Mumbai’s Royal Opera Home opened with a lot fanfare in 2016, after intensive restoration work. Since then, it has emerged as a cultural hotspot within the metropolis, internet hosting all kinds of performs, performances and occasions. Extra lately, what’s additionally again in a brand new avatar is The Quarter – Nico Goghavala’s widespread institution at this legendary location. Previously, the area functioned as a wine and cheese bar that doubled as a reside music venue. With its re-opening, the restaurant has retained a few of its previous choices and given others a contemporary twist.
Picture Credit score: The Quarter
At The Quarter, friends have the choice of indoor in addition to out of doors seating. The latter is sheltered sufficient that the sounds of visitors usually are not too bothersome. There’s additionally the awe-inspiring view: the lit-up facade of one of many metropolis’s most iconic buildings. The indoor area is intimate and chic. It comes alive particularly on weekends, when diners are handled to reside jazz performances. In the course of the course of our meal, we took turns sitting in each areas and sampled its benefits for ourselves.
Picture Credit score: The Quarter
As for the menu, anticipate a restricted but tempting choice of Italian, European and Center Japanese delicacies. We commenced our night with an beautiful Pear Salad with fennel, Auroblochon cheese, rocket and dill. We liked the sunshine nuttiness of the almond honey French dressing. The well-balanced dressing, paired with the pear, ensured the bitterness of the rocket was stored in test.
Pear and rocket salad. Picture Credit score: Toshita Sahni
Among the many appetisers, the Beetroot Borani emerged because the favorite. Served with wood-fired pita, this yoghurt dip was mild and refreshing. It’s positive to supply respite on heat, humid evenings.
Picture Credit score: The Quarter
If you wish to attempt an Italian starter, go for the Stracciatella di bufala, made with mozzarella and cream. It’s topped with confit tomatoes and basil, which lend a delicate flavour. We scooped it up with deliciously toasty items of pizza bread contemporary from the oven.
Stracciatella di bufala. Picture Credit score: Toshita Sahni
On the different finish of the flavour spectrum, we preferred the fiery robustness of the Pink Scorching Rooster Wings. Beware: the spiciness could make your eyes water – however there’s additionally delight to be drawn from the expertise.
Margherita pizza. Picture Credit score: Toshita Sahni
We determined to return to lighter mixtures for our pasta and pizza programs. Our high picks had been the Fettucine Fresca and the Margherita. The fettuccine was a homage to the magic of olive oil and basil. The cherry tomatoes and zucchini offered additional freshness, with out making the pasta too heavy. After tasting the pizza, we understood nicely why the proprietor has such fame for Napolitano treats. The bottom was satisfyingly chewy and the tomato-mozzarella ratio was good. Easy comforts are actually underrated.
It was disappointing that we did not get the possibility to attempt any signature cocktails that night, as our mixologist was lacking in motion. We sipped on wine, however our expertise appeared moderately incomplete. These wanting non-alcoholic choices ought to know that there are first rate choices for mocktails, milkshakes, teas and occasional.
Panna Cotta. Picture Credit score: Toshita Sahni
Among the many desserts, the Secret Darkish Chocolate Cake sounded and seemed like a decadent indulgence. However we had been left hoping for extra complexity inside the layers. As a substitute, we extremely advocate selecting the Panna Cotta. It was an important medley of texture and flavour, as ours got here with a berry sorbet and coconut tapioca.
Our expertise at The Quarter had a couple of downsides. Nonetheless, on the entire, we loved the meals and atmosphere. There’s additionally the unbeatable comfort and attraction of its location, being located bang reverse the primary entrance of the Royal Opera Home. The following time you are within the space, take into account dropping in for some delectable dishes.
The place: The Quarter, beside the Royal Opera Home, Charni Highway, Girgaon, Mumbai.
