Americano — Restaurant in Mumbai

Americano as a restaurant really does not need to be introduced, being fully booked out for days in advance at any given point of the year. It's your favorite chef's favorite restaurant, and it's simply incredible.

It's been number one on my personal list of restaurants that I want to visit in Mumbai, and I finally got a chance last week. The place, as expected, was fully booked, but they let us know that the seats at the bar were first come first serve, and so, at exactly 7:00 PM as the doors opened, I found myself in a corner of the gorgeous industrial bistro-esque decor of Americano.

Meeting a friend after a while, we both decided to sample out a pretty healthy selection of both drinks and food. And let me just gush about their Yukari Negroni, because oh.my.god, it was the stuff of dreams. Smoky, rich and with just the right hint of orange, words don't do justice to it. My friend had the Worli bird, a delightful fruity and spicy tequila drink that hit all the right spots. We paired that with some Sea Bass crudo, and take it from a Bengali who's been eating fish his whole life, that was some of the best, most fresh fish I've ever had in my life. The light, yuzu-ey flavors complimented the rich and bold Negroni incredibly well.

We followed up with a Duck Ravioli, a crab mac and cheese, which we chased with a Cardinal and a Summer slushy. The duck ravioli was cooked perfectly al dente, the roasted duck was rich and sweet and smoky and just dripping with juice, while the crab mac and cheese decided to go with an unconventional pasta choice, the Orzo, making the mac and cheese almost like a risotto. The crab was flaky and buttery and cooked just right. The drinks? Well the summer slushy with Limoncello in it was probably my favorite drink of the night, while the cardinal was a bold, Irish whiskey concoction that hit so well.

We finished with some pork belly(which was delicious), sharing another Negroni, and were about to be done when I noticed their wood fired pizza oven. And well, we just had to try their pizza, and it was divine. I've had the pizza at Da Susy, Gurgaon, which was voted the best pizza in the country, and this was damn close, with the crust being superior in this case. If their sauce was slightly more balanced and not as sour, I would have preferred this over Da Susy.

Overall, the food and drinks are straight up some of the best I've had, ever. However, what really impressed me is how well run the place is, and just how many ever smiling, always helpful waitstaff they had. You are never left waiting to order, and your plates are cleared away the instant you are done. The service is truly top notch, and well deserving of a 10/10.

Final rating-10/10. This isn't even, a recommendation, this is a must visit. Take a date, or take a mate. Can't go...

Places I Ate & Met: Americano, Mumbai

This was my second visit to @americanobombay , and while it began with a long wait despite a reservation (we eventually landed at the communal table), the evening settled in nicely once things got going.

I surprised myself by ordering the same cocktail as last time, the Worli Bird. Rare for me, since they usually only have one that really suits my palate, but it was just as balanced and enjoyable as before. Around the table, we also had the Crimson & Clover, the Bee Sting, the Ali Bugger, and the Dead Rabbit, each well put together, showing just how strong the bar program is here. Paired with spiced almonds, it was a comforting start.

The Corn Cracklin’ remains my absolute favorite, addictive, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned. The Truff Puffs were another repeat that delivered well, and the Love Letters were good but not something I’d reorder. The Crab Mac & Cheese was rich and comforting, though I found myself wishing for a bit more crab. The true standout, however, was the Baked Ricotta with herbs, garlic, and almonds, creamy, textured, and full of flavor. Easily the dish I’ll come back for.

Not everything worked. The Cacio e Pepe fell flat with an undercooked flour note, and the pizzas, both the Pink Panther this time and the Funghi earlier, were pleasant but forgettable. The Mushroom Ragu Pasta, on the other hand, had nice depth and balance.

Desserts were a mixed bag. The Tiramisu was stronger on my last visit, but the Chocolate Cake more than made up for it, rich, indulgent, and impossible to stop eating. The Pistachio Ice Cream was delicate, while the Butterscotch Ripple Gelato from my last visit was pleasant, though I honestly can’t recall much of its flavor.

Service was warm and familiar, seeing the same faces as last time added a personal touch, and the team’s attentiveness helped balance out the rocky start.

Overall, Americano delivers on consistency with clear standouts, the Corn Cracklin’, Truff Puffs, and Baked Ricotta are worth returning for, while the desserts seal the deal. A few misses aside, it’s a place that keeps me coming...

Stepping into the warm embrace of Americano, an enchanting dining experience awaited that rivaled, if not surpassed, the illustrious Gustoso. Americano's commitment to culinary excellence is immediately evident in their sublime pizza, which is a testament to the art of pizza making. The sheer indulgence begins with the dough, a fundamental element that is often overlooked. Here, however, it takes center stage. Fermented over a period of four days, this painstaking process allows the dough to develop a depth of flavor, and a texture that is incomparably light and airy. This, combined with its easier digestibility, makes it a revelation to the palate.

But it doesn’t end there. The tomato sauce is a symphony of flavors, singing harmoniously with the dough. It feels as if each tomato was picked at the peak of ripeness and lovingly coaxed into releasing all its sweet and tangy notes, culminating in a resounding “Ohh la la!” that echoes through the senses.

As if this wasn’t enough to solidify Americano’s place in the culinary heavens, the Truffle Caccio e Pepe makes its entrance. A classic Roman dish reimagined, the marriage between the earthy truffle and the creamy, peppery sauce is nothing short of divine. The pasta, perfectly al dente, serves as the vessel through which these flavors are delivered in perfect harmony.

Just when you think the culinary journey is complete, Americano presents the grand finale – the Tiramisu. This quintessential Italian dessert is a cloud of perfection. The coffee-soaked ladyfingers, the rich mascarpone, and the dusting of cocoa come together in a celestial dance. It’s like the softest whisper of Italy caressing your taste buds, providing the perfect closure to a meal that can only be described as...