Ekaa — Restaurant in Mumbai

I rarely leave negative reviews, but our experience at Ekaa deserves honesty — especially given its placement on Asia’s Top 50 emerging & a few outlets.

Five of us, including two Mumbai locals, became seriously ill after dining on the “Awakening” tasting menu. One guest even required hospitalization at a private clinic. This wasn’t the usual case of “traveler’s stomach” you can experience in India at times — it was consistent with a bacterial infection, the kind of severe foodborne illness that is exceptionally rare when fine dining restaurants uphold proper standards. This was also the only meal we shared that day, and we had no issues at other restaurants in Mumbai, whether fine dining like Masque or more casual spots like Swathi Snacks.

When we raised this with management, the response was extremely disappointing. We were told that another tasting menu table had no issues — although we were in fact the only tasting menu guests that night — and even that food would be “lab tested” three days later, which is implausible for a restaurant that prides itself on daily fresh sourcing. Rather than support and accountability, the approach felt like deflection.

There were positives. The bartender and cocktails were genuinely inventive and very good, and the service team’s practice of taking turns to explain dishes from each corner of the table was a thoughtful touch. But the “Awakening” menu itself fell flat. A 19-course progression stretched to more than three hours in a mostly empty dining room, and many dishes felt like pseudo–fine dining experiments that sounded clever on paper but lacked flavor or balance — from a bland tomato jelly to the surprising (and misplaced) use of pop rocks in a savory course. The earlier iterations of Ekaa’s menu may have been stronger, but this one was underwhelming.

Ultimately, I don’t believe it makes sense to dine at Ekaa when Mumbai has so many other excellent establishments that deliver both quality and accountability. The scale of illness we experienced was a disaster, and I would never take that risk again. The Asia Top 50 recognition is frankly baffling when compared to the caliber of other restaurants on the list.

Dining should be memorable for the right reasons. For us, it was memorable for all...

Two visits in 10 days and we didn't repeat a single dish nor did any dish disappoint. That's how good Ekaa is in a nutshell. Ekaa has quickly climbed up the rankings to become one of the two best restaurants in the city in my books.

Starting with the service, there really is an old school charm about the place. The hosts are so welcoming and knowledgable about the dishes which is even more important and impressive considering the food available. We've not only had great service but great conversations as well and our two visits have been a joy. The ambience is great– I love Ekaa during lunch more than I do for dinner simply because of the amazing skylight. The earthy, relaxed tones make for a great environment to dine in.

The drinks are a great way to start the night at Ekaa. We've had quite a few cocktails and been impressed with all of them. I keep going back to the Old Foraged (Ekaa's take on an Old Fashioned). One of my pet peeves recently have been bars that clarify each and every ingredient in a cocktail that leads to a complete lack in texture and taste. Thankfully that's not the case at Ekaa. The drinks are perfectly balanced, unique and delicious.

The star of the show, rightfully, is the food. Each dish is so different to each other and each dish is, in essence, a meal. It adds so much to the experience to have Fried Chicken with Egg Yolk Jam and Soy Pickle and Fermented Cauliflower XO. It elevates what is essentially a basic dish. Also important to note that Basic doesn't mean easy. Any carnivore knows how difficult it is to get good Fried Chicken and Ekaa does a great job. There are touches of genius throughout the menu– the Bombay Duck for one. The humble Bombil is transformed into a local take on an Unagi Sushi. It's clever, it's simple, it's delicious.

I can go on and on about the food really but it really is a great time. I can't wait to go for the tasting menu and I would recommend anyone visiting Ekaa to go for the same. If the A La Carte is any sign, we'll be in for a treat with the Tasting menu.

I strongly recommend visiting Ekaa. I'm on a mission to try every dish they have and can't wait to...

Recently I had the pleasure of dining here, and I must say that it was a truly delightful experience. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted warmly by the attentive and friendly staff, setting the tone for a memorable evening.

The ambiance of Ekaa Restaurant is both modern and inviting, with a tasteful blend of contemporary décor and comfortable seating. The lighting was just right, creating a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends, Ekaa provides a perfect setting.

Now, let's talk about the food. The menu at Ekaa offers a wide range of options, catering to various palates and dietary preferences. I was impressed by the creativity and attention to detail in each dish I tried. The flavors were exceptional, and the presentation was a feast for the eyes. Whether you're a fan of Indian cuisine or looking to explore new flavors, Ekaa has something for everyone.

The standout dishes for me included the Barramundi, which was rich and flavorful, and the mutton, which was perfectly grilled and accompanied by some delicious veggies. The variety of bread options, were all freshly made and mouthwatering.

The service at Ekaa was impeccable. The staff was knowledgeable about the menu and provided excellent recommendations. They were attentive without being intrusive, ensuring that our dining experience was smooth and enjoyable from start to finish.

Overall, Ekaa Restaurant exceeded my expectations in every aspect. The ambiance, the food, and the service all came together to create a truly memorable dining experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor to Mumbai, I highly recommend paying a visit to Ekaa. It's a culinary gem that shouldn't be missed. Thank you young but extremely talented Chef Niyati for sharing your professional journey with us....