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Located on Linking Road in Bandra West, Bastian Bandra has served as one of the most high-profile dining spaces in Mumbai since its launch in 2016. The restaurant, which reopened in a larger and more modern location in 2023, became celebrated for its seafood-led menu, its vibrant setting, and its status as a destination for celebrities and the city’s social elite. On Thursday, the restaurant will close, with management hosting a farewell evening for its loyal guests. The announcement has been described as the “end of an era,” although the Bastian brand will continue through its other outlets, including the popular Dadar location.
Bastian Bandra was founded in 2016 under the Bastian Hospitality Group, established by Ranjit Bindra, with Shilpa Shetty later joining as co-owner and investor. Initially launched as a compact Bandra restaurant with a strong emphasis on seafood, it rapidly built a loyal clientele. Diners appreciated its eclectic mix of international influences and creative approach to presentation, which set it apart in the competitive Mumbai dining landscape.
The early years of Bastian Bandra saw it become more than a fashionable spot. Its distinctive interiors, with wood finishes and warm tones, created an atmosphere that balanced comfort and sophistication. Guests ranged from regular food enthusiasts to well-known figures from film, fashion, and business, adding to its aura of exclusivity.
In 2023, Bastian Bandra reopened in a redesigned space on Linking Road. The new multi-level venue was larger, more glamorous, and better suited to events and themed nights. This move reinforced its place as the flagship of the brand, while also reflecting the ambition of Bastian Hospitality Group to expand its footprint in India’s dining and nightlife sector. The brand soon added new outlets in Dadar, Worli, Pune, and Goa, though Bandra remained its cultural anchor.
Over nearly a decade, Bastian Bandra became synonymous with Mumbai’s changing dining culture. It represented the rise of contemporary fine dining, where food, interiors, and atmosphere came together to create a complete experience. Its presence in Bandra, a neighbourhood already famous for its nightlife, gave it a unique edge. The restaurant became a backdrop for high-profile celebrations, social events, and regular gatherings that shaped the city’s cultural identity.
The restaurant’s reputation was not only built on its celebrity clientele but also its consistent culinary creativity. The menu balanced seafood-focused specialities with vegetarian and meat options, reflecting the diversity of Mumbai’s diners. Over the years, the restaurant’s dishes frequently featured in lifestyle publications and social media, giving it visibility far beyond its physical location.
Bastian Bandra also earned recognition within the hospitality industry. In 2018, Condé Nast Traveller India ranked it number 14 on its “Top Restaurant Awards” list, a significant achievement that placed it among the best dining establishments in the country. The Bastian Hospitality Group later won the “Luxury Restaurant of the Year – Editor’s Choice (Maharashtra)” in 2024, further validating its influence. Meanwhile, its Dadar outlet, Bastian at the Top, secured the Times Food Award for Restaurant of the Year and was also named Nightclub of the Year, reinforcing the group’s ability to thrive across different aspects of the dining and nightlife industry.
The announcement of Bastian Bandra’s closure has coincided with legal troubles involving Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra. The couple has been accused of defrauding a Mumbai businessman of nearly ₹60 crore in a loan-cum-investment dispute dating back to 2015. The case, currently under investigation by the Economic Offences Wing, has added a complicated backdrop to the restaurant’s final week.
Although management has not directly linked the closure to the controversy, the timing has prompted widespread speculation. In its official statement, the restaurant referred to the decision as temporary and described it as part of “a fresh new beginning.” A farewell evening has been planned for Thursday, which will allow regulars and loyal supporters to share in its final moments before the venue undergoes changes.
Operations at other outlets, including Bastian at the Top in Dadar, will continue. The group has assured patrons that its events and signature dining experiences will remain available, signalling that the brand’s presence in Mumbai is far from over.
