Mia Cucina

Critic´s Review

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

-By Rashmi Uday Singh

This Italian eatery's young and talented chef–owner Chef Sanjay Kotian coaxes flavours out of simple and fresh ingredients. Understated elegance exudes from the white pillars to the wooden slatted chairs at this simple tea-wood-and-brick-walled restaurant with three branches -Powai, Bandra and Versova. Go for the Pollo Piccata (pan-fried to perfection, enlivened with Lemon Butter Caper Sauce, and served with carrots, zucchini and tomato-based pasta) or the Rawasalla Griglia (deliciously chargrilled with an interesting Black Olive Sauce). Spinachi Gorgonzola Pizza's delicate, memorable crust (dough is handmade and tossed in their kitchen) is layered (no tomato sauce) with spinach, pinenuts and juicy bell peppers - toppings could use a bit more flavour. Norwegian Salmon, pan fried Basa, Fillet de Manzo, Spaghetti Bolognaise and Zucchini Repanae with parmesan and pine nuts are recommended too. Strozzapretti con Pollo e Pesto, their home-made spiral pasta with sundried tomato pesto and chicken bursts with flavour, but the pasta wasn't cooked to the usual al dente perfection. Tender Pollo Griglia Con Salsa, their grilled chicken with spinach and plump potatoes is worth trying, as is the Risotto with Cherry Tomatoes. We recommend pairing your meal with an Italian versus Indian wine. You must try one of their decadent desserts before leaving. Gorge on the sinfully rich Belgian chocolate-based (flourless) Decadence Cake, or the well-made (with seasonal fruits) Panna Cotta Almond Chocolate, Blueberry and White Chocolate Cheesecakes, Apple Tart, Almond Cake and Regular Chocolate Cake too. Hearty meals served swiftly with smiles. Valet parking too! A new branch of Mia Cucina has now opened in Powai!