CT Review: I Tried Black Pizza For The First Time At Mumbai’s Siciliana & It Was Sinfully Addictive!

There’s a particular kind of hunger that isn’t really about food but about escape. This urge drives a person to a restaurant where they hope that, in a short span of one or two hours, the urban atmosphere of Mumbai can loosen its grip on them. One of those few places is a newly opened Italian restaurant, Siciliana, located in the heart of the Lower Parel, Mumbai. In this environment, time slows down enough to make customers feel the smell of freshly baked bread filling the air and the faint clink of glasses around them.

Siciliana Is An Italian Pause In The Middle Of Mumbai’s Chaos

Located in the Gourmet Village of Phoenix Palladium Mall, Siciliana is not just another restaurant serving Italian food in the bustling gastronomic arena of the city. The idea behind the establishment was to be a tribute to the Italian ideal of a slow lifestyle, based on the idea that food should be enjoyed, not rushed. At the entrance, one is greeted by an ambience featuring a blue-and-white motif, cosy lighting, terracotta details, and the soft charm of a Mediterranean trattoria, thus providing a brief but welcome relief from the pace of life the city typically offers.

Cocktails That Set The Mood Before The Meal Begins

I went to Siciliana and was instantly transported to the sun-dotted coast of Italy. We began our evening with cocktails, which set the tone for the evening. The Angelo Azzuro came in lively and citrusy, with flavours of gin and blue curaçao, blended with a cool sharpness. Next, the Mai Tai of the Bella came in, leaning towards tropical aspects, using white rum as a base, with pineapple and a popcorn-flavoured syrupy sweetness that flung familiar notes but an amazing kick.

A Table Full of Vibrant Tastes & Unanticipated Delights

1. Layered Avocado Tartare

This dish, first seeming simple and clean, quickly demonstrated its complexity. The light opening was an avocado creamy, sprinkled with a homemade tomato salsa, and then topped with mango and chilli that brought about a playful spiciness. This surprise warmth went in perfect harmony with a drizzle of truffle oil that was not overpowering or dominating, but it complemented the whole composition.

2. Pesto Bocconcini and Olives

Unbelievably, this preparation made me admire. The bocconcino, which is smeared with pesto, simply melts as it reaches the tongue. Nevertheless, the real standout is the paprika cream cheese spread- smoky, slightly tangy, and completely addictive. Combined with a variety of crackers, the plate becomes a monotonous, tempting gluttony without any obvious self-awareness.

3. Edamame Arancini

The best of all flavours. The filling with black rice and seaweed gives a rich umami flavour, whereas the interior with cheese gives a satisfying stretch. The edamame ingredient is bold, without fear of prominence. When the plate is dipped in wasabi mayo, it becomes a shift between admirable and melodramatic, with a crisp outer layer and molten middle claiming a memorable introduction.

4. Olive Chicken Kebab

Crushed chicken, mixed with the olive and herbs, provides a savoury richness. The dressing of the sumac-infused yoghurt adds a touch of tanginess, freshness, and a bit of sharpness. Instead of the traditional thick pita, the kebab is served with padina bread, which gives it a lighter and more airy texture. This equilibrium makes the dish less rich than it would be and makes it less heavy.

The Mains

1. Black and Bianca Pizza

A symbol of truffle-laced fineness. The black truffle pate is assertive, strong, and unashamedly earthy in its personality. Mushrooms and onions, herb-grilled, also add further dimensions of flavour, and the white cheese salsa balances the whole taste profile. The pizza is indulgent yet not wild. Its crust is crisp outside, soft inside, and determinedly addictive.

2. Creste Alla Siciliana

The first bite of this pasta was the spark of curiosity; the second bite created a hook that was hard to resist. A golden pumpkin sauce brings a gentle spicy heat that builds slowly. It carries an Indian buttery comfort resonance and still has an unmistakable Sicilian persona. A traditional comfort meal with a vivid and flexible nature, which can be served to customers who enjoy mild versions. This pasta grows and takes shape and wins the heart.

3. Chicken Parmigiana

The fried chicken is crisp and golden, and the garlic ragu sauce brings in a rich and comforting flavour. Mashed potatoes, buttery and nearly sinful, are a delightful accompaniment. The food is not overpowering but is still hearty enough to be the quintessential comfort food.

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The Sweet Conclusion

1. Nonna’s Tiramisu

A mascarpone custard with old-fashioned elegance is simply a layer of creamy mascarpone pudding topped with coffee liqueur without needless ornamentation. It is competently embracing of tradition in ways that are smooth, balanced and soothing.

2.Tres Leches Cake

A vanilla sponge dipped in a triple combination of milks, crowned by praline and fruit confit. The cake has a light but decadent quality; it is sweetness without excess, a soothing and satisfying end to the dinner.

At the end of the dining experience, Siciliana was more of a break than a traditional restaurant experience that allowed people to talk longer, share the food, and, at least temporarily, feel disconnected from the urban environment.

Cover Image Courtesy: Deeplata Garde, Meghna Jaiswal/Supplied