Beyond Luxury: Arpita Khan Sharma's 'Mercii' Redefines Mumbai’s Dining Scene

Beyond Luxury: Arpita Khan Sharma's 'Mercii' Redefines Mumbai’s Dining Scene

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 14, 2025

Mumbai’s dining scene has a new luxury hotspot—Mercii, the latest venture by Arpita Khan Sharma in collaboration with Richboyz Entertainment. Nestled in 81 Crest, Khar, Mercii is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of European fine dining infused with heartfelt hospitality. The name itself, French for “thank you,” embodies Sharma’s vision of creating a space that exudes warmth, appreciation, and elegance.

Spread over 9,000 sq. ft., the restaurant’s interiors blend opulence with contemporary design. The space features plush seating, inviting lighting, and skylights that transition from sunlit brilliance during the day to an intimate, starlit ambience by night. For exclusive gatherings, Mercii offers a private chamber, ensuring a refined experience tailored to every occasion.

A Culinary Journey Led by Chef Dennis Koll

At the heart of Mercii’s experience is its culinary artistry, curated by Group Culinary Director Dennis Koll. Having trained under Michelin-starred chefs and worked at prestigious establishments like Burj Al Arab, Koll brings a global perspective to the menu, offering a symphony of European flavors with a creative twist.

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Signature dishes include:

  • Matar Hummus and Lavash Chaat – a fusion of traditional hummus with Indian influences
  • Parmesan Charred Broccoli – broccoli florets with a crisp Parmesan crust
  • Crispy Salmon Rice – crispy rice topped with succulent salmon
  • Mushroom Chai – a unique mushroom consommé presented chai-style
  • Mercii Surprise – mini pita puffs filled with espuma of Indian potato and cauliflower
  • Coco LobsterMercii’s take on a Goan favorite with Xec Xec sauce and pan-seared coconut flesh
  • Crab Ravioli – succulent crab with cream cheese, tossed in a caper and cherry tomato beurre blanc

To complete the experience, the dessert menu features indulgent treats like Hazelnut Tiramisu, infused with praline and Arabica coffee, and the light yet flavorful Pavlova with shadow morels and raspberries.

Elevated Cocktails and Zero-Proof Elixirs

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Beyond its exquisite cuisine, Mercii boasts a masterfully curated cocktail program blending tradition with innovation. Standout drinks include:

  • Mercii Rocher – peanut butter-washed bourbon with hazelnut liqueur and bitters
  • Holy Biscoff – a dessert-inspired mix of reposado tequila, white chocolate liqueur, and French vanilla
  • Smoky Terrain – Talisker whisky with passion fruit and orange
  • TNT – tequila, pineapple juice, star anise, and truffle oil

For non-drinkers, Mercii offers refreshing zero-proof beverages like Mint Berry Mash (raspberry, blueberry, mint, and fizz) and Jasmine Nation (jasmine tea brewed in apple juice).

A Vision of Hospitality and Celebration

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Sharing her inspiration behind Mercii, Arpita Khan Sharma says,
"I wanted to create a place where every guest feels like they're stepping into a warm embrace, where the simple act of sharing a meal becomes a meaningful experience. Mercii is my way of extending a sincere 'thank you' to Mumbai, to every individual who walks through our doors, and to the beautiful journey that has led us here."

Gaurav Parikh, Partner at Mercii, adds,
"We believe Mercii is not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of life’s moments, big and small. Our collaboration with Arpita ensures that every aspect of Mercii, from the design to the menu, reflects a shared commitment to excellence and genuine hospitality."

With its blend of exceptional cuisine, elegant ambiance, and heartfelt hospitality, Mercii has already cemented its place as Mumbai’s new must-visit fine dining destination.

Restaurant Details:

Location: Mercii, 81 Crest, Linking Road, Santacruz (West), Mumbai

Cost for Two: Approx. ₹4,000 (without alcohol)

About Mercii:

Mercii is a European fine dining restaurant in Mumbai, founded by Arpita Khan Sharma in collaboration with Ketul & Gaurav Parikh and Anuj & Vicky Chugh of Richboyz Hospitality and Richboyz Entertainment. Offering a curated menu of authentic European cuisine, an innovative cocktail program, and elegant interiors, Mercii is redefining Mumbai’s luxury dining scene.


Ayana Rooftop Restaurant Opens at Udaipur Marriott Hotel

Ayana Rooftop Restaurant Opens at Udaipur Marriott Hotel

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 20, 2025

Udaipur Marriott Hotel has unveiled Ayana, its newest rooftop dining destination, offering guests a transcendent culinary journey set against the shimmering lakes and Aravalli Hills. True to its name, which means “the path,” Ayana guides diners through an immersive experience that begins with its serene poolside ambiance and culminates with indulgent desserts.

The restaurant’s design harmoniously blends contemporary Indian aesthetics with natural materials, oversized cushions, glowing lanterns, and curated world music, creating an atmosphere that is both vibrant and serene. The panoramic rooftop views add a magical dimension to every visit.

Ayana’s menu celebrates India’s royal culinary legacy, drawing inspiration from the Northwest Frontier and the regal kitchens of Rajasthan. Each dish is crafted with precision, honouring its origins while presenting a modern twist. The bar complements the menu with artisanal cocktails infused with Indian botanicals, spices, and local flavours, alongside a curated selection of fine wines and craft beers.

