House of Paloma: A Latin-American Dream Unfolds in the Heart of Bandra

There’s something quietly cinematic about House of Paloma. Tucked into the buzzing bylanes of Bandra, this cocktail-forward, art-driven bar feels like a world of its own; a place where Latin American soul meets Mumbai’s evolving cocktail culture. Conceived by hospitality veterans Prathik Shetty, Chethan Hegde, and Samarth Shetty, House of Paloma is more than an addition to the city’s nightlife; it’s a cultural statement that merges food, art, and performance.

From the moment you step inside, the city’s chaos fades into a softer rhythm of conversation, music, and movement. Spread across 2,900 sq. ft., the space unfolds in layers: a breezy alfresco section for 40, a cozy indoor bar with 30 covers, and a private dining room for intimate gatherings. Designed by architect Sumessh Menon, the interiors balance natural textures with bold design: sculptural lighting, custom ceramic chandeliers, and earthy tones inspired by Mexico’s rustic warmth. Organic shapes lend softness, while art grounds the space — particularly Siddharth Kerkar’s large-scale works that infuse a visceral, almost surreal energy. His textured, expressive pieces serve as both anchor and conversation starter, echoing the vibrancy of the cocktails and the rhythm of the night.

The Cocktail Program: Liquid Stories of South America
At House of Paloma, cocktails aren’t just drinks; they’re stories told in liquid form. Each glass reflects a journey of origin, craft, and imagination. The menu unfolds across four chapters: Caliente (Hot and Fiery), Sazon (Bold and Spicy), Delicado (Elegant and Layered), and Directo (Spirit-forward), each with its own rhythm and personality. Guests can explore by mood, choosing from Fresh and Zesty, Fiery and Bold, Herbaceous and Aromatic, or Indulgent and Playful. Every visit feels like a new adventure in taste, and here’s what we sipped:

• Amazonia: Patrón Silver, red chilli, yuzu juice, and basil come together in this fiery, herbaceous cocktail. It opens with a burst of citrus and finishes with gentle heat from the chilli. Served in a crystal coupe rimmed with smoked salt, Amazonia bridges the lush forests of South America and the spice of India. It's the perfect medley of bright, fragrant, and dangerously addictive.
• Lima Loca: A nod to Lima’s lively streets, this cocktail blends Patrón Silver with in-house black lime cordial and a fizzy finish. The slow-dehydrated black lime adds complexity and depth, balancing its crisp acidity. Served tall over clear ice with a dehydrated lime wheel, it’s fresh, tangy, and the perfect sundowner companion.
• Mai Slay: A playful spin on the Mai Tai, this version uses Bombay Sapphire gin, pistachio orgeat, lemongrass, and orange for a nutty, citrusy,
  and aromatic cocktail. The pistachio orgeat gives it a lush texture, while lemongrass adds a refreshing lift. Served over crushed ice with a lemongrass stalk, it’s smooth, elegant, and effortlessly uplifting.

The Culinary Narrative
The food at House of Paloma mirrors its cocktails; they are bold, inventive, and full of character. Designed as small plates for sharing, the menu draws from Latin influences while staying true to modern Indian sensibilities. Flavours burst with vibrancy, presentations impress with elegance, and every dish strikes a fine balance between comfort and surprise.

• Meatball Gambas: Slow-simmered lamb meatballs swim in a spicy tomato and garlic aglio e olio sauce, paired with toasted bread bites that soak up the rich, rustic gravy. Warm, indulgent, and perfectly spiced, it pairs beautifully with tequila or mezcal cocktails.
• Crunchy Asparagus Sushi: This vegetarian roll is a triumph of texture and taste. Tempura asparagus meets creamy avocado, tanuki crunch, and a spicy emulsion that’s both delicate and fiery. The soy glaze’s umami hit ties it all together with finesse.
• Cauliflower Taco: Roasted cauliflower rests on a silky cauliflower purée, lifted by smoky salsa macha. Each bite brings earthy, tangy, and spicy notes wrapped in a soft taco shell. It is proof that vegetarian plates can be just as satisfying.
• Miso Wasabi Broccoli: Hibachi-charred broccoli shines in a miso-wasabi glaze, topped with crispy chilli oil and sesame seeds. Smoky, spicy, and umami-rich, it’s light yet addictive, and the ideal companion to a crisp gin cocktail.
• Spicy Prawn Ceviche: Fresh prawns are marinated in lime, chilli, and cilantro, topped with diced mango and a touch of coconut cream for balance. Bright, tropical, and refreshing, it captures Paloma’s Latin spirit in every bite.

The Experience
What sets House of Paloma apart is its immersive energy. The space feels alive, not loud or chaotic, but rhythmic and deliberate. Bartenders move with quiet confidence, the lighting deepens as the night unfolds, and the music shifts from mellow Latin grooves to deep house, keeping a flawless tempo.

Time slips away easily here. Between the art, the cocktails, and the conversations, House of Paloma transforms from a place to drink into a full sensory experience, one that lingers long after you leave.

Final Takeaway
House of Paloma doesn’t chase trends; it defines timelessness. Every detail celebrates craftsmanship in cocktails, design, and hospitality. The precision is flawless, yet the atmosphere stays effortlessly relaxed. It’s the kind of place where you stop for one drink and end up staying all night, uncovering new layers as the evening unfolds.

In Mumbai’s fast-evolving nightlife, House of Paloma feels like a breath of fresh air, where art meets indulgence, every sip tells a story, and Latin spirit finds a home in the heart of Bandra. It’s more than a bar; it’s a mood, a journey, and a celebration of the beautiful ritual of drinking well.