Neuma

Neuma’s as much an ode to the love for aesthetics as it is to good food. Designed by Ashiesh Shah (an architect for several prominent restaurants in Mumbai) and owned by director Karan Johar, the white, sunlit bungalow in Colaba has retained popularity since its opening in 2022 – no small feat in a city as buzzing as Mumbai. 

The restaurant’s spaced off in sections – the Garden Café (an outdoor space with a coffee bar), the Rose Bar (a red velvety affair), the Blanc (a Danish-style dining area), the Sun Porch – where we, this time, have been graciously seated. It makes for a perfect escape from the early evening coastal heat. 

Parched and hungry after bargaining our way through humid walkways, we place our cocktail and starter order. The ease of the menu is a welcome consolation in this era of hyper-innovation across the culinary terrain. Mushroom & Parmesan Pizza and pan-seared scallops are ordered, along with cocktails named Pink Ruby (dry gin, raspberry, vanilla ice cream) and In The Summer (vodka, mulberry, Thai red chilli, lemon & honey), which arrive mercifully quickly. The drinks lean more avant garde than the dishes. Pink Ruby sits pretty in a blue-and-white chinoiserie teacup, while In The Summer comes as a tall glass of spiked, spiced lemonade. They also have a wide variety of liqueurs and wines. 

The menu is bursting at the seams with items that seem slightly dated. The Lamb Chop, Squash Purée Ravioli, White Asparagus Risotto, Cottage Cheese Steak do hold up well, though, in a no-nonsense, comfort food sort of way. No expectations dashed, but no fabulous impressions made. The ambience does all the talking.