I still remember the afternoons of my childhood, sitting at friend’s kitchen table barely making it over the ledge, watching his mother—a Japanese expat—effortlessly whisk together silky miso soups, roll delicate sushi in seaweed I had never tasted before, and simmer broths into soulful ramen. This was at a time when Japanese cuisine had barely made its mark on India’s culinary scene. Back then, everything she put on the table felt like a secret she was quietly sharing with us, one bowl at a time. And ever since, I’ve carried a deep reverence for the kind of subtlety, patience, and precision that shapes every aspect of Japanese cooking.
So, when I first stepped into Donmai, Mumbai’s newest modern-day izakaya in Worli, I wondered if I’d rediscover some of that gentle magic. The city’s clamour faded as I took in the natural wood finishes and artful compositions that set a calm, almost meditative stage. Every detail in the décor pays homage to the transformation of raw materials into refined forms—akin to the careful preparation of a meal.
Conceptualized by Founder and Artist Ish Patil, these artworks and lantern-lit corners reflect the mindful aesthetic that underpins Japanese design. Here, Co-Founder, Sameer Uttamsingh and Patil have created more than a restaurant; they’ve fashioned a haven for purists like me alongside adapting it with a modern acceptance. (They had some banger subtle house playing as the night set in)
The menu, stewarded by Executive Head Chef Oishik Neogy, strikes a careful balance between authenticity and innovation. No flavor is forced; no ingredient is out of place. Crispy Nori Chips dusted with Togarashi and a Seaweed Salad in sesame-ponzu dressing with granola highlight clean, invigorating flavors that feel both true to tradition and thoughtfully updated for a contemporary palate.
The raw preparations—Bonito Tataki and the crowd-favorite Hamachi Carpaccio—are notably fresh, enhancing their natural umami without any gimmicks. Even the sushi respects its origins: the rice-to-fish ratio honors tradition, ensuring that the delicate taste of the fish isn’t overwhelmed. It’s a subtle detail, but one that speaks volumes about their commitment to quality.
Equally intriguing is the sleek, semi-circular bar that grounds Donmai’s interior. A resin-carved mobius strip leads your eyes along the wall, showcasing bottles of sake, shochu, and Japanese whiskies. The cocktails here are concept-driven marvels. ‘Umammmiiiiiii’ introduces a layer of savory complexity, while ‘Negroniiiiiiii’ adds an earthy depth with a whisper of truffle air. ‘Gaaarriii’ and ‘Sakuraaaaaa’ push the boundaries of what a cocktail can be—modern mixology at its spirited best.
Catering to personal needs is second nature here; Karishma Sakrani saw to my needs, and along with Sameer helped craft a version of a signature drink without alcohol and adjusted it to suit my diabetic requirements, without sacrificing the experience. Such thoughtfulness is rare, and it instantly won my heart as opposed to many places around the city that fane ignorance with diabetics and people with special requests.
If spirits aren’t your thing, Donmai offers an equally enchanting tea menu—smoky Hojicha, nutty Genmaicha, and fragrant floral blends that invite you to linger, savor, and breathe deeply. Each sip is a reminder that there’s more to dining than just eating; it’s about paying attention to what’s in front of you. As I left Donmai, I realized that it doesn’t simply replicate the flavors of Japan; it interprets them through a lens that aligns with Mumbai’s modern palate while preserving the essence of tradition. “Donmai” means “everything is going to be okay,” and here, you feel it. The calm ambience, the carefully considered dishes, the attentive service—all combine to reassure you that there’s space in this frenetic city for mindful indulgence.
For anyone seeking to rediscover the understated beauty of Japanese culinary arts in a setting that respects both heritage and individuality, Donmai is waiting with an open table, ready to share its gentle story, one dish at a time.
Address: Donmai, G-03, Altimus, Opposite Doordarshan Towers, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Worli, Mumbai.
Cost for Two: Approximately INR 4,000 for food and INR 6,000 with alcohol