New Dining Options - Part II

Cafe Mangii advertises itself as Mumbai's most popular Italian restaurant. Not sure if that is true, but I was quite happy with the experience during my first visit to this restaurant within Phoenix Market City. This place has a contemporary casual look with great thin-crust pizzas and cappuccinos. When I returned last weekend, I had difficulty getting a table; apparently it is also getting more popular!



We started by ordering an Italian green salad which came with nice crunchy garden lettuce and other salad greens drizzled with olive oil and crumbled feta cheese. All very nice and refreshing.



The broccoli and chicken meat-ball soup was quite delicious too; the meatballs were nicely spiced while the smooth texture of the broccoli felt just wonderful on the palate.



But the best thing here is clearly the wood-fired pizza. Their signature pizza is the Napolitana, but I ordered the pepperoni which was very good too. The crisp pizza base came out baked just right and the toppings were in ample proportions the way I like it.



Finally, a chocolate brownie with ice-cream for the girl. I didn't taste this one, but she seemed delighted.



Please note that Cafe Mangii has another outlet in Amanora Town Center. Not sure about how that outlet compares with this one.



Rajdhani, the thali specialists, opened their newest outlet in the Food Court of Phoenix Market City.  Given that a nine screen PVR multiplex just opened its doors this week, this entire area should be a lot more bustling than before.

A Rajasthani turbaned guy opens the door after applying teeka on your forehead.  They get you a brass jug and basin at the table wash your hands.  In short, they try to recreate some of the princely experience of Rajasthan.  However, the food itself falls short.

 While they have a huge variety of stuff that make their way to the large thali, I have found far better thalis even in Pune.  Chittor in Hotel Ritugandh on JM Road (on the lane beside the McDonald's) is my favorite.  Not upscale but the food beats Rajdhani hands down.



In fact, for a fantastic thali option, albeit of the non-vegetarian variety, Zambar has a far better offering. The Andhra style starters, Kerala curries and the soft appams make for a satisfying lunch or dinner.  I like ending with a strong cup of South Indian filter coffee.





Finally, Asia 7 at Amanora City Center. With a whole list of Oriental food on the menu, this restaurant directly competes with Mainland China which has opened its latest outlet right above this place.





We tried the Hot and Sour soup, Hakka Noodles and Chilli Chicken, all of which reminded me of my first Chinese dining experience of childhood days. The food was pretty good, but in a Indian-Chinese kind of way, if you know what I mean.





That still leaves a bunch of other restaurants I expect to review soon:  Incognito, Spaghetti Kitchen among others!