Five Mumbai restaurants for that perfect Diwali dining experience

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The Festival of Lights is here! To be more specific, only 48 hours to go! Last minute shopping, decorating homes with earthen lamps, candles and bulbs, looking out for attractive sweets and dry fruits boxes, buying firecrackers, waiting in beauty saloons…. Oh the fragrance of festivity is high up in the air. Still Diwali has something more to it! It is food, eating and restaurant hopping. Festival is the best time to relish lipsmacking cuisines brought from various parts of India. This Diwali take a break from cooking and try out these restaurants in Mumbai for a fantastic Diwali lunch or dinner.

Bijoli Grill: The taste of Kolkata has spread its branches all over India. Bijoli Grill, located in the glitzy Hiranandani Gardens at Powai, is a living example of the best place to try Bengali dishes in Mumbai. Simple in décor yet appealing to the eyes and heavenly for the tongue- this defines Bijoli Grill. The restaurant is a must visit during Diwali or Kali puja if you are craving for traditional Bengali food items like ‘Vetki Paturi', ‘Aalo Phoolkopir Dalna', ‘Mutton Kabiraji', ‘Rui Kalia', ‘Mishti Doi' to name a few.
Where: Hirandandani, Powai

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Soda Bottle Openerwala: Mumbai has a long and strong association with Parsi community. This restaurant is an amalgamation of commercial cafes and private homes, something that gives the essence of what the Bombay Parsi is all about. Food and drinks are served in tiffin dabbas, cutting chai glasses, enamel plates and in many such cutleries common in an old Parsi home. While Berry Pulao is a must try, ‘Chicken Baida Roti', ‘Bhendi Bazaar Sheekh Parantha', ‘Bacon Keema Macaroni' are also worth a try. Not only food, but cocktails too are an ode to Mumbai and the age old Parsi culture.
Where: Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East

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Gajalee: An authentic sea food restaurant, Gajalee is a benchmark in Maharashtrian cuisine. Schezwan Crab, Tandoori Pomfret, Prawns Masala, Bombil Fry and Mandeli Fry are some authentic seafood items that Gajalee is known for. Dining here is a unique experience as the management promises homely ambience and fantastic hospitality. Dishes in Gajalee suit the taste buds of both vegeterains and non-vegeterains.
Where: Vile Parle East, Andheri East, Lower Parel

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Bora Bora: This is more of a restro bar that offers continental, Chinese, north Indian and Malaysian cuisines. Located right opposite to Juhu Beach, Bora Bora should be tried out if you are looking for an eventful Diwali dinner. Lemon and Thyme Charcoal chicken, Spicy crab meat Soup, Mix Seafood Grill and Chicken Korean Rice are ideal for food lovers.
Where: Juhu

Persian Darbar: This is one stop destination for Moghlai, Awadhi and Nawabi fare. Biryani and kebabs are something Persian Darbar is famous for. So do not miss out on exotic biryanis like Chicken Tikka Biryani and Mutton Kepsa Biryani, and kebabs like Chicken Lucknowi Sheekh Kebab, Chicken Reshmi Tikka and Mutton Pattani Boti, to name a few. Mutton Raan Tandoori is perfect for meat lovers! Well, the ambience goes hand in hand with the north Indian food serevd here.
Where: Marol, Bandra West, Byculla, Jogheshwari

Make this Diwali a gastronomic affair. Happy festivity!