Izumi Bandra — Restaurant in Mumbai

Before you plan to visit this place, there are two rules you should know: 1. Call them and make a reservation. It's extremely difficult to get a table even on a regular weekday, because of the sheer popularity. If you're lucky, you get to sit at the bar. 2. Make sure you have enough money because this is going to be a meal that you want to leave no stone unturned for.

This place wins for their clean, minimal look yet you still feel the vibe and chatter of a typical Japanese ramen house. And if like me, you absolutely adore pretty plates, you're going to love it already :)

After you have a detailed discussion with your friends over the menu and fail to reach a conclusion even after twenty minutes, I recommend starting off with their cocktails (of course). They've added a fun 'Asian' twist to all the classics - the Tom Collins has become a Yuzu Collins - and boy, are they potent. If you're going "Heh, I can handle it!" then I'd suggest the Omukashi - a pure mixture of red wine and whiskey.

Now for the food. My oh my, where to begin? We had the prawn akemono (which came with a side of HONEY wasabi you gaaaize), pork gyoza and the yellowfin tuna sushi roll to begin with. Mind was pretty much blown by this time, and we thought the pork gyoza dumplings were going to be the winning dish of the day... Till we ordered the Hamachi Truffle Ponzu with Wasabi Jelly. WASABI. JELLY. Guys, if you love Wasabi or you're eternally scared of it because you had a coughing fit (everyone's been there) I urge you to definitely order this one. It's really hard to find words that describe perfectly the texture and taste of that wasabi jelly, but it's a complete fork-drop, jaw-drop, mic-drop experience.

Now would be a good time to also add another rule: 3. Starve yourself before going here. Seriously, you look at that menu and you want to make sure you eat EVERYTHING.

After four amazing apps, which we took care to eat extremely well, we made sure we had some space for the ramen! Like your broth a wee bit creamy? Go for the Charsui Pork Ramen bowl. If you love Seafood and your broth spicy, go for the Seafood ramen bowl! Needless to say, both ramen bowls were absolutely fantastic (it takes a while for one person to finish them, but worth every slurp). Pretty much slipped into foda coma at this point of time.

How do you leave without dessert though? We ordered the green tea Malani with kiwis and OMG. Light, fluffy, cold and just so delicious. And so, we ended our meal on the perfect note. I guess I've never written a review as large and descriptive at this one, but it would've been complete injustice not to. Cannot wait to experience another food...

This place was a socio-economic gentle reminder check for me 🙍🏻‍♀️ - I have been looking forward to trying out Izumi’s food since a while. Having checked the cost and everything, my husband and I decided to keep this visit to Izumi reserved for a special occasion like our wedding anniversary. I called a week in advance and requested them for a nice table since it’s our anniversary. The lady at the other end said ‘yes of course.’ We got a follow up call and WhatsApp on the day of the visit. I confirmed and reminded them for that table I had requested for. Sure and of course was the response. Upon arrival, we were guided by this man (wearing linen beige shirt with denims) probably the manager and then handed over to another person who then took us to the deep end of the restaurant… the last table which is right in front of the washroom. I felt my happy and excited mood changing to something else. We were about to sit at the table when we saw one lady getting out of the washroom with an awkward face (likewise) because we were right there in her face too! And right after… another staff person walked in from the second door (right next to the washroom door) with a large size stuffed green dustbin bag which gave away not a friendly smell when he passed us by. This experience was a throwback to sitting right next to washroom in a long distance train. Anyway… we decided that it’s not worth it. When we requested them for a table… a whisper exchange happened between the manager and our server. The man came bearing bad news with a ‘this is what you get’ attitude and he is not even gonna try. It got me into thinking that these guys probably don’t need us as their customers nor do they care about us having a good experience. We decided to rationalise our thought further with money… this visit matters to us so we are not paying a grand bill here if this is how we are being made to feel. We discussed, got up and walked away. While exiting, my husband ran into a friend who has dining with his sister and mother. When he mentioned our situation to them, they said that there was another group was assigned that table and they refused it as well and that we are doing the right thing. That’s it! We found another place which thankfully had walk-in, food was good, the staff was extremely hospitable and we got a very nice table. (Oh yes! Thanks to the Google reviews which I had read earlier before going to Izumi - we refused sitting by the sushi bar in those uncomfortable chairs) here you go Izumi - you had one...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Izumi Restaurant, and I must say, it was a delightful experience that left me thoroughly satisfied. Izumi is a hidden gem, known for its exquisite Japanese cuisine, and I was blown away by the flavors and quality of the dishes I tried.

To start off, we ordered the Yakitori Salad, and it was an absolute standout. The salad was a perfect balance of freshness and umami flavors. The tender yakitori chicken, paired with the crisp greens, mixed vegetables, and a delectable dressing, created a harmonious combination that was both light and satisfying. The Yakitori Salad definitely deserves a special mention for its unique and delicious taste.

Next, we indulged in the Chicken Gyoza, and they did not disappoint. The gyoza had a thin and perfectly crispy exterior, giving way to a juicy and flavorful chicken filling. The dipping sauce provided the ideal tanginess, enhancing the overall taste. The gyoza were expertly prepared and left us craving for more.

Moving on to the Uramaki - Teriyaki Chicken, it was a true delight. The sushi roll was beautifully presented and filled with generous portions of tender teriyaki chicken. The combination of the sweet teriyaki sauce, creamy avocado, and the subtle crunch of cucumber created a wonderful harmony of flavors and textures. It was a well-executed and satisfying sushi roll that I would highly recommend.

Lastly, we had the Chicken Paitan Ramen, and it was a comforting and flavorful bowl of goodness. The rich and creamy chicken broth, and the ramen noodles were cooked to perfection. The tender chicken pieces, along with the perfectly soft-boiled egg, added a delightful protein element to the dish. The Chicken Paitan Ramen was a hearty and satisfying choice, ideal for those seeking a comforting and flavorful meal.

Throughout our dining experience at Izumi Restaurant, the service was attentive and friendly. The staff members were knowledgeable about the menu and provided excellent recommendations. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, creating a relaxed and enjoyable dining atmosphere.

Overall, Izumi Restaurant exceeded my expectations with its delectable Japanese cuisine. If you are a fan of Japanese cuisine and are looking for a memorable dining experience, I highly recommend visiting Izumi Restaurant. You won't be...