Where: Kenilworth Mall Phase 2, 2nd Floor,
Off Linking Road,
Mumbai, India
What it says about itself: BONOBO – BAR LOVE FOOD is situated in Bandra and is spread over 2800 sq ft, comprising of two distinct comfort zones - an indoor and an outdoor area. It is an ideal oasis amidst the urban jungle and aims to match the sensibility of an outdoor bistro with the verve of a modern bar indoors. At Bonobo, one can enjoy a gourmet, al fresco dining experience along with our signature cocktails under the Mumbai skyline. Our minimally lit terrace provides a retreat to unwind from the travails of the day. Or, you may proceed indoors to our high energy bar and play mixologist for the evening at India’s first interactive bar, all the while grooving to the heady beats of our DJ.
Phone: 26055050, 26055353
Open from: 7:00 PM to 1:00 p.m.
Average Spend for 2: Rs. 700 - 1000
Cuisine: European fare with influences from around the world
Serve Alcohol: Yes
Smoking/Non-smoking areas: Yes
Credit Cards: All major
What we thought of it: The 5 Timbadia brothers really have put in a lot to make this chilled out, unpretentious bar just like they wanted to it to be. Right from the hand picked decor, the carefully placed tables, the kind of food being served here, to the music being played. They've been involved in it all. And yes it had paid off. The place looks amazing, the food is good, and all in all it leaves you satisfied at the end. There's no one to tell you off for what you might be wearing, no t.v. type people trying to be spot here, Bonobo is totally relaxed.
We tried a host of things, most of which were well made. The teriyaki chicken is worth a mention, succulent yet firm and well marinated. The Dijon herb shrimp was splendid. Veg appetizers are a little below average but the poached pear (pear soaked overnight in alcohol) was very good though. Main course was pretty good too, with their specialities like Bonobo Chicken and their Pan Seared Rawas turning out to be just like they claimed. Delectable. The ravioli was nice and surprizingly heavy.
Drinks were not bad, they make an excellent whiskitni called the forbidden apple. Interestingly their interactive bar allows you to stand at the bar and make your own drink, mixing ingredients, crushing, shaking, stirring and straining. Its a lot of fun, but yes they don't keep it on too long, so get there early. On weekends, service may take a while but thats only because you ll find the place packed with people. Bottom line being, come here for the gourmet fare, generously spiked drinks and all in all to enjoy a pleasant night out with friends.
Recommended drinks: Forbidden Apple Martini, Pomergrante and Mint Martini and the Interactive Bar.
Recommended food: Dijon herb shrimp, and chilled stuffed balsamic mushrooms, Pan Seared Rawas in garlic butter, Kahlua-Oreo Cookie mousse cake, and Banana Toffee pie
An expectation gone wrong Being a relatively new place this place is little over-hyped. Having heard from my friends about the interactive bar and good food I decided to try out Bonobo. Surprise surprise well the interactive bar is not that fun , the service is pathetically slow and of course we have over priced food and measly portions, for god's sake you are not Zenzi (which also has small portions). So guys if you read this better improve your service and food portions or you know what happens when Bonobo's gets too excited/
By far one of the best new joints to have opened up! Don't agree with Varuns review, as the alcohol is decently priced and cocktails are to die for. Agreed the food portions are slightly smaller then expected but are well worth the price. Service is an area that needs to be worked on. With beautiful ambiance and awesome music, Bonobo deserves nothing less than 4 stars.
Finally my kinda place Bonobo is the kind of place I had been waiting for a looong time. Perfect ambiance to sit and chat, or listen to some good EDM. Well priced Indian and imported liquor and amazing food to boot.
The lounge bar is ideally situated in Bandra, though negotiating traffic if you get there early can be a pain. However, once inside, you can drown most of the city out.
I love the dual bar concept and the indoor outdoor setting which is a boon for my smoker friends.
Its amazing how the place gets packed at 12 every night, but shuts too early for my liking at 1:30am. So, it serves as the perfect place to start out from if you are in for a long night, or head home for a relatively early night.
