We invited GA readers to contribute restaurant reviews and share their opinions on their neighbourhood eateries with us. Here, Rushit Desai from Mumbai tells us all about Cafe Mangii in Khar.
I turned in to 14th road in Khar West. Cars honked as they crawled bumper to bumper behind pedestrians almost all of whom had abandoned the footpath and were on the road. How on earth would I find Cafe Mangii? But just as I looked up from the car ahead of me, there it was on the main road. The white washed walls stood out in all that chaos.
I gave my car gratefully to the valet; I didn't have a chance of finding a parking space in that lane.
As soon as I walk in, the smell of melting cheese greets me and three members of the staff inquire whether I have a reservation. Makes me think it's best to reserve a table (at least over the weekend). However, even without a reservation I got a table for two quickly near the restaurant entrance. Unfortunately the air conditioning was spewing super cold air directly on me and chilled me to the bone in under two minutes.
The walls have interesting old print adverts hung and surprisingly there is a magazine rack near the entrance. Maybe eating out alone is catching on.
The menu is extensive, with choices of pizzas, pastas and a variety of risottos.
The pizzas come highly recommended and I order a pizza suggested by the captain. Generally a safe way to order at a new place I think. For chicken lovers the options are limited although they are happy to substitute chicken in other meat pizzas. Vegetarian options are also limited. The recommended Con Pollo pizza definitely hit the spot and one of the best I have eaten. Just right with a paper thin base, bubbling melting cheese and (most importantly) the right amount of pizza sauce with barbecued chicken.
Also highly recommended is the grilled Chicken Mangii which although full of flavour was a little dry and needed more of the chef's special sauce. The portions are fairly large and sufficient.
For wine lovers, there's a wide choice however get ready to pay top dollar. The staff is not familiar with the wines, they generally know only the names and aren't able to suggest suitable wines for the fare ordered.
The lively and nimble staff dashing around ensures quick and efficient service. The dessert menu is extensive with about 10 options, however most of the options were not available when I visited. I settled for the Bailey's Chocolate Mousse. Trust me, you have had better. All in all, I'll be going back but will give dessert a miss.
Details
Cafe Mangii
Junction Of Khar Pali Road and 14th Road
Between Nike and Citiwalk Showroom
Off Linking Road
Khar
Mumbai
Valet parking available.
Timings: Open daily 12 noon to 1 am. (Fully licensed bar)
Budget: Dinner for two (food only) Rs 700-1000
Recommended dishes: Wood fired pizzas, Chicken Mangii
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