Designed for intimate dinners, celebratory gatherings, and exclusive events, Ayana offers a mix of communal seating, semi-private corners, and open decks. The restaurant is also deeply committed to sustainability, prioritizing locally sourced seasonal produce, plant-forward innovations, minimal food waste, energy-efficient kitchens, and elimination of single-use plastics.

Executive Chef Mohit Mishra commented on the launch:

“We are thrilled to officially welcome guests to Ayana. Our vision was to create more than just a restaurant, we wanted to craft a journey where each dish tells a story, each flavour evokes tradition, and every detail reflects India’s rich culinary heritage.”

Vaibhav Sagar, General Manager, added:

“Ayana is designed to be an immersive experience, not just a dining venue. From the sweeping rooftop views to the thoughtfully curated menu and serene yet vibrant ambiance, every element has been meticulously crafted to create lasting memories for both travellers and locals seeking a refined night out.”

Ayana promises to be a destination for culinary discovery, offering diners a seamless blend of tradition, innovation, and unforgettable experiences atop one of Udaipur’s most scenic rooftops.


1.5 Degree Expands Plant-Based Portfolio with New Beverages, Sundaes, Kulfi, and Popsicles

1.5 Degree Expands Plant-Based Portfolio with New Beverages, Sundaes, Kulfi, and Popsicles

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 18, 2025

1.5 Degree, India’s leading plant-based dairy alternative brand, has unveiled an exciting new range of signature beverages, frozen sundaes, traditional kulfis, and refreshing popsicles this festive season. The announcement comes on the heels of the company securing seed funding from BITS Pilani and being recognised among its top emerging startups.

The new collection reflects 1.5 Degree’s philosophy of combining indulgence with responsibility. Designed for the conscious consumer, the range features sugar-free café-style beverages like Kesar Badam, Salted Pistachio, Hazelnut Coffee, and Cold Vegan Tea, crafted for refreshing, guilt-free sips.

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The Frozen Sundaes promise rich, layered indulgence in flavours like Salted Peanut Butter and Nutty Choco Fudge, while the Kulfi Collection, also sugar-free, reimagines the classic Indian favourite with plant-based innovation. The Popsicle lineup includes fruity and tangy favourites such as Chilly Guava, Jamun, and Shikanji, complemented by rotating seasonal sorbets for an extra-refreshing twist.

“At 1.5 Degree, we believe in indulgence without compromise,” said Vedansh Goyal, Founder of 1.5Degree.co. “With the overwhelming response to our gelatos, this new range brings familiar Indian favourites like kulfi and shikanji into the plant-based space, while also offering global café-style beverages, now with sugar-free options that keep taste front and centre.”

All products are 100% plant-based, dairy-free, lactose-free, and cholesterol-free, made using natural ingredients without artificial additives or preservatives. Ethically sourced and responsibly produced, the brand reinforces its mission to support a cooler planet while offering full-flavoured experiences.

1.5 Degree’s new offerings are available across Delhi NCR and Mumbai through select retail outlets, quick-commerce platforms, kiosks, and cloud kitchens. Orders can also be placed online via Swiggy, Zomato, or directly at 1.5degree.co.

Founded with a vision to make plant-based indulgence mainstream, 1.5 Degree continues to expand its product line with an aim to merge taste, sustainability, and innovation, one scoop and sip at a time.


BarQat Returns to JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar with a Celebration of Abundance

BarQat Returns to JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar with a Celebration of Abundance

By Hariharan U

Published on October 16, 2025

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has opened the doors to its latest dining experience, BarQat, a restaurant that reimagines India’s rich culinary traditions through the lens of heritage and innovation. Meaning “abundance” in Urdu, BarQat captures the spirit of generosity and connection through food, celebrating regional flavours from Kashmir, Lucknow, Bhopal, and Hyderabad.

Designed as a culinary journey along India’s historical route, BarQat brings together the nuanced flavours and stories of these four regions, each offering its own interpretation of classic dishes. The restaurant’s philosophy is simple yet profound, to honour heirloom recipes while giving them a contemporary touch. Every dish tells a story of how shared roots evolved into diverse traditions across India’s culinary landscape.

Speaking about the relaunch, Sachin Mylavarapu, General Manager at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, said, “At JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, we believe true luxury is found in abundance — abundance of flavour, culture, connection, and celebration. The relaunch of BarQat embodies this philosophy. We've created a space where Straight-line Cuisine comes to life and the abundance of India's culinary heritage unfolds through heirloom recipes passed down through generations. Here, every gathering becomes an opportunity to foster deeper bonds with loved ones. From the lavish spread of regional delicacies to the warm embrace of shared meals, BarQat is designed for those special moments of togetherness. It's about celebrating abundance in every form — on your plate, in your conversations, and in the memories you create.”

Open daily from 7:00 PM to midnight, BarQat offers guests a place to unwind, celebrate, and savour the flavours of India’s most storied kitchens. With its rich textures, soulful aromas, and immersive storytelling, BarQat promises a dining experience that feels both timeless and contemporary.

Guests can reserve their tables by calling +91 7710009250 or visiting www.jwmumbai.com.

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