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Otoki, Colaba’s New Izakaya, Is Where Mumbai Finds Its Quiet Luxury
With 32 types of sake, Kyoto-inspired minimalism, and a chef trained in Michelin-star kitchens, Otoki is redefining Japanese dining for the modern Mumbaikar.
- By Tarvene ShahpuriLoading...
- | 13 Oct 2025 5:13 PM IST
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Sushi, Sake & Simplicity: Otoki Brings a Slice of Kyoto to Colaba
There’s something quietly cinematic about walking into Otoki. Nestled in a calm lane off Colaba Causeway, the city noise fades the moment you step inside; replaced by soft amber light, the faint scent of grilled soy, and the rhythm of knives meeting cutting boards at the open sushi counter.
Otoki, Mumbai’s newest Japanese dining destination, is a love letter to craftsmanship and calm. Conceived by restaurateurs Anurag Katriar and Pranav M. Rungta, and brought to life by Chef Mohit Singh, whose journey includes stints at Kyoto’s three-Michelin-star Kikunoi Honten, Indee in Bangkok, and Boury in Belgium, the restaurant celebrates the Japanese way of cooking: precise, soulful, and deeply connected to the seasons.
I went on a busy weekday night, and yet nothing about the experience felt hurried. The space was full, but the energy was serene; the kind of balance that’s hard to achieve and harder still to sustain. The team moved with quiet confidence, offering a kind of hospitality that felt personal but never performative.
Flavors That Linger, Sips That Speak
We began with lotus stem, unfried but perfectly crisp, and crispy asparagus with just the right snap. The chicken karaage was golden, juicy, and paired with a subtle curry mayo; it disappeared almost as soon as it hit the table. But the fish sando was the dish that lingered. Soft milk bread enveloping a delicately fried fish fillet, a kind of simple perfection that makes you pause mid-conversation.
And then came the sake moment; Otoki’s most defining ritual. Curated by Maia Laifungbam, India’s first certified sake brewer, the restaurant offers 32 varieties of sake, from crisp sparkling expressions to rare dessert pours. Maia’s presence is felt in every glass; her curation turns what could be a mere beverage list into an experience of discovery. Whether you’re new to sake or a quiet collector, this is a place to lose yourself sip by sip.
The chicken udon noodles, crowned with a sunny-side-up egg, arrived like comfort in a bowl- silky, savory, and brimming with umami. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a gentle exhale, especially when paired with Otoki’s minimalist ambience.
Design that Whispers
Designed by Essajees Atelier, the interiors are a masterclass in restraint. Wood-panelled walls, clean architectural lines, and a double-height ceiling adorned with metallic Ginkgo leaves that shimmer softly under the light. It’s a space that whispers, never shouts. Every element, from the ceramics to the lighting, feels intentional.
Takeaway
At its heart, Otoki is not about excess or spectacle; it’s about the presence of flavour, craft, and care. It’s where you come not just to eat, but to feel restored. In a city that thrives on chaos, Otoki offers an exquisite pause, a reminder that luxury often lies in simplicity, and that a quiet meal, done right, can be the most memorable journey of all.

Tarvene Shahpuri
Tarvene is a chocolate and chai fiend who is constantly on the hunt for cute cafes. You can catch her baking some Biscoff cheesecakes or binge-watching Netflix shows. She likes filling up her free time painting, listening to music or going on long drives.