New MOTI MAHAL DELUX behind City Centre Mall Vashi, Navi Mumbai
Was really waiting for this Moti Mahal to open as I had seen their board a few months back. I think about two months ago they opened the fine dining but were yet to start the bar so recently when they advertized that their lounge bar and roof top are also open we decided to try it.
A little off the main action area but not too difficult to locate. Some work is still on in front of the restaurent so the approach is not so good as of now. We had a look at the fine dining section and decided to check the rooftop. On the way we passed through the door to "Black" which is the lounge and decided to skirt it as the music was too loud for our taste. The roof top was ok with some plants etc thrown in but the seating was not too comfortable. Lights were very dim and there was no breeze due to too many structures around. We decided in favour of fine dining and came down again.
Ordered whiskey for self and since we couldnt locate any mocktails on the drinks as well as main menu, wife asked for Blue Lagoon minus the vodka. The guy taking the order was confused and I had to explain that all she wanted was Blue caracove with Sprite. But seeing the confused look on his face wifee decided to go for simple fresh lime with soda. That made him happy. We ordered burra kebabs, tandoori pomfret and masal papads as starters. After a little wait, masala papads were served with no sight of drinks. However, shortly everything was served. When the waiter brought the whiskey I asked him what brand is it(I had asked for Antiquity blue), he couldnt answer and went back to check. He wasnt even sure if it is large or small though anyone with a little experience could have told it was large.
Burra kebabs were good, though we would have preferred them to be a little more succulant. Pomfret was good but it was certainly not tandoori. Then we asked for some mutton seekh kebabs which proved to be very average. For dessert we called for Kulfi Fauluda which was excellent. Just the real thing.
The service was good but the waiters need a lot more training as they were fumbling a lot. The manager Ajit was nice and polite and was really willing to take the feedback and work on it. I talked to him about quality of food and where it stood in comparison to Delhi Moti Mahal. He gave me a convincing reply that they were still trying to balance the difference in requirements of guests at Delhi and Mumbai. I think he had a point there so I gave him example of Moti Mahal Bandra, where they have achieved a good balance. He promised that by next time things would certainly be better.
It is a 70 cover restaurant but the area is adequate only for about 50 cover resulting in tables being too close for a comfortable private conversation.
All said and done, somehow I feel that they are still having teething problems and will settle down in due course. They have developed a large complex which will suit people of all tastes. The management does look serious and motivated to make it a joint of choice.
So while I am not so happy with this visit of mine, I still have hopes alive. I’ll visit it again after a few months and will revert back if I find improvements in place.
They still have a long way to go.