Mumbai, 2024: Set in the heart of the city’s buzzing commercial district, BKC, this Mexican and California-inspired cocktail bar by Chrome Asia Hospitality, which has in its portfolio restaurants such as Gigi, KAIA Goa, Donna Deli and Eve, is set to be the next new hotspot for discerning patrons. Drawing inspiration from the vibrancy of Central America with a California soul, the space features an amalgamation of native Indian, Afro-Latin and Spanish design accents, fused with plenty of natural materials and vivid pops of colour. Spread over a massive 4,500 sq. ft. Lyla makes for a chic casual dine spot transitioning effortlessly into a cocktail bar by evening. Come for the vibe, the food, and drinks with a delicious twist! Chrome Asia Hospitality launches its latest F&B venture, Lyla, helmed by trio Pawan Shahri, Dhaval Udeshi and Nikita Shahri

The Interiors 

As you walk in, you’re greeted by the large, wood cladded island bar that’s a focal point of the space and a conversation starter—perfect for a night out or simply unwinding with some post-work drinks. A rich colour palette dominates the space, punctuated by statement murals, relaxed seating and patterned floors. Quirky lampshades, lacquered tables and artfully mismatched furniture make up some of the other design accents. The confluence of objets d’art, textiles and botanicals lends itself well to the breezy setting. The restaurant design is inspired by the colorful mood and atmosphere of Central America, and features al fresco seating as well. 

The Food and Drinks

With its fun, easy-going vibe, patrons are encouraged to drop by for tequila and mezcal drinks and cocktails paired with delicious bites such as California-style tacos, burritos, salads and punchy ceviche. Chef Beena Noronha has drawn inspiration from Californian-Mexican eateries with a menu that transitions from light lunch eats to heartier fare that pairs perfectly with the cocktails. “Most of what we see in the city is Tex-Mex food. So, we’ve tried instead to do a mix of Mexican and Californian cuisine that reflects the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere, along with flavours that diners are familiar with. I’ve spent a lot of time reading, researching and trying out different recipes. For the business lunch crowd, we have kept easy, light bites such as cobb salad or a vegan cottage cheese steak made with watermelon seeds. We’ve done churros with a savoury twist and also sloppy burgers with Mexican flavours.”

Some of the signature dishes include a Red Snapper Ceviche, Grande Nachos, Seven Layer Cobb Salad, and traditional Tortas or Mexican sandwiches, apart from the classic chimichangas, tacos, cubanos and burritos. End the meal with indulgent desserts like Monster Churro with salted caramel ice cream and chocolate sauce, Pina Colada Creme Brûlée and Tres Leches soaked in horchata milk. 

The cocktail menu draws inspiration from the dual Gold Rush, first when the Spanish Navies landed in Mexico and gave the world treasures in the form of chocolate, mangoes and more and the Californian Gold Rush that changed the face and fortunes of the peninsula forever. "Lyla’s drinks program gets a whole new dimension, the likes of which Mumbai hasn’t seen so far. Especially curated by Priyanko Sarkar, a spirits journalist and judge known for his storytelling-focussed bar takeovers until now, this is the first time his signature cocktails will be pouring in the city. With a strong focus on history, Lyla’s  drinks are a testament to the fabled stories of Mexico and California. 

Signatures Include: 

Dive into La Dorado, a picante with mango and avocado instead of typical spices. Or the Kahwen, a cocktail with a hint of coffee and chocolate that will keep you guessing for more. 

The refreshing Baja Blast is sure to transport you to the Californian coast while Querida, meaning beloved, is the perfect date night cocktail for long conversations. Try Reina de la Sur, a herbaceous drink with rosemary and gin or go for Maya Meets Lyla, a spirit forward drink that will set you up for the day. 

Round the night off with Gold Rush, a pineapple and pepper cocktail with tequila and the quirkily named Cali Peeli, a Paloma cocktail that brings you back to Mumbai with the special addition of kokum.

With its array of delicious signature cocktails highlighting spirits and ingredients from California and Mexico, Lyla promises to become your favourite new drinking spot in the city.

Pawan Shahri, co-founder of Chrome Asia Hospitality adds, “We’re thrilled to launch another F&B concept in BKC. It's a neighbourhood we know well and have a lot of experience in. Lyla has been a passion project for us all and we can’t wait for guests to savour delicious Mexican food, cocktails and the overall atmosphere, plugging the gap for a signature all-day bar in the area.”