For years, Reclamation has been more of a neighbourhood people passed through than a destination in its own right. That could be changing. A growing crop of independent restaurants and bars is giving the tucked-away stretch a reason to be explored. This isn’t any conventional restaurant district but a collection of sharply defined neighbourhood concepts: a punch bar, a Roman pizza-by-the-slice joint, an American diner, South Indian and coastal kitchens, an Asian eatery, a brewery and a health-conscious café. Each has a distinct proposition, but together they are giving this once-quiet pocket of Bandra a food identity of its own.

Looking back

Candies at Reclamation has been part of the neighbourhood since 2000, giving founder Allan Pereira a front-row seat to its evolution over the past 26 years. “There was just one resto-bar on this stretch that was popular with Bandra folks.” He also fondly recalls Chez Moi, the now-defunct bistro and wine bar known for its pours and live music. “We have a quiet, leafy lane that is ideal for cafés, far from the madding crowd. Its proximity to the Coastal Road and BKC brings in a corporate crowd as well as younger customers, including students and content creators. With Lilavati Hospital across the road, we also see plenty of medical professionals. We’ve also had the pleasure of hosting many people on their first dates,” Pereira adds.