Zerua, Worli, Mumbai

Restaurant Name: Zerua
Phone: +919155715571
Address: T1, 5th Floor, Atria Rooftop, Dr Annie Besant Rd, inside Atria Mall, opp. POONAM CHAMBERS, Lotus Colony, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400018 India
Time: 5:00 PM – 1:30 AM
Meals for two: Rs. 2,500
Cuisines: Mediterranean, Mexican, Sushi, Italian, Desserts
Facilities: Full Bar Available, Live Entertainment, Rooftop, Disabled Friendly, Luxury Dining, Wifi, Valet Parking Available, Live Music, Seaview Table, booking recommended, Restricted Entry, Smoking Area, Desserts and Bakes

Zerua, Worli, Mumbai: About

Getting high in my beloved Mumbai! Literally, too. Just back from Singapore’s Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards and dived into our very own Times Food and Nightlife Awards, 2023. On a high to celebrate with my hospitality family and then on a high here at the threemonth, new rooftop restaurant Zerua.

Palm Trees and the Sky

Please take a look at the photo. The restaurant is in Worli. It sprawls over 14,500 sqft, is dotted with over 35 date palm trees, dramatic lighting, timber and stone, juxtaposed with lush tropical greenery and potted plants. A large courtyard air-conditioned glass cabanas with glass ceilings. Not only can one enjoy the monsoons in the cabanas but the cabanas are also mobile. There’s a backlit long bar and the afrolounge playlist throbs through the evening.

DIY Menu

Commendable points: navigable menu that enables us to build our own dishes. Many a nutritious and delicious dish available here. Velvetty, delicious, gluten free, pea-protein based vegan Shepherd’s Pie is a must try. Vibrant and tasty, one bowl Asian Mrs Lee, ablaze with Zerua’s signature sauce of fermented chilli soya black pepper garlic and Gochuchang. Delightful jugalbandi of Chicken Ghee Roast on top of gluten free bread (made of rice and almond flour), Tandoori Butter Thecha Prawns from ‘talli tandoor’ paired with a choice of tiny stuffed kulchas, bursting with black garlic cheese. Mezze Platter sparkles with herbs and spices.
Dreamy, creamy hazelnut Valronha Chocolate tart, with soy cream. End your meal with Kaffir lime and lemon popsicle.

Minus Points

Watch your step, especially women in high heels. Uneven levels of floor and steps may look rustic and great but might be difficult to walk on. Mezze Platter’s falafel is too dry. Gluten-free pizza base is delicious but could do with more generous toppings. Wasabi and gari need to be improved. Open only for dinner.

My Point: Zerua

No two ways about it. The rooftop Zerua and its 36 date palm trees and mobile glass topped cabanas transports us to a tropical oasis. Away from the cacophonous, trafficked Worli where it is located. Though only three months old, I’m told that Suneil Shetty, Sussane Khan, Ekta Kapoor et al have dined here.
Kudos to Gaurav Choksey and brilliant chef and business partner Rakesh Talwar (consultant and owner of 18 restaurants around the globe) for serving up tasty food, offering comfort, plenty of vegetarian, gluten-free made of rice and almond flour and zero-waste cocktails too. No wonder we awarded Zerua the Noteworthy Newcomer Award at our Times Food and Nightlife 2023 awards!