Cafe Mangii

Critic´s Review

• Food: 3.5 / 5
• Service: 3 / 5
• Decor: 3 / 5

-By Rashmi Uday Singh

Now that the Mumbai nights are getting cool and crisp, it would be apt to say that this friendly neighbourhood eatery is LIKE a comfy warm blanket. Sushama and Sameera Reddy and their family eat regularly here. Unfussed and relaxed, Cafe Mangii reopened only a few months ago after a complete overhaul. It all started off with a mango tree...Prashant Chaudhry named his first restaurant 'Mangi Fera' (Mangifera Indica is the scientific name of mango) after a mango tree on the patio. This was eight years ago in Vile Parle and I had some great wood-fired pizzas then. Ever since then Mangii's tribe has been increasing.

An easy vibe, exposed brick wall, dessert counter and earthly tones surround us as we sink into the cushioned furniture.We bite into the golden crisp Jalapeno poppers and luscious hot melted oozes, the thin crust of the Pizza Fiama with its generous toppings delights.

Margherita, Quattro Formaggio, Mediterranean and Cajun Chicken are other popular pizza choices. Linguini with prawns and Pasta Romana are flavourful and cooked al dente. However Fettucini alio olio with mushrooms disappoints as it is sour. Some of the desserts are humdrum, the White and Dark Chocolate Mousse being a case in point. While the Tiramisu and Apple Pie pass muster, strawberry with champagne jello is unusual, it's the Cheesecake which has the perfect texture and flavour. So good that Sushama packs some to take home. Though the service is uneven, we come away happy with this cheery, noisy, moderately priced (Rs 1000 meal for two) neighbourhood Mediterranean, Italian eatery. It serves up comfort not dazzle, but my guests both comfort and dazzle. God's in his heaven, all's well with the world.