Mezcalita Bandra

A set of lime green, ornamented double doors marks the entrance to Mezcalita, a restaurant and bar in Churchgate designed to feel like a Mexican street party. Once you’re inside, the space opens into a vibrant cantina where the walls are covered in colorful murals that pull directly from Mexico’s cultural heritage. The whole atmosphere is loud and lively, built to transport you out of Mumbai for the evening. The kitchen, led by a chef from Mexico, focuses on authentic, traditional recipes rather than Tex-Mex standards. The menu is built around small plates, so the expectation is to order several dishes to share. You’ll find different versions of guacamole, nachos, and ceviches to start, followed by a selection of handhelds like quesadillas, tacos, and panuchos – a fried tortilla specialty from the Yucatán region. Deeper into the menu are dishes like Alambres, a kind of deconstructed taco platter, and Flautas Ahogadas, which are crispy rolled tacos drowned in salsa. There are also a couple of versions of Aguachile, a bright and spicy broth served cold. As the name suggests, the bar is central to the whole operation. There's a serious focus on tequila and mezcal, forming the base of a cocktail program that matches the high-energy feel of the room. The combination of shareable food and strong drinks keeps the cantina buzzing well into the night.