Solaire, Sanjay Dutt’s Dazzling Debut into Dining, Shines Bright at the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai

A Star Enters the Culinary Universe
There’s a new kind of stardom at play in Mumbai’s dining scene, and this one glows, quite literally. Solaire, Sanjay Dutt’s first restaurant venture, opened its doors at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai in September 2025, marking the actor’s much-anticipated debut in hospitality. Partnering with food entrepreneurs Ishaan Varma and Amit Lakhyani, Dutt’s vision was simple yet ambitious: to create an immersive space where global gastronomy, art, and atmosphere merge seamlessly.

Designed in Light
The design of Solaire is an experience in itself. Conceptualized by Malvika Kulkarni Ajgaonkar of The 24th Studio, the space draws inspiration from the ephemeral beauty of sunlight, reflections, refractions, and the golden hour glow.

The material palette flows between terracotta, brushed gold, and marble, with floating gold chains across the ceiling, adding a sense of movement. The showstopper? A 50-foot candle wall with over 800 flickering flames, reflected against mirrored panels. It’s a poetic centerpiece that embodies the restaurant’s warmth and soul.

From the glowing alabaster bar and curved bronze jaali wall to the dual-level gold-dusted bar that shifts in tone through the evening, every element plays with luminosity. Even the scent —a subtle blend of citrus blossom and smoked oud —adds to the sensory theatre of the experience.

A World on the Plate
At its heart, Solaire is about food- crafted, balanced, and deeply personal. The menu, co-created by Chef Gurudutt, Chef Maher Ramzi, and Nelson Nair, showcases global influences with a focus on storytelling and technique. Both chefs bring Michelin-star experience to the kitchen, ensuring that every dish reflects a dialogue between precision and imagination.

Deconstructed Classics
Inspired by Sanjay Dutt’s own travels, these dishes reinterpret comfort food with flair. Expect familiar flavours presented with unexpected twists; refined yet soulful.

Mediterranean Vibrance
A sun-soaked selection of mezze and housemade staples, like velvety hummus, za’atar-spiced yogurt, and fresh-baked pita, come together with grilled meats, seafood, and seasonal greens. It’s easy, elegant, and deeply satisfying.

Indian Spice & Soul
This section celebrates the complexity of Indian cooking: slow-simmered curries, smoky tandoor dishes, and masala-layered gravies that balance nostalgia with finesse. Expect heritage recipes refined with contemporary presentation and premium ingredients.

Pan-Asian Fire
Wok-tossed creations alive with umami and heat; think crisp lotus roots glazed in tamarind, Thai-style curries, and stir-fried duck or seafood. The dishes are punchy, aromatic, and built for sharing.

European Elegance
From artisanal burrata drizzled with olive oil to delicate pastas, aged Parmigiano, and French-style patisserie, this is where Solaire leans into indulgence. The desserts are particularly noteworthy, blending technique and comfort: a chocolate-coffee opera cake, a pistachio baklava tart, and a passionfruit pavlova that’s as photogenic as it is delicious.

The Bar: Stories in a Glass
Solaire’s cocktail program, conceptualized by Nelson Nair, mirrors the kitchen’s narrative style; globally inspired, locally grounded, and designed with flair. Signature creations include:

• The Solaire Star — a colour-shifting botanical blend with lemongrass vodka and blue pea tea.
• Aachari Berry — a tangy, gin-based nod to India’s pickling traditions.
• Tamarind Picante — tequila, lemongrass, and chilli for a fiery finish.
• Black Panther Party — a bold, moody mix of rum, berries, and activated charcoal.
• Amazonia — a tropical escape with cachaça, açaí, and passionfruit.

Even the zero-proof menu gets its moment, featuring infusions of citrus, spice, and herbs that capture the same artistry sans alcohol.

Beyond the Plate
“Solaire is more than a restaurant, it’s a playground of indulgence,” says co-founder Amit Lakhyani. And that’s exactly how it feels. From the immersive design and curated playlists to the mood lighting that shifts as the night progresses, every detail feels intentional.

Guiding the guest experience is Abhishek Chabria, ensuring the service matches the space’s sophistication, while Nelson Nair fine-tunes the food and beverage program to international standards.

Tucked inside the Grand Hyatt, Solaire might not be a spot you stumble upon by accident, but that’s part of its allure. It’s a destination meant to be sought out, lingered in, and remembered.

Come for the glow, stay for the gastronomy, and leave knowing that Sanjay Dutt’s newest role as a restaurateur might just be one of his most compelling yet.