#LSAEATS: Between Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, and Bangalore, we’ve handpicked five of the best rooftop bars we’ve visited and approved promising gorgeous views and sense-stirring cocktails.
Great food? Check. Sense-stirring cocktails? Check. Gorgeous view? Check! Rooftop cocktail bars certainly have a charm of their own, be it for an overview of the city beneath, the breeze in your hair, or simply basking under the moonlight and sipping away on a cocktail. More so, while it may be ideal for Valentine’s Day date, it still suits a Friday sundowner or a Sunday morning brunch with your best buds. While each of India’s biggest metropolitans boasts rooftop restaurants and bars with their own flair, we’ve picked out six from the best of the best.
Best rooftop restaurants in India
AER – Four Seasons, Mumbai
Aer certainly offers the most spectacular view in all of Mumbai. Exposing the whole city to visitors, this rooftop lounge provides its guests with two separate sections: one side offers a night of partying with live DJ sets, while the other is more of a relaxing and intimate atmosphere. While you bask under the moonlight or savour those sunset moments, I’d suggest you sip on a Moscow Mule or All That Bitters, if you’re looking for something the entire group could indulge in, there’s the Sunset Punch for the clan. Dining here is quite light, but we’d go for a Prawn Chili Toast, Bruschetta, or maybe a Hand Pulled Pork and Apple Slaw.
Opening hours: 5 pm onwards (Closed during monsoons)
Contact details: 022 2481 8444
Aasamana – Ritz-Carlton, Pune
During our stay at the stunning Ritz-Carlton, Pune, we realized, if there’s one rooftop bar we must try, it’s Aasamana. Resting atop the luxury tower of Ritz-Carlton, it overlooks the city. I can only imagine how serene and chilly this rooftop bar would be during the winter months. In terms of food up there, their menu is quite elaborate and focuses on regional delicacies in its traditional as well as modern form. We absolutely loved their Lamb Galouti and Zafrani Murgh. For main course, try out the Nalli Hihari. Their cocktail menu on the other hand, is a gentle play on the classics. Give the Cucumber Spritz, Scottish Breeze, or the house beer a try.
Opening hours: 6 pm onwards.
Contact: +020 6767 5000
Address: Ritz-Carlton, Pune, Golf Course Square, Airport Rd, Pune, Maharashtra 411006
Shiro – Bangalore
Sunday bunch fever spares no one, and if you’re in Bangalore, Shiro is the place to be. It may not promise a bird’s-eye view of the gorgeous garden city since it’s only on the second floor, but it’s still a lovely open-air space with some damn good food. What we loved: Teppenyaki, the Chili Hoisin Mock Duck, and the sushis. Since it’s a Japanese restaurant, Sake cocktails are a must. Finish off with a dark chocolate cake, it’s lovely.
Opening hours: 12 noon
Contact: +918041738864
Address: 2nd Floor, UB City Mall, Vittal Mallya Road, Near Lavelle Road, Bangalore.
Cirrus 9 – The Oberio, Delhi
Every Delhiite ,whom I asked “Which is the best rooftop bar in Delhi?” had the exact same answer – Cirrus 9. On the roof of the Oberoi, Cirrus 9 can be a place of serenity and ease during the day and a party hotspot at night. It may get slightly crowded but if you’re someone who likes clubbing, this one’s for you. While you sip on cocktails, I’d suggest you try out their Xian City ‘Lamb Bun’ or their the deep fried prawn bun dim sums. In terms of cocktails, the Five Spice Daiquiri and the French Lessons are quite interesting.
Opening timings: 5 pm onwards
Contact: +911124363030
Address: The Oberoi, Dr. Zakir Hussain Marg, New Delhi.
Dome – Intercontinental, Mumbai
The city of Mumbai is consistently hustling and bustling, always awake and on the move. But if I really had to pause and sit back, I’d probably choose to do so at Dome. Facing the mighty Arabian Sea and situated on Marine Lines, it’s the spot for nautical lovers. It features indoor as well as outdoor seating options while the latter is more loung-ish and relaxed perfect for sipping on cocktails and enjoying the sea breeze in your hair. Definitely try out the Lamb Tostada, Spicy Salmon Maki, or the Aromatic Thai Chicken Dumplings. You have a full bar menu available if you’re in the mood for something special, ask them for an Elder Garden or the Winter Negroni.
Opening hours: 5 pm onwards
Contact: +912239879999
Address: Hotel InterContinental, 135, Churchgate, Mumbai
Stay tuned to Lifestyle Asia India’s Instagram, Twitter, Facebook for more food and drink updates.
All images: Courtesy brands
Mikhail Gomes
Features Editor, Lifestyle Asia India & Contributor - Augustman
A watch aficionado, Mikhail also enjoys learning about fine whiskies, and one day hopes to establish his own menswear label. At Lifestyle Asia India, he writes on watches, menswear, auto and tech.
Most Popular
