The Mumbai monsoons are in full swing, but the rains have done little to dampen the spirit around the launch of the financial capital’s latest ‘mature dining space’, SoBo20. This brand-new restaurant at the InterContinenal Marine Drive, Mumbai, is the brainchild of Atelier House Hospitality CEO, Panchali Mahendra, in collaboration with Graviss Hospitality. “Mumbai has always been the gourmet hub,” she says, adding, “People eat out more here.” The restaurant officially opens to the public on June 25, 2025, for both lunch and dinner.
The Space
Situated on Marine Drive, the pin code of the destination has found a place in its name—SoBo20. The interiors inspired by Art Deco artistry and vintage Americana lends a space that equally caters to formal lunch meetings or laid-back dinner catchups. Designed by Essajees Atelier, the ambience fits in well with the coastal energy. The French windows lend a peek to the outside humdrum, while the bar is great for a rendezvous, with a dedicated ‘before the ice melts’ menu for those who want to avoid large plates.
The Food
The right balance of opposites can create magic on the plate. As Executive Chef Sudeep Kashikar, along with Mahendra, have proven bringing together the classics of French cuisine along with the flavours of the American South. The menu is extensive with 14 options in small plates and 12 for the main course, along with an interesting dessert menu.
The Fume Prawns—oven roasted with ambad prawn pickle and Sourdough—for instance, is a stunner. The sweetness of coconut is reminiscent of a traditional prawn malai curry, but the prep technique is European, and the portion sheerly American. One cannot ignore the quality of bread baked in-house—starting from the honey soaked SoBo Bread with house butter, the Melon and Parma Toast with house-made ciabatta, or the wafer thin pizzette.
There’s also enough and more options for vegetarians at this fine dining—the Verte Salad, the Marsala Paccheri, or the Smoked Oyster Mushroom Au Vin are great options.
Although what comes highly recommended are the Chicken Paillard with Caviar, the B&P Skewers in small, and the Soft-Shell Crab Linguine, Lobster Gumbo Fried Rice in large plates, respectively. When it comes to desserts, the Burrata Ice cream served with some drizzle of honey and orange blossom vinaigrette and toasted almonds ace in taste and texture.
The Drinks
It’s a clean cocktail menu and has a fair variety to pick according to your preference. While The Nightcap is smooth--think Blood & Sand and Alexander No. 1; the white rum-based Fee Yourself is reminiscent of an Absinthe frappe and a mojito! For the day, the Drawing Room with rye-infused gin, house lime Limoncella, Brut Sparkling and Rosso Caviar is a smart pick.
RR Verdict
The menu at SoBo20 is eclectic and has fair options for both, vegetarian and non-vegetarian diners, looking to experiment with their taste buds. The storied location adds to the charm. However, a direct entry into the eatery (rather than finding one’s way through the lobby) and may be an al fresco (especially for the winter months) could’ve elevated first impressions. Yet it’s a must-try for its innovative menu and the par excellence quality of ingredients.
