Blink and miss! That’s right.
Tucked away just opposite Regal Cinema this small and quaint restaurant is not easy to spot from a distance. You might end up mistaking it for an European Art Gallery of sorts. Either way, Woodside Inn, one of Colaba’s high-end restaurants isn't doing much to stand out amidst the crop of cutsie cafes sprouting all over. But as they say good things come in small packages; it stands as a testimony to the statement.
It was the start of the month and was also one of the few times when my wallet gave a nod to satiate my Italian Food craving. I had heard about Woodside from a couple of friends and hence on this lazy Friday afternoon, I finally decided to bite the bait. Once inside I was transported from the world of noise to a haven of lovely soothing music and was highly amused by the soulful ambiance of the place. The wooden interiors, the pictures of “Bombay” adorning its walls, the sunlight gracing my table – en parfait harmonie.
I sat by the window and could almost feel the contrast between the fast-paced existence outside and the much relaxed, easy-going and laid-back interiors.
The staff there was extremely prompt with giving me the Menu card and it was also very evident that they were well-versed with the menu and could help in selecting the food. Not wanting to risk and order food whose name I couldn't pronounce, I ordered Chicken Alfredo Penne Pasta in Creamy White Sauce with grilled chicken as the topping and also asked for a Mint Mojito to go with it. The waiter suggested I team my order with Garlic Bread, but I settled otherwise.
The ambiance seemed straight out of a classic novel/book and it was one of those times I regretted not carrying my camera along with me. The switchboards were old-fashioned and the entire place gave out a vintage feel. The music they played was mostly vintage rock and oldies, mixed with jazz and blues and it was in perfect sync with the milieu. The staff there was within reach but never intruded into my space and within 8 to 10 minutes of placing the order I saw a smiling waiter walking upto me with a huge platter.
Presentation - WIN MOMENT!
My serve was put together with grilled chicken breasts cooked in Alfredo Sauce and was sautéed with red and yellow bell pepper and was garnished with mint leaves and thin potato slices. The chicken was soft and succulent and had the exact ingredients to sate my craving. With the Mint Mojito to go with my lunch, I couldn't have asked for a better meal. Eating to my fill and content with the service, I called for the bill and meanwhile jotted down the following points in my diary:
Ambiance-4/5. (Right music, dim lighting, wooden interiors) Food-4/5. (Authentic, good presentation) Staff-4/5. (Well-versed with the menu, courteous) Service-4/5. (Prompt) Total Damages-Rs. 410 including taxes. Meal for 2 will be priced at around Rs. 1000 without alcohol.
Woodside Inn looks like a tiny and charming restaurant that could be anywhere in the world. Till you start eating and then say thank god it's in my city. With outstanding food and great personalized service, this place takes it up a notch.
Anyone with a few extra currencies in their wallets, looking for good music, a dreamy ambiance and authentic food? People, this is where you...
Read moreWoodside Inn in Colaba is a gem in the heart of Mumbai, offering an exceptional experience for both locals and travelers. Its central location is a huge advantage, placing you right in the vibrant district of Colaba, close to major attractions like the Gateway of India and the bustling Colaba Causeway. Whether you're looking to explore the city's cultural spots or its lively streets, staying here makes everything easily accessible.
The staff at Woodside Inn are friendly and well-trained, ensuring prompt service that caters to your needs with efficiency and professionalism. Coupled with their commitment to maintaining a hygienic environment, your visit is bound to be comfortable and pleasant.
For beer enthusiasts, Woodside Inn’s beer collection is nothing short of amazing! They offer a wide variety of brews, both local and international, which makes it a great spot for beer lovers who want to indulge in some unique flavors and pair them with tasty pub food.
One thing to note is the seating arrangement. While some might find it a little too close for comfort, many Mumbaikars refer to it as “cozy” and see it as part of the charm that fosters a warm and intimate ambiance. It’s a great place to hang out with friends, though if you prefer a bit more space, it might feel a tad snug.
Overall, Woodside Inn offers a fantastic location, excellent service, and an impressive beer selection, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the vibrant...
Read moreUnpleasant experience. We booked a table for 10pm on a Monday night and reached there 10 mins early. They had enough empty, ready to seat tables in their main dining area on the upper floor to accommodate us. However, the host kept insisting that they would require 15 mins to have our table ready and that we should order something at the bar first. This is the third time this has happened to us wherein they require guests to order drinks at the bar, and only then allocate a table. The food is good but their crappy service definitely overshadows it all. Would not recommend going here unless you’re prepared to wait endlessly at the bar while the tables upstairs are practically empty. Do make it a point to take a peek upstairs to verify seating availability for yourself when they give you these made up excuses. I’ve attached a pic of the empty table situation upstairs when we visited and were denied a table against our reservation. Doubt I’ll ever be visiting here again. I’d rather visit Pizza Express/ Smokehouse deli which are both a stone’s throw away from here for much better Italian/ continental food, and significantly...
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