One usually come to expect Indian restaurants to be dimly lit and opulently decorated but restaurants of today are changing the stereotype concept by introducing contemporary decors and uncluttered dining rooms. In the world of opulent, gilded mirrors, ‘Ishaara’ is a novelty in itself. Unlike other curry houses in Mumbai, Ishaara takes the minimalistic approach with it’s décor and puts forward a room devoid of loud colors, traditional motifs and gleaming crystal chandeliers. This lovely eatery is just the kind of place you should take your family to and give them a memorable dining experience minus the whole traditional décor gimmick. The restaurant, located on 3rd Floor, Palladium Mall, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, remains open way past midnight.

The chef at Ishaara weaves a delightful culinary symphony of North Indian cuisine, also including dishes given a modern flair to gratify the adventurous palates of Mumbaikers. Menu travels across Pan India, handpicking dishes from Indian provinces that one doesn’t easily get to see on Mumbai’s menu. An impressive bar menu accompanies the food splendor yet we suggest you go for an Indian aperitif instead. Begin your stint at Ishaara with first course entailing, Calicut crab bisque, sweet potato brulee, lobster patti samosa, beetroot & papad seekh, duck seekh, goat’s cheese peppers, John Dory Moilee, duck galouti, curry leaf chicken tikka and gunpowder baby potatoes. Follow the appetizers with an equally sublime main course. Pamper your taste buds with, brick lane mutton madras, kochi veg stew, mango pineapple curry, salmon kedgree, lotus root kofta and goat vindaloo.

Take the help of peshawari naan or rogani roti to mop up the curries. Their quail eggs curry is a unique delicacy. Once you’re done with the savory, move onto the desserts next and polish off, gulab jamun & vanilla pannacotta, yuzu lime mousse, flourless chocolate brownie and gajar halwa crumble. Choose their set menus to avoid confusion. The waiting staff is speech and hearing impaired yet they make the experience amazing for you by their attentiveness and warmth. Each dish has a specific hand sign to make it easier for you to communicate with them. The contemporary tropical villa vibe instantly attracts your attention. Infusion of lush potted plants against sleek modern furniture in tones of orange and olive green turns this charming sun-lit room all the more appealing. Price of dining at Ishaara is moderate.