Perched on the 48th floor of Kohinoor Square, Dadar, with sweeping views of Mumbai’s skyline, Bastian, which has been a city favourite for several years, has a new address—much bigger than its previous avatar in Worli. Spread over an expansive 10,000-square-foot area in a rooftop space, the views and the food are both compelling enough to visit, as I discovered during a recent meal.
When I walk into Bastian – At The Top on a weekday evening, I’m greeted by views of massive levitating chandeliers, a large statue of a laughing Buddha carved into a wall and several decor accents in Aztec prints, making this a maximalist design haven. I’m led to my table at one end of the restaurant, where the DJ is spinning tunes, while diners are seating themselves for the last dinner service. Waiters are busy scurrying about with platters of food, trying to keep pace with the orders coming through. Not surprising, given that the restaurant can accommodate about 450-odd diners at any given time.
TL Tastings
A Review of Bastian – At The Top
Ambience
The new Bastian – At The Top has been designed by Minal Chopra, who has also done up the Bandra outpost of the popular restaurant. Soothing tones of taupe, beige and ecru dominate the space, similar to its sister restaurant. The cave-like ambience adds a rustic charm, creating an almost Cappadocia-like vibe while the Earthy decor blends in seamlessly with the surroundings. The bar features massive lamps while the walls are lined with an assortment of urns in varying sizes along with wicker baskets. The floors feature unfinished marble and travertine, tying in with the rustic look.
The boho-chic design extends to the rest of the space, where at one end you have what is called ‘The Forest’. This cordoned-off area will be available to book for private events and parties and features a 39-foot-long plunge pool, a separate bar, a DJ console and plenty of foliage. I’m told the idea is to offer a beach club aesthetic where you can enjoy boozy brunches or simply kick back and unwind.
The main section of the restaurant is relatively quieter and features large dining tables with ample space, making it ideal for families and big groups. The furthest end of the restaurant offers a sexier vibe with intimate seating options—from highchairs to relaxed lounge sofas—where you can choose to party the night away. From here, you also get views of the kitchen as food is being prepped and plated.
Cuisine
Chef Amol Phute helms the kitchen at Bastian and the menu largely retains old favourites and signatures like the seafood market menu, as well as some new additions.
We Recommend
Starters and Appetisers
I start my meal with the burrata and beetroot salad. The fresh, creamy miso-brûléed burrata is the perfect accompaniment to the earthy, roasted beetroot, with a hint of citrus. I move on to the popular animal prawns, coated in a tangy, spicy sauce and topped off with chilli oil and scallions. It’s a great crowd-pleasing dish! The grilled chicken tacos are a healthy pick, dressed in a herby sauce and accentuated with a squeeze of lime and avocado mousse. I’m encouraged to sample the veggie thermidor, another comforting dish with creamy coconut notes, topped off with shaved parmesan and a drizzle of truffle oil.
Main Course
The lobster bomb is a worthy pick, with generous bites of lobster served as a pani puri with a liquid shot on the side, featuring shoyu mirin and balsamic lime vinaigrette. It’s a delicious, cold appetiser. The lamb chops from the robata grill, however, are a tad dry and chewy but still packed in some flavour. Requesting something less indulgent, the kitchen kindly obliges with a dish of lightly stir-fried chicken and greens.
Desserts
As I work my way towards the end of the meal, I browse through the extensive selection of desserts on the menu, ably curated by pastry chef Shreya Punjabi. I opt for the Baked Alaska which is served tableside, with a pool of hot chocolate drizzled on top. Encased in the meringue is a decadent mix of chocolate sponge and coffee ice cream.
Another popular pick is the classic tres leches which ticks all the boxes. New to this outpost are desserts such as banana box, sticky date pudding, and Pedro pudding with fruit brioche, as well as old favourites like the pull-me-up cakes.
Drinks
Having dined at the newly renovated Bastian Bandra about a month ago, I find that the food is just as consistent at this outpost. The bar program features an extensive spirits menu, a wine list and cocktails as well. My dining companion opts for the classic Negroni cocktail featuring gin, vermouth and orange peel. I order a coriander smash mocktail, which is equal parts refreshing and herbaceous with notes of pineapple thrown in for good measure. You also have a selection of clarified and farm-to-glass cocktails.
Our takeaway
Bastian-At The Top is currently the talk of the town, thanks to its massive space, stunning city views and upbeat vibe which has been drawing patrons from around the city. If you’re looking for a swish dining experience in an ambience that’s different from most, then add this to your list of places to dine.
Quick notes
Meal for two: INR 4,000 plus taxes, excluding drinks.
Timings: Dinner only, from Tuesdays to Sundays.
Address: 48th Floor, Kohinoor Square, N C. Kelkar Marg, Dadar West, Shivaji Park, Mumbai.
For reservations, call: +91 22 50333555
Related: TL Tastings: European Flavours Meet Modern Art At Nava, Mumbai
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: Bastian Hospitality (formerly Aalia Hospitality) was established by Promoter Ranjit Bindra in 2014. Actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra and Kunal Jani are the co-founders.
Answer: The decor of the two restaurants has been done by Minal Chopra.
Answer: Bastian Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. launched in 2015. Bastian - At The Top opened its doors to the public on November 10, 2023.
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