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There is a kind of cooking that doesn't announce itself. There is no need for drama or novelty. It’s simple; warm, precise, inviting. And somewhere between the first bite of the bread and the last spoonful of the dessert, you experience what wonders one’s love for food can do. For a lot of us, that experience has been associated with cucina napoletana. And for six days in April, it's coming to Mumbai.
Celini at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai is hosting Chef Valerio Mandile for an exclusive pop-up as part of Masters of the Table. As Chef de Cuisine at Grissini in Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, he has been bringing the simple and rich flavours of Napoli to the town. With this series, where Grand Hyatt brings internationally acclaimed chefs to its signature restaurants, patrons in Mumbai get a chance to experience the cuisine in a new light. This is its second edition, and in many ways, with Chef Valerio’s roots in Italy, it's most personal.
A Napoli native, Chef Valerio's culinary instincts were shaped early. Whether it was in home kitchens, or in the trattorias of Southern Italy, or eventually in the best of the world restaurants, his experiences have shaped his flair with the cuisine. And understandably so. These are the places where food becomes philosophy. Your technique, the approach, as well as the emotions the plate conjures, it all come together.
Among the most formative are the Ristorante Don Alfonso 1890 in Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi, a two Michelin-starred institution perched above the Amalfi Coast. Unlike many others, the Neapolitan cuisine isn't adapted or interpreted here so much as it is guarded. Amid one of Italy's most revered kitchens it is that Chef Valerio learned what it means for simplicity to be a discipline. And that education runs through every dish on this menu. As he says, “My cuisine is deeply rooted in the traditions of Naples, where the purity of ingredients defines every dish. I look forward to sharing these flavours with Mumbai, presenting a menu that honours heritage while embracing creativity.”
The 6-day feast boasts a thoughtfully curated selection of dishes. Think Orecchiette Pugliesi with broccolini and parmesan, Pappardelle allo Zafferano con Ragu di Anatra featuring saffron-infused handmade pasta with duck ragout, and Riso al Pomodoro, Stracciatella e Melanzane with Acquerello rice and smoked eggplant.
The regional flavours also come to play with dishes like Merluzzo in Guazzetto, a delicate cod preparation in prawn and clam broth; Pollo alla Romana with roasted vegetables; and Agnello alla Molisana, a slow-cooked lamb loin paired with truffled mash and seasonal greens.
Wherever you are on the spectrum of exploring Italian fare, whether you think Italian is all about pizza and pasta, or you’re knee deep in the regional cuisines, it is a place for all. To learn, experience, and for a meal, experience the soul of Napoli. "Masters of the Table is designed to create immersive culinary journeys that go beyond dining," says Chef Neeraj Tyagi, Cluster Director of Culinary, West India, Grand Hyatt Mumbai. "Chef Valerio's showcase brings the soul of Southern Italy to Mumbai, offering guests an authentic and refined expression of Italian cuisine."
The soul of Southern Italy, for six days. We definitely think that's worth showing up for.
Dates: 7th – 12th April 2026
Timings: Lunch (12:30 PM – 3:00 PM) | Dinner (7:00 PM – 11:30 PM)
Venue: Celini, Grand Hyatt Mumbai
À la carte menu, reservations: +91 70459 50135 | +91 70459 50137