Don Giovanni, Juhu

The same upmarket hotel which has forced the relocation of Bistro Grill has also forced the relocation of Don Giovanni in Juhu. Though in this case, paradise has not been lost as the food remains as good as it ever was. I say that with a pinch of salt as their signature dish - the Risotto - a - la - Don Giovanni, an outstanding preparation of a cheese, and bacon risotto with a dash of vodka has lost the mind blowing quality that it had the first time. But I would attribute that to the high expectation that we place of the dish.
Don Giovanni has moved from opposite the JW Marriott hotel to the lane on which Prithvi theatre is located. It is on a semi complex on the left, you have to to drive in a bit before the valet parking gets into action. The interiors are quite large and seating 50 plus people comfortably does not seem to be an issue. We sat on a table near the bar, there are two other sections in the restaurant. The decor is apt, paintings adorn the walls and there is far more space than at the previous outlet. The only thing I missed was the Azzuri football shirt, present at the previous outlet which I could not locate here. Music, I presume Italian is played at just the right volume which provides a perfect ambience for a great lunch/ dinner. I have made several visits to Don G's in Mumbai but to my mind three dishes stand out.
1) The Risotto - a - la - Don Giovanni : When you put cheese, vodka, bacon and arborio rice in just the right combination you come up with this dish that causes me to salivate as I am writing this. The risotto is the best I have ever had, although they have increased the size of the bacon pieces which according to me does not taste as good as it used to the smaller pieces of crispy bacon.
2) Chicken Involtini - The Involtini is an outstanding starter of chicken stuffed with Mozzarella cheese. The cheese is folded into chicken breasts which are supported by a toothpick and then cooked. The cheese is just right and tastes brilliant when the dish is served. The only tricky part of the preparation is dealing with the tooth pick elegantly which is sometimes difficult to execute.
3) Lasagna - I tasted the chicken lasagna at Don Gs and it was exceptional. I can only imagine how good the beef lasagna must be. It is not too crisp as is the case in certain restaurants. It is just hard enough for the multiple layers of pasta, tomato, cheese and meat to stick together in perfect proportion
These are the top three dishes but it would be a great injustice to not talk about the Tiramisu and the coffee. Problem is that it would be difficult to fit both into the menu in the same meal. Both are outstanding, I urge you to go twice, or better still before the meal have a chat over some coffee and end with the Tiramisu. Only thing, you have to pre-book the Tiramisu as it runs out very quickly. So coffee for a pre meal conversation, Chicken Involtini for starters, if there are two of you order the Lasagna and the Risotto ala Don Giovanni, and end with the heavenly Tiramisu. You will fall in love with Italy right in the heart of Mumbai.
Good Italian food does not come cheap and a meal for two, with starters and dessert but without drinks at Don Giovanni will cost you Rs 2500/-
How to get there: Don Giovanni is in Juhu, at the signal between Juhu and Andheri, instead of proceeding on Juhu Tara Road toward JW Marriot. Turn right at the signal to go toward Prithvi, there will be a semi market complex on your left. Don Giovanni is one of the many restaurants/ shops. It is visible from the outside.