In a city overrun with sameness, a new lounge revives the art of going out — with understated style, sharp drinks, and space to just be
Pepper jackfruit tacos
Remember Seijo & The Soul Dish, the high-end Japanese lounge on Waterfield Road that opened two decades ago? That was Bombay’s era of Olive, Indigo, and Henry Tham — a time of style, finesse, and quiet refinement.
Over the last 15 years, Mumbai’s dining scene has undergone significant changes. “It’s become a puddle of entry-level restaurants and bars — I include myself in that. I started WTF 15 years ago, and that low-barrier, trendy format became the norm. Now there are a zillion of them. Culturally, we’ve lost that sense of exclusivity. The audience has grown, but nothing feels elevated anymore,” veteran restaurateur Kishore DF, elaborates.
Roasted Peruvian chicken and Miss Margot
His new venture, Miss Margot, launched yesterday is about revisiting Seijo — bringing that energy back, but reimagined for today, he tells this reviewer. “I wanted to create a space that feels more adult, more sophisticated and elegant — because there’s an opportunity. It’s still a business risk, sure, but I think the city is ready for it.” Designed by Shabnam Gupta of The Orange Lane, it is a return to the classic lounge. A wall of flickering candles at the entrance slows you down before you’ve even stepped in. Inside, a long bar stretches beneath low chandeliers, framed by emerald walls, velvet seating, and aged mirrors etched with French graffiti.
It opens at 6 pm and looks like the space where you’d like to unwind, dress up, and slip into meaningful evenings. While it’s open to patrons across ages, we’re pretty sure that it will be a hit among 30-plus diners who appreciate a slow-paced, classy night out.
Baby tomato discs and Wanderlust old fashioned
Partnering on Miss Margot is internationally-acclaimed bar consultant and global spirits ambassador Dimitri ‘Dimi’ Lezinska — a pioneer of London’s ’90s cocktail renaissance and the first Global Ambassador for Grey Goose. With over 25 years behind iconic bars like Atlantic, LAB Soho, and our own The Bombay Canteen (during launch), Lezinska brings a philosophy of balance, restraint, and craft. “Kishore and I have been friends since I first came to India. I’ve seen what he’s built — the consistency, the impact. I’ve never wanted to partner on a venue, but when someone brings clarity and purpose; it’s hard to say no. We aligned quickly — on tone, vision, and the kind of experience we want to offer Bombay [patrons]. Food and drink are always subjective — but get the hospitality right, and people remember. India has come a long way. I recall when bartenders wouldn’t even make eye contact. That’s changed — but there’s still work to do.” His vision is all about range and precision. “No gimmicks, no theatrics. This is for the discerning. Whether it’s a clean martini or something with more flair, it’s about balance, clarity, and control. Every flavour has a reason. Nothing is there by accident,” he explains.
Dimitri ‘Dimi’ Lezinska; Kishore DF; Parth Purandare. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
The menu, led by chef Parth Purandare, draws on European technique, Japanese precision and Asian comfort — familiar to Mumbai, but with a refreshingly offbeat edge. It mirrors Dimi’s bar philosophy: thoughtful, crafted, but never overdone. “Miss Margot is a bar first, but the food has to hold its own — because here, food isn’t an add-on, it’s part of the night,” says Purandare. We started with the Baby tomato discs (Rs 675) — sharp, fresh, and clean, with black garlic purée, parmesan cream cheese, and a hint of truffle. The Hay-smoked salad (R900) with ponzu, gentleman’s relish, and tobiko was light and briny. The Roasted Peruvian chicken (Rs 800) brought heat from aji amarillo (South American hot chili pepper), balanced with lemon zest and crispy leeks. Pepper jackfruit tacos (Rs 675) with green chilli ranch were playful and unexpected. The Tom yum gambas (Rs 1000)— bold and balanced — came in a punchy, citrusy broth laced with umami.
On the bar front, our dining companion tried the Miss Margot (Rs 850) — smooth, slightly dry, with cherry, citrus, and just enough presence. The Wanderlust’s Old fashioned reworked the classic with saffron and barley — deep, but easy. Her favourite: the Inquisitive cat (Rs 950) — fresh and zesty, with a prawn-driven savoury twist and a citrusy fizz. The Bubbles & bliss (Rs 850) came close — light, fruity, and just bitter enough. In a city where bars are by the dozen; this is where you can show up for yourself. Will it work? Maybe. But it’s the kind of risk-taking that Mumbai should get used to.
Miss Margot
At 1st Floor, VN Sphere Mall, Linking Road, Bandra West.
Time 6 pm to 1 am
Call 9082278702
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