This new Mumbai bar is perfect for sundowners with a view

The intricate metal tree spreading its ‘branches’ all over the ceiling is an eye-catching centrepiece. Coupled with the striking red velvet walls and Art Deco detailing, The Eau Bar at The Oberoi Mumbai is a stylish addition to South Mumbai’s bar scene. Sculptor Valay Shende’s dramatic depiction of the Wall Street Bull pays tribute to Mumbai’s status as the financial capital. Orion, the live band keeps up the beat with retro and current favourites while a DJ spins out foot-tapping tunes post 10pm. There’s a Private Lounge, a cosy antechamber for intimate gatherings, but it’s the open-to-sky Terrace Lounge that’s the main attraction, with sweeping views of Marine Drive and the shimmering Queen’s Necklace.

Raise a toast

Award-winning British mixologist Andy Pearson has curated a cocktail menu inspired by local ingredients like turmeric, tamarind, and curry leaves. Taking the ‘tree of life’ concept forward, the menu is divided into fructus (fresh, fruity cocktails), radix (root extracts from ginger, bergamot, etc.), floral (expect hibiscus, violets and chamomile in your drink), and auces et gemina (seed extracts from coffee, cocoa, and almonds). We try the signature Marine Drive with turmeric gin and orange bitters, a gorgeous sunset-orange drink with piquant astringency. The Ocean View Fizz with Champagne and guava juice is a tad sweet (not cloying though) while the jalapeno laced Cocktail of Fire & Ice is a well-balanced, vodka-based drink. There’s some attention paid to the mocktails as well with one concoction in each of the four categories. The Eau Bar does the classics too, with its menu taking you through time—from the 1850s Golden Era (Manhattan and Old Fashioned) to 1920s Prohibition (Bloody Mary and White Lady) to the 90s Revival (Cosmos and Espresso Martini).

Bar bites

Executive Chef Satbir Bakshi’s menu offers a range of petit plates like the stellar Crab Black Rice Maki, moreish Beer Batter Truffled Brie Cubes, and the rather comforting Baked Potato & Truffled Parmesan. We also tried the ‘Mumbai Local’ menu with Pav Bhaji Sliders and Kheema Pav, both excellent but our hands-down favourite was the perfectly done Rava Bombil Fry. Desserts, if you’re so inclined, come from Fenix, but we suggest turning your attention to the live grills—the Merguez lamb Sausages go perfectly with Fire & Ice. Mumbai’s balmy weather notwithstanding, The Eau Bar’s outdoor deck is our new SoBo favourite—the view’s not bad either.

Also read:

10 of the most Instagram-worthy restaurants across India

5 restaurants from around the world that offer the most unusual experiences

The coolest new restaurants across the country right now