To make the most of the nip in the air, head to these open-air restaurants across the city
For the sea view
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Undoubtedly offering one of the best views in the city where the magical sight of the setting sun melting into the Juhu beach waters greets you, Estella puts on a mighty show every evening. They even do custom laser projections into the night sky according to your celebration, making this the place to pop that all-important question. Choose a well-made champagne margarita from the bar that juts out from the main dining area onto the al fresco deck, while you nibble on an appetiser of seared scallops. For mains, savour the taste of the grass-fed Marlboro lamb rack and seal it all off with a plum and frangipane tart for dessert. And while the price of the food and drinks here might be on the higher side, what’s a bit of money compared to the breath-taking experience of seeing the city from a whole other perspective?
Timings 6 pm to 1.30 am At Nichani Kutir, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu. Call 7999998232 approx Cost for two Rs 5,500
For the atmosphere
For most of us growing up in Mumbai, the old and derelict Royal Opera House at Girgaon seemed like a myth. Now, that myth has been turned into reality and it’s back in business, having been gloriously restored. And a by-product of this restoration is the spanking-new al fresco Dine at The Quarter that sits pretty in the compound of the premises. It is modelled on the lines of a tropical green house with verdant foliage surrounding bleached wood chairs and tables. Here, soul food meets jazz sounds as you partake in a unique Louisiana Creole cuisine-inspired menu, with dishes like cornmeal crusted sea bass and black eye pea ragout. The herbs and edible flowers used in the dishes are grown in-house. The drinks list includes signature cocktails such as the gin-soaked boy, made with house syrups and fresh ingredients.
Timings 11 am to 1 am AT Mathew Road, Opera House, Girgaon. Call 8329110638 approx Cost for two Rs. 3,500
For total VFM
This one-year-old entrant to Juhu’s nightlife scene is a calming cocoon, away from the busy JVPD circle next to it. While the space offers indoor and al fresco seating options, it is the latter that will wow you. A vertical garden fences the al fresco space, giving it a tropical feel. But that’s not the only thing A Bar Called Life has going for it. The bar offers competitively priced alcoholic beverages, starting from as low as '50 at 6 pm, rising every hour until 11 pm. The food menu features hearty finger foods and mains such as the exotic Naga bamboo smoked mutton.
Timings 6 pm to 1.30 am (Tuesday to Sunday) At Opposite PVR Cinemas, Juhu. Call 26200122 approx Cost for two Rs 2,000
For an elegant evening
While it may have made its debut in the city a few months ago, it is the recent chill in the air that has made Nara Thai throw open the doors to its beautiful al fresco patio area for both lunch and dinner. But we’d hedge our bets on the latter time of the day for a great meal, when the din of BKC reduces to a mere whisper. Done up in hints of royal Thai purple with carefully manicured topiaries and flower beds, the outdoor space is perfect for enjoying a romantic date, and a welcome new addition to the city, as it offers an experience that seamlessly blends fine food, exotic cocktails and a casual-yet-chic ambience. Whet your appetite with the signature butterfly pea tea and kayanta cocktail. The kitchen specialises in regional cooking, offering an impressive array of piquant salads like the crispy fried morning glory, okra with Thai herbs and yum som o (pomelo salad). Go for mains like the khao phad goong and the crab omelette and thank us later. But save place for the decadent 40-layer Thai crème cake that comes doused with a Thai milk tea sauce.
Timings 12 pm to 3 pm and 7 pm to 11.30 pm AT Ground floor, Raheja Towers, opposite SIDBI, BKC.
Call 61378080 approx Cost for two Rs. 2,500
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