Some bars serve drinks. Some serve experiences. And some serve both drinks and the experience in the most luxurious, Instagrammable way. Mumbai’s nightlife has evolved and new and old cocktail bars are keeping up with patrons expecting not just delicious drinks but visually appealing spaces. And if there’s one locality that has been at the heart of Mumbai’s dining and bar culture, it has to be Bandra.
In this edition of Where To Drink In Mumbai, host Shivam Khanna, with guest Trisha Kanga, explore two of the most Instagrammable bars in Mumbai – Olive Bar & Kitchen and Gigi!
To find out whether these hotspots truly live up to the hype, Shivam and Trisha, spent an evening hopping between both bars, sipping signature cocktails, sampling their food, and soaking in the atmosphere.
There's something magical about walking into Olive Bar & Kitchen.
The iconic blue entrance door is almost as famous as the restaurant itself, and once you step inside, Mumbai's chaos seems to disappear. Instead, you're greeted by whitewashed walls, fairy lights, pebbled pathways, lush greenery, and a relaxed Mediterranean vibe that instantly puts you at ease.
The restaurant feels airy and welcoming, making it equally perfect for brunches, romantic dinners, or cocktails with friends. Every corner looks thoughtfully designed, striking a balance between rustic charm and understated elegance. It isn't difficult to see why Olive has remained one of Mumbai's most loved dining destinations for years.
The cocktail menu combines classics with house signatures, each presented with plenty of flair.
Muscovado concoction + bourbon + dash of bitters + Absinthe
A classic cocktail elevated with aromatic smoke, this drink offers rich whisky flavors while adding a dramatic visual element before the first sip.
Gin + roselle cordial + citrus + raspberry
Bright, refreshing, and beautifully balanced, the Roselle Gin Sour delivers floral and citrus notes with just the right amount of tartness.
Coconut rum + almond liqueur + citrus + pineapple + bon bon garnish
Smooth and layered, Mirage surprises with subtle complexity without becoming overwhelming.
Mezcal + Amaro Montenegro + Aperol + orange bitters
This bittersweet cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy their drink with a punch.
Arguably the standout drink of the evening, the Soleil Picante arrives topped with a unique cilantro foam that adds both aroma and freshness. It's playful, creative, and unlike anything you'd expect from a traditional spicy cocktail.
Good cocktails deserve equally good food, and Olive certainly delivers.
The Chickpea Fries proved to be the ideal snack alongside drinks – crispy on the outside, soft inside, and incredibly addictive.
The Spanish Chicken was equally impressive, packed with flavor while remaining perfectly balanced. Together, the dishes complemented the cocktails without overpowering them.
Olive isn't just a beautiful restaurant, it excels across every aspect of the experience.
The cocktails are inventive without feeling gimmicky, the food is consistently excellent, and the ambience remains one of the city's finest.
Whether you're celebrating something special or simply looking for a relaxed evening with friends, Olive is a place you'll happily return to.
Address: 14, Union Park, Khar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400052
Timings: Daily: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Also Read: Budget Bars In Bandra, Mumbai: Where To Drink Without Breaking The Bank
After Olive's Mediterranean charm came a completely different experience.
Gigi offers an atmosphere that feels luxurious from the moment you walk in. Inspired by European elegance with subtle Japanese influences, the restaurant combines vintage décor, warm lighting, rich wooden interiors, and sophisticated design elements that create an intimate yet vibrant setting. As one of the newer restaurants in Mumbai’s culinary scene, Gigi has become a celebrity-approved destination in the city.
It's stylish without trying too hard, making it one of Bandra's most aesthetically pleasing dining destinations.
Like the restaurant itself, Gigi's cocktail menu feels polished and creative.
Whisky + Elderflower syrup + Chaya Umeshu + Yuzu Puree
Refreshing and citrus-forward, this cocktail introduces Japanese-inspired flavors while remaining approachable for almost every palate.
Mezcal + honey water + jalapeno mint cordial + lime juice
One of the restaurant's signature cocktails, Gigi’s Genji offers a refreshingly spicy kick that reflects the venue's East-meets-West philosophy.
Vodka + coffee liqueur + espresso shot
Fun both in name and presentation, Naruto's Dream delivers bold, coffee-forward flavors while maintaining a smooth finish.
Gin + umeshu + bianco + Absinthe mist
Elegant, floral, and beautifully presented, this cocktail is every bit as sophisticated as its famous namesake.
To accompany the cocktails, Shivam and Trisha sampled two standout dishes.
The Dragon Roll impressed with its prawn tempura, avocado, and sriracha while the Sake Akari added another layer of Japanese influence to the meal with its salmon and cream cheese combo
Together, they demonstrated that Gigi takes its food just as seriously as its drinks.
Gigi manages to combine premium dining with an energetic cocktail culture.
Everything – from the interiors to the drinks, the service, and the food – feels thoughtfully curated.
It's the kind of place where you'll likely stay longer than planned, ordering "just one more cocktail" before the evening comes to an end.
Address: Ground Floor, Kenilworth Shopping Arcade, Linking Road, Bandra West, Mumbai – 400050
Timings: Daily: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM; 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Also Read: This Is The Only Way To Spend A Friday Night In Mumbai As A Bollywood Fan!
Choosing between Olive and Gigi isn't easy because both deliver completely different experiences.
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If you're looking for a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, timeless charm, and one of Mumbai's most iconic dining spaces, Olive should be at the top of your list. The outdoor courtyard, signature cocktails, and laid-back ambience make it perfect for long conversations and leisurely evenings.
On the other hand, if your ideal night involves luxurious interiors, innovative cocktails, Japanese-inspired cuisine, and an elegant setting, Gigi offers a more contemporary experience that feels effortlessly stylish.
Rather than replacing one another, these two restaurants complement each other beautifully.
For Shivam Khanna and Trisha Kanga, this wasn’t simply a bar crawl – it was a reminder that some of Mumbai's best cocktail destinations are those that seamlessly blend hospitality, ambience, and exceptional food with beautifully crafted drinks. So, are these the most Instagrammable cocktail bars in Bandra?
Absolutely.
But more importantly, they're bars you'll want to revisit even after you've posted the photos.
