Bastian - At The Top — Restaurant in Mumbai

A Disappointing Dining Experience

My recent visit to Bastian-At the top, one of Mumbai’s so-called premium dining spots, was nothing short of a disaster. While the setup and ambiance might give the illusion of a 5-star experience, the unprofessional behavior and lack of etiquette from the staff quickly shattered that illusion.

Staff and Service: • The staff was completely untrained and unprofessional. Their demeanor was more fitting for a roadside dhaba than a high-end restaurant. • The restaurant manager, shockingly, had red eyes and seemed intoxicated, which is utterly unacceptable for any establishment, let alone one that claims to be fine dining. • There were no basic etiquettes or professionalism among the staff. Their mediocre dressing and casual attitudes made the place feel cheap. • Instead of attending to the guests, the staff was roaming around aimlessly, standing in groups, and chatting amongst themselves. This lack of attentiveness and care left us feeling neglected and unwelcome. The staff seems more focused on scrolling their phone instead of attending guests.

Food and Drinks: • The mocktails were terrible—poorly made and completely unpalatable. One would expect at least the drinks to be a redeeming feature, but even that was disappointing. • The food’s presentation and taste did not justify the exorbitant pricing. It felt like the restaurant’s focus was more on the aesthetics of the dishes rather than delivering actual flavor or quality. • Overall, the food did not stand out in any way and left much to be desired.

Ambiance vs. Substance: • It’s clear that Bastian is running solely on its ambiance and Instagram-worthy decor. The emphasis seems to be on creating a “photo-worthy” spot rather than offering a fine dining experience. • During our visit, more than 30% of the tables were empty between 5-7 PM, which speaks volumes about the declining quality and reputation of the restaurant. Instead of diners enjoying their meals, most people were busy taking selfies and pictures.

Value for Money: • The minimum spending of ₹2,000 per person is misleading, as even with the bare minimum order, the bill will easily exceed ₹5,000-₹6,000. This level of pricing is absurd, especially when the experience is far from what one would expect at that price point. • It seems like the owner has invested more in creating an elaborate setup rather than training the staff or ensuring high-quality food and service.

Conclusion:

Bastian is a complete waste of money and time. It markets itself as a fine dining destination but fails miserably in delivering the basics of hospitality, food quality, and service. The entire purpose of this place seems to be charging exorbitant fees for its ambiance and acting as a photo point, rather than offering a memorable dining experience.

I never thought I would have such a poor experience at a place that comes with such high expectations. If you’re looking for good food and service in Mumbai, I strongly recommend skipping Bastian. This place is not worth your money.

If the owner truly wants Bastian to be recognized as a world-class dining destination, immediate changes are necessary: • Hire professional staff who are trained in fine dining and understand the nuances of exceptional service. • Focus on food quality and taste rather than just presentation. • Shift the emphasis from being an Instagram hotspot to creating a genuine dining experience that justifies its...

Bastian - At the Top felt like dining in the sky. Situated on the 48th floor, the grand space of the restaurant overlooks the glittering city skyline at night offering great views. It’s magnificent and meticulously done ambience within offers a royal experience.

We kicked off our evening with the Pork Ribs Robata, which arrived generously slathered in a rich barbecue sauce and a dusting of Cajun spice. The pork was cooked to perfection — tender enough to melt away at the slightest touch, and it absorbed the sweet-smoky sauce beautifully. Each bite was a harmonious blend of spice, sweetness, and umami — the kind that makes you want to slow down just to savor it longer.

Next came the Chicken Croquettes — a creative take on comfort food, elevated with mozzarella, gochugaru, house-made kimchi, toasted sesame, and a punchy kimchi aioli. The outer crust had just the right amount of crunch, while the inside was creamy and flavorful. The kimchi added a tangy funk that balanced the richness, especially when dipped in a light soy reduction. It was a bold dish that managed to be both indulgent and playful.

