Avatara Mumbai — Restaurant in Mumbai

I hate that I have to write this review. I really do. I had taken my parents to this restaurant for the chef’s 14 course menu for lunch on 10th June 2024. This is at Avatara recently opened in Mumbai, India On our second course, my father was sipping his soup (sol kadi) when he bit into something hard. He removed the substance and it turned out to be a small piece of glass. He didn’t know if he swallowed any part of this broken glass piece or what came out on his finger was the whole thing. It was a shard of glass that actually pricked his finger when he removed it. The staff was gracious and kind. They and the chef all apologised. My father is not one to make a scene and we decided to continue with our meal. Thinking that they didn’t do this on purpose and it could have happened to anyone. We are all human and mistakes happen. They assured us that they would inspect every dish even more thoroughly (as they should to begin with) and when we finished our meal (they gave us a small cake as an apology which was also given to the table next to us for some other reason), we paid the entirety of our whole bill and left. I am extremely disappointed in their overall behaviour. Not because they didn’t realise what was done, but because they did and thought that a free desert was a good enough apology for what had happened. We did not ask for any compensation, because no amount of compensation would justify a piece of broken glass in our food. But we did expect a proper apology in a way that communicated their serious and thorough apology. The least they should have done was comp our entire meal, but apparently when you visit a Michelin starred restaurant chain, a free desert is the only courtesy offered when put against the value of someone’s health. Like I said, we are all human and mistakes happen. But when these said mistakes are serious enough to threaten someone’s life, the apology should be substantial enough to showcase their remorse. This was not the case here. Extremely disappointed and will never visit one of their restaurants ever again. It’s a matter of principle and they are laughably lacking in...

Avatara, a fine dining restaurant in Santacruz, offers a unique Indian fusion dining experience. This pure vegetarian establishment serves an exquisite 16-course set meal, which can be customized to accommodate dietary preferences, including a full 16-course Jain option.

The restaurant also appears to have a private dining section for groups, though we didn’t have the opportunity to explore it as we were just two. Avatara’s architectural design directs lighting to the center of the table, precisely where servers present each dish. The ambiance is exceptional, and despite arriving more than 30 minutes late, the staff did not rush us, ensuring a relaxed and memorable experience—making our wedding anniversary dinner truly special.

A violinist was present, adding to the atmosphere, and could even play a personalized song upon request. Before the feast begins, guests are offered a hot refreshment towel, setting the tone for an elegant meal. Each dish is presented with meticulous attention to detail, from the cutlery to the plating, elevating traditional Indian flavors with a modern touch. The servers provide in-depth explanations of every dish, detailing its ingredients, the fusion concept, and the regional inspiration behind it. They also guide guests on the ideal way to savor each course.

A thoughtful touch is the option to repeat a single dish of choice, effectively making it a 17-course experience. While the portion sizes may seem small initially, we found ourselves feeling full midway through—yet we took on the challenge and completed all the courses, including the extra dish! We also tried a berry-based drink, which was delightful.

As a kind gesture for our anniversary, the servers, Viraj and Ruksar, surprised us with a complimentary, delicious cake. Avatara embraces a spirit of generosity, offering guests a takeaway sweet or savory treat at the end of their meal—we received a mango-coconut Ghewar.

I highly recommend trying this restaurant at least once for its unique and immersive dining experience. I may very well...

Avatara was my first degustation menu experience. The menu is so cleverly crafted. It is a completely vegetarian 16 course tasting menu. I had never thought that Indian food could look so sophisticated and taste so great at the same time. The 16 course menu begins with 6 tasting portions (amuse bouches) of 'Rasas' which in Ayurveda means 'taste' which were - Madhura (sweet), Kashaya (Astringent), Lavana (salty), Amla (sour), Tikta (bitter) and Katu (Pungent). Each one so thoughtfully created, after consuming them I was in complete awe and wonder. I had never thought in my life that food could look like tiny jewels and would end up giving me goosebumps. The entire experience feels like as if you are on a journey and the meal in totality completes and fills you with joy. My personal favourite course was the Krishna phal which was a palate cleanser. It comprised of 3 flavours a strawberry chutney at the bottom of the tart, a guava chilli bon bon and a passion fruit sorbet. This course is so well made, that upon consuming it it bursts in your mouth and to be honest I was completely speechless in the moment. I was lost in the thought how can it be so well balanced and perfect- that I did not want any seconds but was fully satisfied and filled with joy. Their dessert the madhuram, gave me a reminiscence to my journey to Badrinath where these creamy pedas are coated with sugar pearls but their version was out of the world. The last course was parna (beetel leaf), which was again a perfectly balanced paan in a chocolate bon bon. The entire experience was something i will hold very close to my heart. I have only gratitude towards everyone who served us which includes the Kitchen as well as the service team. Chef Sanket Joshi is one of the humblest Chef I have met, he happily answered all my questions about the meal and the Chef behind all the delicate food that gets dispensed from the live hot...