Celini at Grand Hyatt is rated as one of the best Italian food experiences in Mumbai by Rashmi Uday Singh's Times food guide, and after our last visit I would tend to give a big Thumbs up to the place and her recommendation. The food was exceptional and undoubtedly one of the best Italian food experiences I have had in Mumbai.
The restaurant in advertised by the Hyatt as serving Italian food in a modern setting, the ambiance was supposed to be a big draw with a show kitchen aiding the food experience. However we found to our disappointment that the restaurant was closed for repairs and we would have to be seated at the bar. Although the seating was comfortable, it was a disappointment as we were not made aware of the situation when we were making the appointment. I hope that the ambiance will reflect the food when the repairs have been completed.
The service as is expected in a 5 Star was attentive and prompt, the slight downer was the fact that our plates had some dirt when our second course was about to be served, I would like to believe that the same was a result of the make shift seating but dirt on the plate is definitely not the expectation from the Hyatt.
We ordered a 3 course meal at Celini, and I would like to say that we were served two exceptional dishes and one which was very very good. We ordered the spicy white bean soup with lobster and carpaccio, a risotto with asparagus, lobster and speck (pork) and capped it with a Tiramisu to finish. As we were waiting we were served freshly baked bread and a salsa with a generous amount of tomato and olives. The bread was fresh and very good to taste, went well with the salsa. We were slightly disappointed though when we saw that we had only olive oil to season with at the table. The balsamic vinegar which i personally love was missing and was given only on request.
The spicy white bean soup when it arrived however more than made up for the slightly disappointing experience till then. The soup was effectively a broth of pureed white beans with generous helping of cheese and lobster essence. The texture was very thick, smooth and creamy. It smelt and tasted heavenly. The middle of the bowl had the spicy carpaccio and the lobster pieces. The carpaccio was great but the lobster took our breath away. It was cooked perfectly with a delightful crunchy texture which was an excellent complement to the thickish broth.
The risotto followed which was very good without being exceptional. It was slightly a bit too salty for my palate than what it may be should have been. The Tiramisu was too die for, soft and replete with the flavours that you expect, if I were to pick a slight fault it would have to be the bread layer which was not soaked as much as it maybe could have been. It tasted great but it was not dripping in coffee and chocolate.
Overall Celini was a grand culinary experience which can be bettered by ironing out the glitches mentioned. A definite recommendation for the outstanding Italian cuisine.
A meal for two at Celini without drinks will cost you approximately Rs 3000/-
How to get there: The Grand Hyatt hotel is almost on the Western Express Highway between Andheri and Bandra. You have to not take the Kalina fly over and take the first left after the Kalina crossing. Grand Hyatt's gate should be visible to you on the left after driving for another 200m after you take the left from the highway.
