For a city by the sea, Mumbai does not have too many beachfront dining options. For the longest time, the Juhu neighbourhood monopolised the views out over an eternal sea—the classy Vie Lounge, Aurus, and the seaside dive bar Sea View.
While all three shut shop a few years ago, Aurus has now been converted into Estella, a modern Australian fine-dining restaurant.
The restaurant, which has already become a celebrity favourite, is characterised by its slatted-wood deck and roomy cabanas overlooking the cleaner stretch of Juhu beach.
Estella gives off a whisky-and-jazz vibe, owing to its seductive dark mahogany and granite aesthetic. Designed by award-winning architect Sameep Padora, Estella's ambience is futuristic in his trademark style—vibrant, intriguing and inviting.
The main space comprises two main sections, with an island bar that starts from the inside and goes on till the outside, and the outer deck that offers patrons a stunning view of the sunset (the USP it has been thriving on).
If you don't manage to get a ocean-side table, you can settle into the cozy dining room (replete with its own unisex toilet). The spatial arrangement in this space allows people to open up and talk, without having to worry about guests at the next table eavesdropping on their conversation.
While the food may not fit entirely into the "modern Australian cuisine" bracket, it does not disappoint. The Lamb Wellington Deconstructed gets a shoutout for being particularly delectable.
Even without the "modern Australian" tag, Estella would continue to do brisk business. The prime location and good food serves them well.
Side note: The next instalment of the Sunday brunch, which are few and far between, is slated for October 2017, and is the hottest ticket in this part of town.
Address: Ground floor, Nichani Kutir Building, opposite HDFC Bank, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu, Mumbai | Timings: 7pm-midnight | Seating capacity: It can cater to 120 people at a time.
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