Amichi, a new 16-seater pizzeria in Bandra, has officially opened, bringing authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, traditional Italian comfort food, and the warmth of a neighbourhood restaurant to Mumbai. The restaurant is built around a simple idea of serving Italian food in its most authentic form while creating a space where guests can relax, connect, and enjoy a leisurely meal.

At a time when Italian cuisine is often adapted to suit different tastes, Amichi stays true to traditional recipes, techniques, and ingredients that have shaped Italian cooking for generations. Every dish reflects a focus on quality, simplicity, and authenticity, allowing the flavours to take centre stage.

Designed to recreate the charm of neighbourhood eateries across Italy, the intimate restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere that encourages guests to stay longer and enjoy the experience. From its slow-fermented Neapolitan pizzas and carefully sourced ingredients to its cosy interiors filled with character, every detail has been thoughtfully planned to reflect the warmth and hospitality of Italian culture.

The restaurant's name carries a special meaning. "Amichi" is inspired by the Italian word for friends while also echoing the Marathi word "Aamchi," meaning "ours." This blend reflects the founders' vision of creating a place that feels welcoming, familiar, and rooted in both cultures.

The menu features a selection of classic pizzas, including Margherita, Burrata Con Pesto, Quattro Formaggi, Diavola, Parma Ham, and the signature Pizza Amichi. Guests can also enjoy antipasti such as Bruschetta Classica, Mozzarella in Carrozza, Parmigiana di Melanzane, and Fiori di Zucca. Some of the recipes have been inspired by dishes prepared by the founder's grandmother, adding a personal touch to the menu.

Desserts continue the authentic Italian experience with regional flavours and timeless recipes. The signature Panna Cotta stands out as one of the highlights, offering a light and comforting end to the meal.

Amichi is the result of the friendship between founders Angelo and Mishal, who first met in the Maldives. Despite coming from different backgrounds—Angelo from Italy and Mishal from Mumbai—they quickly bonded over their shared love for food, travel, humour, and hospitality. Their friendship eventually led to the idea of opening a restaurant that honours Angelo's Italian roots while finding a home in Mumbai.

That friendship is reflected throughout the restaurant, from photographs capturing memorable moments together to hand-painted illustrations that add a personal touch to the interiors. The founders wanted Amichi to feel like an extension of their bond, creating a welcoming space where friends and families can gather over good food and meaningful conversations.

The founders have also invested in preserving authenticity behind the scenes. Before the restaurant opened, they brought a chef from Italy to Mumbai to train the kitchen team in traditional Italian recipes, techniques, and cooking methods. The initiative also supports skill development within the hospitality industry while ensuring every dish stays true to its Italian roots.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the restaurant, Mishal Varma, Co-founder of Amichi, said, “The idea for Amichi really began with Angelo's search for pizza in Mumbai and the disappointment that came with. That led to many conversations about authenticity, tradition, and the kind of restaurant we felt was missing in the city. When we decided to build Amichi, we were clear about one thing: we weren't interested in reinventing Italian food. We wanted to celebrate it as it has been enjoyed in homes and neighbourhood restaurants across Italy for generations. Amichi is our way of bringing that experience to Mumbai.”

With its focus on authentic Neapolitan pizzas, traditional Italian flavours, and genuine Italian hospitality, Amichi aims to bring a fresh dining experience to Mumbai while staying true to the traditions that inspired it.

• Address: Amichi, Mac Ronells Bungalow, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
• Operational Hours: 12:00 pm to 12:00 am