After a long and exhausting day, sometimes all you really need is good food, great cocktails, and a beautiful space to unwind. That is exactly what I experienced when I visited Alta Stella, actor Sanjay Dutt’s stylish dining destination in Mumbai. From creative zodiac-inspired cocktails to flavour-packed dishes like their delicious chilli chicken bowl, the evening felt like the perfect mix of indulgence and comfort. The chic ambience, lively vibe, and thoughtfully curated menu instantly made the place stand out. But is Alta Stella actually worth all the hype it has been getting lately? Read on to find out.
Inside Sanjay Dutt’s Alta Stella
We started the evening with a couple of appetisers and ordered the Tangra Chicken Pops along with the Achari Fish Tikka. As someone who had never tried fish before, I was honestly a little hesitant, but the Achari Fish Tikka completely surprised me in the best way possible.
It was incredibly soft on the inside with just the right amount of crispiness outside, and the flavours were so well balanced that it barely felt like I was eating fish at all. The achari spices added a delicious punch without overpowering the dish. The Tangra Chicken Pops, on the other hand, were decent but did not stand out as much for me compared to the fish tikka.
Before moving on to the main course, I knew I had to try the one thing everyone seems to talk about at Alta Stella, their zodiac-themed cocktails. Honestly, that was one of the biggest reasons I was excited to visit the place in the first place. I ordered the Aries cocktail, described as “Fire does not negotiate. It surges,” and the drink was indeed delicious, just too strong for my taste.
Made with smoked whisky, ginger, and lime and balanced with a hint of honey, the cocktail had a bold, fiery flavour that instantly stood out. I also tried the Sagittarius cocktail, called “The Wounded Healer”, which had beautiful smoky cardamom notes blended with agave and a much smoother, warmer flavour profile, and if I had to choose one, this is the one I would pick.
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But before even taking the first sip, what genuinely impressed me the most was the presentation. Both cocktails arrived looking absolutely stunning and theatrical, almost too pretty to drink. From the smoke effects to the detailed styling, the entire experience felt immersive.
Is The Food Really Worth It?
After enjoying the cocktails and starters, it was finally time for the main course, and honestly, choosing what to order was the toughest part because the menu had so many tempting options. Since I was in the mood to try something different, I decided to go for their Asian-Indian fusion dishes. We ended up ordering the Chilli Paneer Bowl, Chicken Chilli Bowl, Chicken Tikka Masala, and my personal favourite category of food ever – sushi, specifically the Truffle Mushroom Maki.
As someone who absolutely loves sushi, the Truffle Mushroom Maki easily became one of the highlights of the meal for me. The truffle flavour was rich without being overpowering, and the sushi itself tasted fresh, soft, and perfectly balanced. It definitely did not disappoint. Another dish that really stood out was the Chicken Tikka Masala. The gravy had the perfect level of spice and creaminess, making it incredibly comforting, especially when paired with soft naan on the side.
The Highlight Of The Visit
The Chicken Chilli Bowl was also flavourful. The chicken was juicy, flavourful, and coated beautifully in the gravy, while the rice balanced everything out really well. The Paneer Rice Bowl turned out to be an absolute winner. And honestly, this might be controversial coming from someone who equally loves chicken dishes, but I would pick the paneer bowl over the chicken one any day. The paneer was soft, flavourful, and perfectly cooked, while the gravy had just the right balance of spice and richness. Every bite felt comforting and satisfying without being too heavy. To put it simply, it was delicious and ended up becoming one of my favourite dishes from the entire meal.
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The Dessert & The Ambience
After such a delectable meal, we were full, but let’s be honest: there is always room for dessert. So, we decided to keep it simple and went for the Boozy Mud Pie. And honestly, it was the perfect ending to the evening. Rich, indulgent, intensely chocolatey, and absolutely delicious, the dessert delivered pure comfort in every bite.
That pretty much sums up my visit to Alta Stella. From the ambience and beautifully presented zodiac cocktails to the flavour-packed food, the entire experience felt fun. If you are in Mumbai and looking for a place that offers great vibes, stunning interiors, good cocktails, and delicious food all in one spot, then Alta Stella definitely deserves a place on your bucket list.
Cover Image Courtesy: Tanvi Nalin Shrivastava, Supplied
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Who is the owner of Alta Stella?
Alta Stella is co-owned by Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt and entrepreneur Abhimanyu Jakhar, who is also the founder of Jakhar Hospitality.