To sip, we paired our meal with two cocktails that stole the show in their own right. The Lychee Sunset was a fragrant and floral blend — light and refreshing, with the tropical sweetness of lychee, brightened by citrus undertones and a delicate hint of rose. It felt like summer in a glass. The Mojo Tropicana, on the other hand, leaned into bolder tropical flavors. Think pineapple, passionfruit, and lime, with a dash of heat and herbs — a zesty, punchy drink with layers of complexity that perfectly balanced the spice of the food.

For the main course, we opted for the Seafood Paella, and it was the kind of dish that commands attention. Served in a traditional pan, the rice had developed a beautiful socarrat — that golden, crisp bottom layer that’s the hallmark of a good paella. It was loaded with prawns, calamari, mussels, and clams, each cooked to tender perfection. The broth had clearly been simmered with care — deeply savory, infused with saffron, garlic, and paprika, giving the dish a smoky, oceanic depth that lingered beautifully.

To end on a sweet note, we ordered the Dulce — a dessert that deserves a standing ovation. Imagine a molten chocolate cake with a luscious dulce de leche ganache center, paired with vanilla ice cream that cut through the richness effortlessly. The addition of feuilletine brought a delightful crunch, offering texture to balance the melt-in-your-mouth decadence. Each element on the plate was thoughtfully placed, creating a dessert that was indulgent but never overwhelming.

Over all, Bastian - At the Top isn’t just about the view — it’s about layered, expressive food that’s bold without being excessive. The flavor profiles are well thought-out, the textures are spot-on, and the presentation elevates every course. A perfect place for a celebration, a date night, or just to treat yourself to a rich, vibrant meal. The staff at the restaurant are involved and not just restricted to their roles. Our host, Mr. Vishal Bandre was amazing and helped us graciously in selecting our meal. The Kohinoor Square offers vallet parking, so that goes...

The food and ambience are definitely worth appreciating, but the overall experience did not live up to the hype. From the moment you arrive to the time you're seated, you're overwhelmed by an excessive security presence—most of whom seem more interested in asserting authority than actually being helpful. Even the security at the complex appears unsure of their role but still wants to show they’re in charge.

As a fine dining establishment, it's disappointing that nearly half the cocktail menu was unavailable. The liquor used in the available cocktails was of low quality—the Old Fashioned was watered down and didn’t come close to what one would expect from a proper version of the drink. While they do have a decent collection of single malts, there’s still a chance that what you want might not be available.

There is one more area that needs serious attention. I had made a reservation and paid INR 2,000 per person in advance. However, when I asked for the check, I was questioned about whether I had already paid the amount. Why is that even a question? If the reservation was made and payment collected, it should reflect in their system by default. It left me wondering—are walk-ins allowed too? If that’s the case, why wasn’t it communicated clearly? And if it’s standard to collect INR 2K per person, why ask me again if I had paid? The whole process felt disorganized and inconsistent.

In my opinion—if it counts—there’s a long way to go before this place can be called true fine dining. For me, it felt more like an upscale Udipi restaurant: you order, eat, pay, and leave. There was no personalization or effort to make the guest feel special. The staff needs better training and improved uniforms. The lighting at night is poor, making it hard to read the menu—if you won’t improve the lighting, at least increase the font size.

Even going to the washroom felt like being watched, with staff hovering nearby constantly. Is this a restaurant or a high-security facility? It didn’t feel welcoming. The owners really need to reflect on what customers expect. On what was supposed to be a memorable 30th wedding anniversary, the environment completely ruined the mood.

This review may not matter to the owners, especially if they have a “we don’t care” attitude, but if they are genuinely passionate about the restaurant business, I hope they take this feedback seriously and work on improvements.

Just because many customers may not be familiar with high-quality liquor doesn’t mean it’s okay to serve cocktails made with the cheapest options. Being American doesn’t automatically make a drink premium. If this approach continues, I’m afraid Bastian won’t stand the test of time—unless it’s only meant for celebrities. If that’s the case, perhaps it should be made exclusive to them, because treating regular customers with a casual, dismissive attitude is unacceptable.

Charging INR 2,000 per person for a reservation doesn’t make the place exclusive. Guests going to Bastian should reflect on whether the experience is truly worth it. After all, you’re not being fed for free—you’re paying, and when you pay, you deserve quality and...