Mumbai restaurants gear up to ring in the New Year

As the countdown to the New Year begins, Mumbai's vibrant culinary scene is ready to dazzle foodies with its diverse, delectable cuisine that caters to every palate. So, get ready to raise a toast to the memories of the year gone by while savouring a symphony of flavours.Signature dishes, drinks and special menusTo kick off the year-end festivities, popular establishments have New Year Special menus. Bandra’s Akina has curated courses. BrewDog Midtown has a special initiative for the last week of Dec 2023 leading up to 2024 with World Street Food Fest curated by Chef Roshan Seth. Restaurateur Rohit Jain, BrewDog, says, "With offerings like the Cranberry and Mint Lamb Shikhampuri Kebab, Five Spice Smoked Pork Belly with Ghost Chilli Honey, Tokyo Chicken Karaage, and more, we aim to make street food the trend of the season." Hakkasan Mumbai will have a special celebration menu and also a Hakka Sunday Brunch from 12-3.30pm with delectable Cantonese specials and an array of innovative cocktails. Some restaurants have chosen themes for the season and going with that La Loca Maria will serve truffle as the star ingredient with Morels and Truffle risotto, Truffled Baked Brie and others. Silver Beach Café is serving a New Year's Special Celebration Menu till January 1 that includes a blend of traditional Italian, Continental, and classic holiday flavors. Donna Deli will merge Italian and Asian culinary delights for the festive year end celebrations. Napoli by Shatranj is all set with an Italian Soiree on Dec31 from 10 pm to 3 am at their Pali Hill outlet.Anti-party is cool tooWhile many prefer to party, there are some who want to chill and relax and the NYE anti-party is perfect for them. “There’s an audience that doesn’t want to give in to the pressure of partying. Just a fun meal with friends, family - that’s our concept of anti-party - no party songs or dance numbers. Not the usual crowded NYE party scene,” says restauranteur Megha Datwani from Poco Loco Tapas and Bar. Festive décor and music Mumbai restaurants are buzzing with the festive sprit since the last entire week. “We have put up special NY décor elements to our theme, like props, Instagram-able pop ups, fun glasses and hats,” says Sachin Jangid from Ditas.Almost every restobar in the city has created some fab party playlists with DJs, inhouse musicians, and restaurateurs say that Bollywood and Punjabi numbers remain popular for revellers as party goes on till late. Talking about the kind of music they will play, Jigar Sanghvi, from Epitome says, “We will have mixed genre of music catering to all tastes including EDM, commercial English tracks, hip-hop, house, pop, Punjabi and later in the night people love to groove to Bollywood, so we will have that too.”Could try the Hangover Cure Brunch this NY!There is also a Hangover Cure Brunch at Poco Loco, for those who love to party and want to bring in the NY with great food options that help cure a hangover. Foo, Lotus Café, Koko are some of the other places on NY day.NY party with a viewFrom trendy rooftop lounges with breathtaking views of the city skyline to cozy eateries tucked away in historic corners, the options in Mumbai are varied. Some rooftop eateries include Aer, Asilo, Allamanda Terrace, Dome, Cafe Marina, Opa! Bar & Cafe, Mostly Grills, and others. Most offer the perfect vantage point to witness the city's fireworks display at midnight.Something for everyoneIf you want an intimate setting, check out the neighbourhoods of Colaba and Bandra, home to charming bistros and cafes that are planning intimate soirées to ring in the New Year. Candlelit tables, live acoustic performances, themed decorations and a cozy atmosphere that invites you to unwind.