Ankur (tucked away glory)

Tucked away in the bylanes around fountain is a small restaurant called Ankur. To reach Ankur follow these instructions:-

1. Stand at fountain facing the road going towards central bank (opposite HSBC)
2. Before the road commences, turn to your right into a small lane. (landmark - a lot of hawkers selling export reject shirts)
3. Go straight into maze of confusion and turn left at the Cafe Military corner...
4. Fifty meters into the road, on your left is A N K U R restaurant...
5. Dont worry about the facade - Go inside... it is quite surprising.

Ankur is the typical restaurant that serves everything well made... And hence is lost from the memory of people seeking a typical experience.... However some things are wonderful to try out there... Best time to go to Ankur : LUNCH

Cost for a meal for two:Rs : 500 - 900

Ambience : Relaxed and comfortable

Recommended Fare :
Veg Gassi with Neer Dosa (gussi is a gravy dish)
Prawn Gussi with Neer Dosa
Pomfret Gussi
Veg Amrutsari
Paneer Babycorn Mushroom
Butter Naan
and ofcourse the speciality for the summer : Orange Kulfi (it is kulfi formed in real oranges and hence quite a delight)

PS: Dont attempt the Roshogullas... they are the odd preparation that goes invariably bad at Ankur....

Rating : 7.5/10

Gallops (at the Mahalaxmi Race Course) : Gourmand's choice

Ever wanted to get out of the city to a quite dinner or lunch and yet be back for the office meeting in two hours. If yes, then the answer lies in Gallops, the restaurant that is situated inside the sylvan Mahalaxmi Racecourse.

This is perhaps the only mumbai restaurant that provides its patrons enough physical space to really enjoy a meal. Situated in a stand-alone complex inside the racecourse, this is also the only place where one can escape noise, traffic and people and yet see enough verdant green to feel energised.

A lunch during the monsoons is especially recommended, though a dinner anytime is also quite welcome. The only point to remember about this lovely place is that you may need to reserve (for dinners... a couple of hours in advance atleast)...

Cost for a meal for two:Rs : 500 - 900

Ambience : Relaxed, Stylish and Reminiscent of the Raj

Recommended Fare :
Paneer Kali Mirch
Paneer Babycorn
Dal Makhani
Chicken Makhani
Chicken Saagwala (They have their own fancy name for this)
Lachcha Parantha
Chocolate brownie
Icecream with hot chocolate (Speciality)

Rating: 9/10

Suggested meal : Any except breakfast (Restaurant opens late)

Cafe Military : A peek into the parsee 60s

Cafe Military is situated in the fountain area. Hidden amongst a slew of dilapidated offices, small time restaurants and shops that sell everything is this gem that offers sumptious parsee food in an ambience that hasn't changed much from the 60s... even the owner seems a relic of the past...

It is an excellent place for a lunch getaway from office.

On the recommended list is chicken and mutton mince bhaaji with fresh soft white bread, Raan and rice.

The only flaw you may find is that the restaurant has an open access seating and hence is quite noisy during lunch times.

Cost for a meal for two:Rs : 200 - 400

Ambience : Dont ask at this price

Rating: 7/10

Suggested meal : Lunch... a long lunch

Konkani food : Konkan Cafe (Taj President)

Konkan in all its vibrancy is presented in this restaurant. Situated inside the TAJ President Hotel, it is also one of the more famous restaurants at this TAJ.

Recommended are prawns, neer dosa and fish cooked in tangy mango chutney (chef's special, on request)

A secret to this restaurant is the excellent wine cellar. A definite try.

Some fish preperations are fairly good.

Cost for a meal for two:

Rs : 1200 - 1800

Ambience : Konkani village dhaba.....Rating: 9/10

Suggested meal : Dinner... and that too an elaborate one.

Continental delight : Mocambo

If you love continental food this is the place...

Location : Behind Citibank building - on the road connecting VT and Fountain

Suggested Dishes :
All dishes
Also try the pastries.... esp the chocolate cup (Dont recall its real name but it is chocolate shaped as a cup with cappuchino and cream inside)

Cost for a meal for two:
Rs : 500 - 700 Veg
Rs : 600 - 800 Non Veg

Ambience : Very european.....

Rating: 8/10

Suggested meal : Lunch, also try out the breakfast on sunday.... lotsa tourist crowd comes in...

North Indian Paradise - Moti Mahal

Place : Moti Mahal

Location : Above INOX theatre, Near Air India Building, Marine Drive

Suggested Dishes:
Dal Makhani
Butter Chicken
Chicken Kababs
Black Pepper Chicken
Paneer Makhanwala
Butter Naan

Cost for a meal for two:
Rs : 400 - 500 Veg
Rs : 600 - 800 Non Veg

Ambience : Excellent, each table has privacy and yet is connected, courtsey semi transparent veils for each place.....

Rating: 8/10

Suggested meal : Dinner