into the evening.
AT HIG Colony, Nityanand Nagar, Bandra Reclamation.
Cost Rs 900 onwards
Call Me Sofia
Chorizo Bombolini
Few places in Mumbai so far are meant to be aperitivo bars only; Call Me Sofia is one such. This intimate bar, tucked beside Olive at the same address, revolves around low-ABV drinks and serves vermouths, spritzes and cocktails. Start the evening with cheese and charcuterie boards, then explore their skewers, savoury cannoli and marinated olives.
Caprese-tini. Pics courtesy/Call Me Sofia
Keep up with the bar’s Italian spirit and order Sunset in Sicily, their take on an Aperol spritz. Or try the playful Caprese-tini, which carries the flavour of the classic salad and arrives with cheese to snack on.
At Union Park Road, Union Park, Khar West.
Cost Rs 900 onwards
DEA
Lamb Loin Skewer. Pics courtesy/DEA
At this classy address, aperitivo hour looks polished. The space is dimly-lit and ideal to linger. The menu leans into small plates perfect for grazing. Think skewers, inventive raw bites like a Beetroot Tartare, and even a special Jain menu that ensures no one feels left out.
Tokyo Paloma
The cocktail programme is experimental without being intimidating. Exactly what a pre-dinner hour should be. We recommend a Tokyo Paloma to drink and Embered Roots, which are fermented on the side.
At Swatantrya Veer Savarkar Road, Prabhadevi.
Cost Rs 900 onwards
What’s an aperitivo?
It’s an Italian pre-dinner ritual where people meet over nibbles and drinks to pique the appetite. Low-ABV cocktails, such as bitters, vermouth drinks, or spritzes, are typically served during this hour. In desi terms, think of it as an elevated chakna-and-cocktail hour.
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