Circa early 2000s, Koyla opened up as the city’s first sheesha lounge and the first rooftop venue. Surprisingly, its competition (including Riyaaz Amlani’s Mocha chain) didn’t survive many years in the business, but Koyla did. And now, once again, competition for this decade-plus restaurant is on the rise.

All up in smoke

Here’s an example of history repeating itself that’ll put even the staunchest skeptics out of business. It all started in the early 2000s, when Koyla first opened its doors on the rooftop of Colaba’s Gulf Hotel. The casual lounge brought the city its very first contemporary hookah, a Turkish delight that had reigned supreme even in traditional Indian circles. With a matter of five years, a number of sheesha lounges popped up around the city – from Riyaaz Amlani’s Mocha chain of lounges to Café Coffee Day began offering sheesha – and eventually shut shop too. But Koyla didn’t. It survived the red tape and the city’s turn towards fine-dining experiences. Since then, Koyla expanded to two other locations in Andheri, and it is in this suburb that competition for this decade-plus venue is on the rise once again.

Koyla

For over 15 years, Koyla has maintained an offering of sheesha, kebabs and Northern Frontier fare in an Arabian nights’ theme – and we also love that the establishment always finds a rooftop for itself. While there’s a serious dearth of consistency in this city, Koyla’s attempts to hold on to its winning formula might need a do-over.

Sirocco

This open-air lounge has a number of positives – a long list of sheesha flavours to choose from, a bar menu that includes the best single malts, etc. But best of all are the live music Wednesday evenings here. Taking to the microphone are singers (perhaps, waiting to be noticed) crooning upbeat Bollywood and Sufi numbers to keep hookah enthusiasts, well, enthused. The only downside: this is a cramped, all-vegetarian venue.

Take It Easy

“Hookah”, “full bar” and “spacious” does not a sentence make. Usually. But, Take It Easy is clearly breaking the monotony of typical sheesha lounges. It’s multi-cuisine fare may not be the best in town, but if there’s one thing we’re beginning to love it’s one that averts the risk of getting burned due to cramped seating arrangements.

How to Get There:

Koyla
Where: Gulf Hotel, HNA Azmi Marg, Colaba, Mumbai | JP Road, Versova, Andheri West
Contact: Colaba – 022 33956157 | Andheri – 022 30151974
Timings: Coloba – All Days 7 PM to 1:30 AM | Andheri – All Days 7 PM to 12:30 AM
Cost: ₹1,500 for two people

Sirocco
Where: Inch By Inch Body Temple, JP Road, Off Yari Road, Panch Nagar, Near D Mart, Versova, Andheri West
Contact: +91 9819929669 | 022 65720777
Timings: All Days 12 Noon to 1:30 AM
Cost: ₹1,200 for two people (VAT & service charges extra)

Take It Easy
Where: New Link Road, Opposite Star Bazar, Andheri Lokhandwala, Andheri West
Contact: 022 30151545
Timings: 11:30 AM to 1 AM
Cost: ₹1,500 for two people