SŌZŌ Blends Tradition and Innovation in Mumbai’s First Self-Ordering Izakaya

SŌZŌ Blends Tradition and Innovation in Mumbai’s First Self-Ordering Izakaya

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on August 24, 2024

SŌZŌ, a trailblazer in Japanese culinary innovation, has introduced Mumbai’s first self-ordering izakaya dining experience with the opening of its flagship restaurant in Versova. This new concept blends the traditional flavors of Japanese izakaya cuisine with the convenience of modern self-service, offering a unique dining experience for patrons.

The restaurant is led by Head Chef Parvez Khan, who brings his expertise from working at renowned establishments like Wasabi by Morimoto, and Sameer Tirani, a visionary investor in the hospitality sector. Together, they have crafted a diverse menu that highlights "express-comfort izakaya" dishes. The offerings include a variety of Japanese comfort foods, such as the juicy SOZO BAO-GER, flavorful DONBURI bowls, warm RAMEN, and classic GYOZA, all made with high-quality ingredients sourced directly from Japan. These dishes are served quickly through an easy-to-use, self-ordering system.

SŌZŌ’s interior is designed to reflect the cozy, inviting atmosphere of a traditional Japanese home, fused with modern elements. The 1200 sq. ft space features traditional Japanese Noren banners, natural wood moldings, and a shoji-inspired ceiling, creating an intimate dining setting. A striking glossy red wall with a large glass window offers diners a view of the culinary team at work, while a serene Zen garden provides a peaceful retreat within the restaurant.

Beyond the food, SŌZŌ offers a carefully curated selection of beverages, including in-house drinks, frappes with boba, and Kombucha, all designed to complement the rich flavors of the menu.

Chef Parvez Khan expressed the vision behind SŌZŌ, stating, "We aim to revolutionize Japanese dining by merging the convenience of self-ordering with the immersive experience of a traditional izakaya." Partner Sameer Tirani added, "Our goal is to create a seamless, authentic, and value-driven dining experience that stands out by integrating traditional Japanese culinary art with modern service efficiencies."

SŌZŌ is open daily from 12 pm to 11 pm, offering both quick lunches and indulgent dinners in a setting that celebrates Japanese culture and culinary excellence.


Commune Launches Sunday Brunch Series with Easter Kick-Off

Commune Launches Sunday Brunch Series with Easter Kick-Off

By Hariharan U

Published on April 1, 2026

Commune is set to elevate weekend dining with the launch of its much-anticipated Sunday Brunch series, kicking off on April 5, 2026, with a specially curated Easter edition. Envisioned as a recurring weekly experience, the brunch blends indulgent food, live entertainment, and a relaxed, social atmosphere.

The Easter launch sets the tone with a thoughtfully curated spread that balances freshness and comfort. Guests can explore a variety of salads including Mediterranean couscous and quinoa avocado, alongside small plates such as herb and cheese stuffed mushrooms and tempura vegetables. The mains bring together global and regional flavours, featuring dishes like Ratatouille vegetable steak, Thai Panang curry, Laal Maas, and slow-roasted chicken.

Enhancing the experience further are a dedicated live counter and a grazing table, offering guests an interactive and immersive way to enjoy the meal.

In keeping with the festive spirit, the dessert selection introduces playful Easter-inspired highlights. From hot cross buns pudding and carrot cake with cream cheese frosting to golden Easter eggs with mango-coconut ganache and Royal Kunafa, the menu adds a celebratory finish to the afternoon.

Beyond the food, the brunch experience is designed to encourage guests to slow down and connect. Live singing performances every Sunday add a vibrant yet easy-going energy, transforming the brunch into a leisurely social gathering rather than just a meal.

Commune’s Sunday Brunch aims to become a go-to weekend ritual, offering a space where guests can unwind, indulge, and enjoy a thoughtfully curated dining experience


Barista Coffee Launches ‘Main Hoon Mango’ Summer Menu

Barista Coffee Launches ‘Main Hoon Mango’ Summer Menu

By Hariharan U

Published on April 1, 2026

Barista Coffee Company is welcoming the summer season with the launch of its much-anticipated mango campaign, ‘Main Hoon Mango’, starting April 1, 2026. The initiative celebrates the timeless appeal of mango, often regarded as the heart of Indian summers, through a vibrant and indulgent in-café experience.

Deeply rooted in Indian culture, mango carries strong emotional and nostalgic value, evoking memories of childhood, seasonal rituals, and simple joys. With this campaign, Barista aims to bring that familiarity to life while adding a contemporary twist through innovative flavours and formats.

At the centre of the campaign is a specially curated menu that blends the richness of mango with the brand’s signature coffee expertise. The lineup features a mix of beverages and desserts, including Dirty Mango Latte, Chilli Mango Tango, Mango Iced Espresso, Mango Matcha, Mango Affair, and a Mango Cheesecake Slice. Each creation is designed to balance freshness with indulgence, offering guests a new way to experience the season’s most loved fruit.

Speaking about the launch, Rajat Agrawal said, “As the mango season approaches, Barista has once again introduced a summer menu built around the king of fruits. ‘Main Hoon Mango’ celebrates the essence of Indian summers through a flavour that resonates with everyone. This campaign brings together nostalgia and indulgence in a refreshing experience, and we look forward to offering our customers a unique mango journey across all Barista outlets.”

Available across Barista cafés and online platforms, the ‘Main Hoon Mango’ range is priced starting at INR 275, making it accessible for customers looking to enjoy a seasonal indulgence.

With this launch, Barista Coffee Company continues to tap into seasonal preferences, creating experiences that go beyond beverages and connect with consumers through flavour, memory, and innovation.


Nespresso Opens Its First Store in Gurugram at Ambience Mall

Nespresso Opens Its First Store in Gurugram at Ambience Mall

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 1, 2026

Nespresso, the premium coffee brand by Nestlé, has officially opened its first store in Gurugram at Ambience Mall, marking an important step in its expansion in India’s premium retail space. Spread across around 2000 sq ft, the store introduces the brand’s signature portioned coffee and barista-style machines to the city.

Known for offering a café-like experience both at home and in-store, Nespresso has built its identity around precision brewing, curated coffee blends, and a strong focus on sustainable sourcing. With this launch, the brand brings its complete coffee experience to Gurugram, where consumers are increasingly leaning towards refined and experience-driven choices.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, “The opening of Nespresso at Ambience Mall is indicative of how consumption patterns in urban India are steadily evolving towards more refined and experience-driven choices. Coffee today has become an expression of lifestyle and personal taste. Nespresso’s globally established format, combining high-quality coffee, advanced brewing systems, and a strong sustainability ethos, resonates well with this shift. At Ambience, our approach is to curate brands that bring depth and differentiation to the retail experience. This launch not only strengthens our premium portfolio but also enhances the overall consumer journey within the mall.”

The store has been designed to offer an immersive experience, allowing customers to explore Nespresso’s range of coffees and machines while also discovering personalised coffee routines. With this addition, Nespresso joins other premium café and dessert brands such as Paul and Ladurée, further enhancing the mall’s food and beverage offerings.

The launch also reflects the growing popularity of premium coffee culture in urban India, where consumers are looking for quality, convenience, and consistency in their everyday choices.

With Nespresso now part of its portfolio, Ambience Mall continues to strengthen its position as a destination for premium and experience-led retail in Gurugram.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.