The Lovefools — Restaurant in Mumbai

We had a dinner reservation on a Saturday night and were asked to make a Rs 1000 payment towards it to confirm our reservation. Having to do this made us believe that we were going to get some exclusive treatment. Nope. It all started with the place not being accessible by a four wheel vehicle. It’s in the tiny bylanes. We had our car valeted and parked in such a tight spot that made us nervous as well. Upon somehow finding the place, we were barely welcomed and were told that we would be given a high table with high stools. This was not mentioned during the reservation. I had 3 toddlers with me under the age of 5 and all they did was to show us a sad face and tell us that that’s our table. No concern for the safety of the kids. Needless to say I had a stressful evening by just that. But that’s just the icing on the cake of things to come. Our table was in a closed off room close to the kitchen and it was crammed. After about 10-15 mins someone comes to take our order. My drink comes almost immediately. Hallelujah. But my friend’s drink comes around 40-45 mins later after someone having to go out of the room and keep asking the waiter for it. Each dish came slowly around 20 mins or more apart! For everything we needed, we had to step out of this room and flag down a waiter. I’ve never in my life experienced such terrible service. Totally appalling. On telling them this they tell us they’re short staffed. Horrendous management. They should’ve let us know before we came, instead they chose to ruin our appetite and our Saturday evening. It was supposed to be a reunion and since I picked this place it was embarrassing. The food was okay. The pork belly was full of fat and not well balanced. We order a bunch of dishes like the Korean chicken, magic mushroom, chorizo carbonara. The chorizo was also very fatty and chewy. Overall the experience was terrible with no saving grace. My kids wanted the croissant that was displayed it their dessert display case and they tell us that it’s only for show. We even had to cancel dishes. My kids were famished and so irritable. The guilt of putting them through this mess was crushing. Their orange juice took an hour to come! They didn’t seem remorseful or even try to redeem themselves. It was an infuriating experience and I don’t think I’ll...

I almost didn’t want to write this review for fear that more diners would start coming and it would no longer be a secret – leaving us facing month long waiting periods for a reservations! But then I realized – I’d be doing the staff & crew a serious injustice if I didn’t sing their high praises after having visited so many times!

This restaurant is the very definition of a hidden gem! A place of bliss amidst the cacophony that is Bandra's Hill Road. The snaking alleyways that get you to the secret spot adds to the overall mesmerizing experience until you finally step up to an old casita (think Disney’s Encanto with just the same amount of magic).

We first visited Love Fools many a St. Valentine’s ago when, for some reason, we were halfway through our SohFit course – trying to drop all that COVID banana bread weight (You know what I’m talking about). As such, our list of dietary restrictions was long. It amazed me that despite all these hurdles, Love Fools – which celebrates umami more than any one particular cuisine – shone through like the GEM that it is.

We’ve been coming back ever since – trying various seating spots – the intimate private rooms / the main indoor seating area – and even the outdoor space in the back. Their latest renovations makes the outdoors my favorite place to sit. Void of any mosquitos, covered but soft sun rays still streaming through the paneling - its just a very comfortable and dreamy place to sit and enjoy a nice meal – perhaps catch up with a long lost friend. The ambiance further embellished by some fantastic music (we once made good use of our Shazaam – trying to figure out each song) and the friendly and patient staff.

The food – in my opinion – never fails to disappoint – and, if anything, has gotten even better over the years! We recently tried their weekend brunch – and even my toddler, the most finicky of ages with the most difficult of palates, loved it! We attended their Thursday Tacos & Tequila nights last night with friends for a celebration – we could have stayed there all night chatting away. The bartenders made some ..zazzy (is that a real word? – no other way to explain it) cocktails. The tacos left us smacking our lips and licking our fingers clean. The desserts – simple, light and the perfect end...

The LoveFools is an absolute gem nestled in the heart of Mumbai, and let me tell you, it’s a culinary haven that surpasses even the highest of expectations. From the moment you step foot into this enchanting establishment, you’re transported into a world where every dish tells a story of passion and excellence.

Let’s talk about the food. Oh, the food! It’s beyond extraordinary; each bite is a symphony of flavors meticulously crafted to perfection. The taste rivals that of any international Michelin-starred restaurant, with a level of sophistication that leaves you speechless. And don’t even get me started on the meat quality – it’s nothing short of miraculous. Every bite simply melts in your mouth, leaving you craving for more.

But it’s not just about the taste; it’s also about the presentation. The LoveFools takes food presentation to an entirely new level, turning each dish into a work of art that’s almost too beautiful to eat. And yet, once you take that first bite, you’ll find it impossible to resist.

The ambiance is another highlight of The LoveFools. There’s a charming warmth to the place that makes you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. It’s cozy, inviting, and exudes a sense of intimacy that’s perfect for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends.

And let’s not forget about the service. It’s impeccable, to say the least. The staff is attentive, friendly, and incredibly polite, ensuring that your dining experience is nothing short of perfection. And as for the cocktails – they’re an absolute delight. Each sip is a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the exquisite dishes on offer.

In conclusion, if you find yourself in Mumbai and haven’t visited The LoveFools, you’re truly missing out. It’s a culinary journey like no other, and I personally recommend it to anyone who appreciates exceptional food, impeccable service, and a dining experience that’s nothing short of...