Susegad' in Mumbai

Thalassa set its roots in Goa over ten years ago, and has since been a go-to stop for everyone passing through Vagator. To find the recently opened branch in the city, one needs to the walk the entire length of Carter Road till Khar Danda.

The interiors reflect a lot Greece, mainly Santorini. And even though the beach is not right in front of you, the space gives off a vibe that reminds one of the relaxed atmosphere of Thalassa Goa. We make ourselves at home in the back where they have set cabanas. The floor is set in cobblestone and the walls whitewashed, transporting one to some cosy café in a quaint street in Greece.

We started our meal with the Tzatziki (Rs 330), a simple dip-and-eat dish. The dish that comprises yogurt, cucumber, garlic and olive oil, is served with hot pita bread. The last item comes as a side with most of their menu items.

Their serving of Mini Chicken Souvlakis (Rs 400) features pieces of chicken on skewers, generously doused in a secret sauce. The chicken pieces are perfectly coated, peppered and taste beautifully smoked.

A Greek salad is a lot more than just serving iceberg lettuce with olive oil; and Thalassa Mumbai serves just the right one with Horiatiki (Rs 420), which swiftly follows our appetizers. With fulfilling quantities of cucumbers, onions, lettuce, tomatoes and feta cheese, the salad is crisp and fresh.

We sip on a couple of signature cocktails to go along with our food. The Corfu Sunset (Rs 450) is a light and refreshing option made with vodka, guava juice and tabasco — offering a great combination of flavours. On the other hand, the Mykonos Blue (Rs 450) is not as strong as you’d like your cocktail to be, but is pleasant on account of the ice cream and passion fruit.

While the Spicy Prawn Saganaki (Rs 430), which followed, is definitely not something to write home about since the prawns were overpowered by the tangy tomato, the Chicken Gyros (Rs 500) is the winner of the night. Shredded chicken is served with Tzatziki salad, chips and pita bread, but the highlight of the dish is the chicken, which is  cooked just right, and retains its moisture  throughout the course of the meal.

We are quickly served the desserts — Baklava (Rs 420) and the Tiramisu (Rs 450). Doubtlessly, the Tiramisu wins our hearts — simple and sinful, It made us want to dig in a second time. The Baklava, unfortunately, is too sweet for our liking.

Thalassa Mumbai offers the space, and menu, for every occasion—a dinner date, a family outing or a quiet working afternoon. You’d be surprised how much you don’t miss the beach. Thalassa is a lot more than the beach — the food, drinks and the vibe make up for the lack of it.

Ratings: 3.5 Thalassa, 21st Street, Khar (West), off Carter Road, Khar (W)
Price for 2: Rs 1,500