Mumbai 7 — Restaurant in London

For hubby’s Birthday dinner we thought we would try out a new restaurant in Ilford called Mumbai 7, recommended by his friend. The reviews, mostly by ‘invited ‘ bloggers were good. The website looked professional. Having lived in Mumbai & loving the food, I was excited to see it. The chef Nikhil Mahale opened Farzi Cafe in Gurgoan , Delhi in 2014 & after its success opened Farzi Cafe in Haymarket Central London. Great reputation & pedigree. However Mumbai 7 seems like it’s little provincial sister, in a bizarre residential area strip of shops, converted house (?) in between a Carpet shop & tyre place?!? Red carpet to greet you distracts from the potholes on the pavement lol 😆 The food was delicious & the drama of dry ice was cheesy but fun. Great for Instagram lol 😆 but nothing new . The decor is colourful & modern , like something out of ‘Changing rooms’ with a plastic green plant wall & black & white chevron floor. A decade late & clearly not durable. Only been opened 3 months but still needs finesse. The spot lights weren’t on , on our side of the restaurant, hence bad pictures lol 😆. The wall by our seat was damaged most probably from fitting the plush banquet. The toilet had a giant industrial size toilet roll on top of the cistern! Not appropriate or hygienic . The staff were lovely but when asked what we were eating 2 people couldn’t tell us. ( lack of training) The Mocktails arrived after our starters finished . We needed to ask for water , not offered it. No alcohol served in this restaurant ! Have they not got a licence yet? The paper straws disintegrated in the excessive ice. Could be catering for the local demographic but there is a sports bar across the road lol 😆 . The delivery of the food was sporadic. Received the Biryani first , very tasty & finished it before the chicken curry & naans arrived. Ok as we were sharing but would have been awkward if not. When the fatoush salad arrived , I asked if there was a dressing on it & the server didn’t know. It seemed to have nothing on it. I had to ask for lemon wedges. Even though the food was delicious, the portions were unusually small for Indian cuisine. Thankfully not Haymaket prices but portions were small - £65 for sharing starter of 12 pani puri & chaat, sev puri etc , 2 mocktails, 1 salad, 2 naans , Chicken dish & lamb Biryani. We skipped...

As a regular patron of Mumbai 7, I felt compelled to share my experience after reading the recent review from another guest. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, I believe it's only fair to provide a balanced perspective.

I dined at Mumbai 7 on the same night as the guest who left the negative review. We were a table of five, seated close to their party, and had a completely different experience. The staff were incredibly attentive and helpful throughout the evening, ensuring our requests were met promptly. For instance, after placing our initial order, I requested a few additional dishes, and they were brought out quickly and without any hassle.

We were celebrating a birthday, and the team went above and beyond by bringing out a cake with candles as we had requested when making our reservation. This thoughtful gesture added a special touch to our evening.

As for the other guest’s comments about delays and lack of attention, I feel compelled to share an observation: their child was crying after bumping her head on the table, but the adults seemed more focused on taking photos than attending to her. It seemed unfair to fault the staff for not addressing a situation the parents themselves appeared to disregard.

In terms of the food, it was served hot, fresh, and in a timely manner, even during a busy Saturday evening. Mumbai 7 specialises in bold, flavourful Indian cuisine, which might not suit everyone’s palate, but I personally find it exceptional and authentic.

Regarding hygiene, I have never noticed anything concerning during my visits. The restaurant maintains a high standard of cleanliness, and the staff is always professional.

I think it’s important to recognise the effort and dedication of the team at Mumbai 7. The restaurant can get busy because it’s so popular, but the staff works tirelessly to ensure their guests have a great experience. While no place is perfect, I’ve found the management and staff approachable and open to feedback, which says a lot about their commitment to improvement.

I encourage anyone reading this to give Mumbai 7 a try. The vibrant atmosphere, delicious food, and genuine effort from the team make it a wonderful dining...

I must mention Faizal, the exceptional restaurant manager at Mumbai 7, who played a pivotal role in making our celebration a resounding success. From the moment we arrived, Faizal's warm and welcoming demeanor made us feel like honored guests. His attentiveness to every detail and his commitment to ensuring our satisfaction were truly commendable. Faizal's effective communication skills were evident as he effortlessly coordinated the entire event, from seating arrangements to attending to our specific needs. He made sure that our engagement celebration ran smoothly, leaving us with no worries or stress. His profound knowledge of the menu and culinary expertise helped us navigate the delectable offerings, and he personally recommended some outstanding dishes that delighted every palate. Faizal's genuine passion for hospitality and his dedication to providing top-notch service truly made our experience at Mumbai 7 extraordinary. We are immensely grateful to him for going above and beyond to create beautiful memories for our special day. His presence and professionalism elevated the entire dining experience, and we cannot thank him enough for making the celebration so memorable. If you visit Mumbai 7, be sure to ask for Faizal, as he will undoubtedly ensure a remarkable dining experience that you will cherish.

The staff's effective communication skills truly stood out as they effortlessly accommodated our party of 35 guests. They took the time to understand our needs and preferences, ensuring that every detail was handled with utmost care. The seating arrangements were perfect, allowing us to enjoy the company of our loved ones in a comfortable and inviting ambiance. The menu offered a delightful array of authentic Mumbai cuisine, bursting with flavors and aromatic spices. The supportive and attentive staff made sure that each dish was served promptly and catered to everyone's dietary requirements. Mumbai 7 turned our celebration into an unforgettable experience, and we are immensely grateful for their exceptional service. If you're looking for a restaurant that embodies true hospitality and offers a delectable culinary journey, Mumbai 7 should be at the top...