LF Says: ★★★★.5
The newly refurbished Asilo Lounge, located on the 40th floor of the St. Regis hotel, is an urbane twist to rooftop classics. Offering casual cool with a slice of glamour, enjoy cocktails, sangria and salmon from a terrace decked in elegance and charm. With a unique Zen like vibe and an elegant Mediterranean feel, Asilo enjoys an exclusive location in Mumbai’s Lower Parel area. Cutting-edge, bi-level design—connected by a sleek wooden staircase—grants sublime views of Mumbai’s mounting skyline and a front-row ticket to the glorious Arabian Sea. Named with the Spanish word for “Haven”, Asilo lives up to this analogy in more ways than one.
With a total area of 6,500 sq ft, five private dining cabanas and one exclusive VIP lounge, the bar can accommodate up to 160 guests. The interiors are classic, elegant and simplistic with a colour scheme of white, black, wood and glass – a perfect balance between contemporary aesthetics and Mediterranean appeal. It is the perfect place to lose yourself in delicious cocktails and succulent food, the open air setting creates the mood for a spectacular sundown experience. You’ll find a healthy sprinkling of celebrities too: actors, musicians, athletes, and models congregate here for the bottle service, the music and of course, the view — arguably one of the finest in the city.
I was welcomed by their warm and efficient staff that effortlessly displayed the subtle balance of geniality, professionalism with just the right amount of attentiveness. A dedicated server was ready to offer wine pairing suggestions including rarities such as the Casa Lapastolle Merlot or a selection of singular Argentinian wines.
The food and cocktail menus are filled with unique creations like the Robata style grill of Roasted Potatoes with Sweet Chilli & Yogurt, a decadent mix of Bourbon, Tanqueray Lychee Tea and the Melon Spiced Martini. I discovered refreshing options like New Zealand Harissa Lamb Loin Skewers and Carne Asada Chicken Tacos. My personal favourites in cocktails were the legendary Asilo Pink Velvet (Tequila silver, pomegranate, strawberry and mint leaves) and the Perfect Sunset (Malibu, Oranges and Cranberry).
I started my meal with a generous serving of the sautéed Portobello Mushrooms and a Five herb ravioli with roasted pepper coulis and parmesan foam. Both of which were delicious and uniquely prepared. The artistry of the chef was clearly reflected in the exceptional pairing of ingredients. This was followed by a portion of the Vegetarian Tapas Platter which is a famous delicacy at Asilo. It includes herb crusted grilled Mediterranean vegetables, roasted read pimentos with a sweet sherry dip. I savoured the avocado crostini with crème cheese and spiced orange drizzle.
If you are a carnivore at heart, do not miss the melt-in-the-mouth Atlantic Sea Scallops and the Norwegien Salmon Tartare. The delectable Tiramisu was another winner of the night. The quality of each offering was impressive and the entire dining experience was truly memorable.
This city is home to some of the world’s most amazing sky bars, but none carry the awe factor quite like the gravity-defying ASILO. With 360-degree views extending to the horizon in all directions, it’s like hovering over the Mumbai’s dazzling cityscape, a sensation heightened by multiple rounds of EL HIGO, dessert wines and a slice of the spellbinding passionfruit cheese cake.
LF Says: ★★★★.5
Coordinates: ASILO, 40th Floor, The St. Regis Mumbai, 462, Tulsi Pipe Rd, Lower Parel, Mumbai, India
Timings: Open all days of the week 5pm to 1:30am. On Sunday open 12:30pm onwards
