On a recent trip to Mumbai, decided to grab a quick bite on the way back to the airport. The place suggested was Italian eatery Mia Cucina (meaning My Kitchen) in fashionable Bandra. Tucked away in Palinaka overshadowed by its louder neighbour Papa Pancho da Dhaba, Mia Cucina is easy to miss. The indoor dining area is really small and you have the option to dine outdoor as well. Unlike restaurants which operate during lunch and dinner hours only, Mia Cucina is open through the day. They do not accept reservations and the place is almost always full. If you want to be assured of a dinner seat, best to arrive by 8pm.
I'am told the place is frequented by mostly regulars including Bandra's film folk and hence, you are likely to see the same faces on each visit. The owner, a pleasant looking man named Sanjay Kotian is seated outdoors in animated conversation as we arrive. Though it was not dinner time by Indian standards - 7:30 pm, the place was quite full and we were lucky to get a seat indoors. I mentioned to the staff I have a flight to catch and they happily obliged with quick service.
Written in a creative running hand style, the menu offers variety in meats. The day's special is also listed on a blackboard at the entrance. The wine list is small but includes popular wines like Moscato. We ordered a portion each of Rawas Alla Griglia and Spiedi di Gamberi Prawns along with two glasses of house white wine. Like most establishments, wine options are very limited if you order by the glass. Mia Cucina does not serve beer or other types of alcohol except wine. The wonderfully presented rawas was a fillet cooked to perfection accompanied by greens. Given the generous portion size, it was priced at a very reasonable INR 550. Wanting to eat light before a flight, I had ordered prawns which were listed under appetizers. The portion had 5-6 pieces and one bite into the grilled prawns with that excellent dressing had me thinking should I order one more portion or maybe an additional main? Given time constraints, I desisted with a resolve to come back for a more leisurely dinner next time.
The ambience is akin to an Italian cafe in Europe with soft lighting, wooden interiors, casual atmosphere and that din of diners which tells you everyone is having a good time here. The service is prompt and efficient. The attentive staff deserves the mandatory 5% service charge that is levied and more. This unpretentious restaurant undoubtedly serves one of the best and most genuine Italian fare in Mumbai. I'am in a big hurry to go back to this kitchen.
I'am told the place is frequented by mostly regulars including Bandra's film folk and hence, you are likely to see the same faces on each visit. The owner, a pleasant looking man named Sanjay Kotian is seated outdoors in animated conversation as we arrive. Though it was not dinner time by Indian standards - 7:30 pm, the place was quite full and we were lucky to get a seat indoors. I mentioned to the staff I have a flight to catch and they happily obliged with quick service.
Written in a creative running hand style, the menu offers variety in meats. The day's special is also listed on a blackboard at the entrance. The wine list is small but includes popular wines like Moscato. We ordered a portion each of Rawas Alla Griglia and Spiedi di Gamberi Prawns along with two glasses of house white wine. Like most establishments, wine options are very limited if you order by the glass. Mia Cucina does not serve beer or other types of alcohol except wine. The wonderfully presented rawas was a fillet cooked to perfection accompanied by greens. Given the generous portion size, it was priced at a very reasonable INR 550. Wanting to eat light before a flight, I had ordered prawns which were listed under appetizers. The portion had 5-6 pieces and one bite into the grilled prawns with that excellent dressing had me thinking should I order one more portion or maybe an additional main? Given time constraints, I desisted with a resolve to come back for a more leisurely dinner next time.
The ambience is akin to an Italian cafe in Europe with soft lighting, wooden interiors, casual atmosphere and that din of diners which tells you everyone is having a good time here. The service is prompt and efficient. The attentive staff deserves the mandatory 5% service charge that is levied and more. This unpretentious restaurant undoubtedly serves one of the best and most genuine Italian fare in Mumbai. I'am in a big hurry to go back to this kitchen.
Thanks for the review! :) We've shared your post on our page too. Take a look here www.facebook.com/miacucinaindia and here www.twitter.com/miacucinaindia
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Thanks for sharing my review. I enjoyed Mia Cucina on my last trip and hope to get back soon to sample more of your appetizing fare. Keep up the good standards.
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