Lyla BKC Review: A Vibrant New Restaurant And Bar Celebrating Mexican And Californian Flavours

The Bandra Kurla Advanced is quickly strengthening its place as one of many metropolis’s most taking place cultural hubs. Prior to now few months, a number of new eating places and bars have sprung up, including extra color and selection to the in any other case imposing industrial neighbourhood. We just lately had the possibility to go to one of many hottest new openings of the season – Lyla. This Mexican and California-inspired cocktail bar and restaurant is the most recent providing by Chrome Asia Hospitality, which can be identified for Gigi, KAIA Goa, Donna Deli and Eve.

Whereas Lyla has restricted out of doors seating, you possibly can solely actually escape the disheartening clutches of BKC when you step inside. The atmosphere is a marvel in itself – with a vibrant fusion of Indian, Afro-Latin and Spanish design accents. Wealthy upholstery, lampshades, lacquered tables, patterned flooring and mismatched furnishings create a breezy but tasteful setting. 

Photograph Credit score: Lyla

The kitchen is helmed by Chef Beena Noronha, who has curated an in depth menu that works equally properly for a leisurely lunch, a particular dinner, an indulgent snack cease or just for after-work drink. “Most of what we see within the metropolis is Tex-Mex meals. As a substitute, we have tried to highlight a mixture of Mexican and Californian flavours,” Dhaval Udeshi, one of many founders of Chrome Asia Hospitality, tells me. 

Photograph Credit score: Lyla

We started our expertise with the Summer time Backyard Guacamole, which was made tableside from scratch. It’s mesmerising to observe the server crush the avocados, sprinkle the salsa and customise it completely to our liking. Following the light actions is stress-free and permits you to give in to the enjoyable, escapist vibe exuded by the decor and music. We dig into the fantastically contemporary unfold with three forms of nachos and settle in for the delights to come back.

Photograph Credit score: Lyla

The star of the night was the Aji Lima Churros. These zesty savoury churros, graciously sprinkled with chilli lime seasoning, are the definition of irresistible. Pair them with a easy cheese dip or benefit from the inexperienced delights of the coriander jalapeno ranch – both manner, this crispy snack is one thing you may proceed to consider lengthy after they’re over (as we all know solely too properly).

Non-vegetarians, do not miss the strong spiciness and juiciness of Tequila Lime Rooster Wings. They’re full of sofrito and served with a novel goji berry sauce which we beloved. The abundance of aromas and tartness infused in a bit of succulent rooster makes it the last word indulgence. If you’re craving a subtler and crisper choice, go for the Calamares Fritos. This one additionally comes with a yummy sauce – a mango picante dip that we proceeded to eat with the remaining appetisers too!

_{Photograph Credit score: Lyla}

Lyla’s drinks program has been curated by famend spirits journalist Priyanko Sarkar. There are 9 signature drinks and the menu leans closely on tequila and mezcal. We loved the fruity notes of The Gold Rush, with tequila, pink wine, crushed pineapple and black pepper. It was bracing but rejuvenating. One other One – we’re advised it is a bestseller – can be spectacular. This fusion of reposado tequila, mango, avocado water and spices is a distillation of Lyla’s finest features in a glass. We additionally savoured Cali Peeli – a wedding of desi and Mexican components (kokum and tequila). The final can really feel particularly welcoming within the top of Mumbai summer season.

Photograph Credit score: Lyla

Any restaurant that describes itself as Mexican – even partly – can be anticipated to get their tacos proper. And we’re happy to inform you that Lyla doesn’t disappoint on this regard. From their ‘Tacos & Tortillas’ part, we extremely advocate the Hawaiian Rooster Tacos. We bit right into a crunchy shell to find a lip-smacking mixture of rooster and charred pineapple. Jalapenos and caramelised onions contributed to the great symphony of sweetness and spice: that is what taco goals are product of. Among the many vegetarian decisions, we preferred the healthful Spinach Enchiladas that includes baked tortillas encasing the leafy greens, beans, cheese, avocado and a tangy tomato and jalapeno ranchero sauce.

Within the mains, there are some flavourfully decadent choices like Buttery Bay Scallops and Rooster Adobo. We relished the goodness of the Salsa Verde Rice Bowl, which is a vegan dish. The salsa verde rice and three-bean gravy had been a lightweight and refreshing mixture. It comes with two chunks of vegan cottage cheese, which was a mushy and satisfying accompaniment.

Photograph Credit score: Lyla

The dessert part poses an unfair dilemma after a night of such feasting – how one can choose only a single deal with? Like the opposite programs, the ultimate one at Lyla’s additionally presents some thrilling and thoughtfully curated decisions. There are theatrical ones just like the Chocolate Coma (a medley of varied sorts of chocolate delicacies) and basic ones just like the Horchata Tres Leches. After the success of its savoury sibling, we could not resist ordering the Monster Churros. The tornado churro is positioned on a splattered mattress of darkish chocolate sauce, flanked by hazelnut cream and salted caramel ice cream. We misplaced ourselves in its deliciousness.

Lyla gained us over with each course with its unerring consideration to flavour. It managed to straddle that high-quality line between simplicity and class. We won’t wait to return and uncover extra favourites from the menu.

The place: Lyla, Platina Constructing, G Block BKC, Bandra Kurla Advanced, Bandra East, Mumbai.