The Butler and The Bayleaf scores with good food, ambience and service

When the name alone can set you on a journey of culinary delight steeped in history, you know there is much magic in store. Presenting a splendid collaboration of the royal hospitality of the British Raj, with the caress of a modern bistro style restaurant in the city- The Butler and The Bayleaf. Being veteran restaurateur Kishore DF’s ‘regional’ venture in collaboration with Sarabjeet Singh of Keer Hospitality, the restaurant brings forth Indian culture, once again- this time with a modern touch.



Kishore DF, of the Potpourri, WTF, The Big Nasty and Foo fame, has decided to take nostalgia a notch up with this new ambitious culinary ride, after the commendable success through The Tanjore Tiffin. Since then, he has been exploring the history of Indian geography from across the map and delving deep into the tastes of our voracious culture.

Situated right above the famous Alfredo’s, The Butler and The Bayleaf, drew its inspirations in the North. Representing a 100% authentic North Indian cuisine, Kishore emphasizes “At Butler, we never, NEVER mess with the authenticity. No fusion for us, no shortcuts. We just cleverly repurpose for the modern bistro chic audience.”

Rolling in the slumber filled lunches from their grandmother’s home, Butler presents a menu for the audience that is carefully crafted by renowned chef Rajan Mehra. Inheriting the magical culinary skills from his veteran chef father, Rajan comes with immense experience in the hospitality zone while he was at Delhi. He has now come down to explore Mumbai as food production head and brand for Butler.

Speaking of the menu, the arms of the North open up with the heart-filling Shrimp and Mango Salad and the Spicy Guava and Arugula Salad; followed by exotic small plates of the authentic Kurkuri Bhindi and the Royal style Chicken Noorani. Chole Bhaturas send us to another culinary realm, as the Seekh Kebab wraps brings a Northern blend. The Main dishes are a great reminder of the ‘ghar ka khana’ as they fill our plates and hearts with Guthi hui Gobi, Butler Butter Chicken and Punjabi fish tikka.

There is no North without the Biryanis- as the Butler serves us the luscious Chicken Dum Biryani and the taste bud tingling Kathal Dum Biryani. The Bakharkhani and the Khameeri Roti set a good standard for Indian breads. While the Croissant Pudding with Spicy Rum flavoured Angoori Mango Rabdi, is a blend of Indian and modern.

The Butler invites the audience a brilliant nostalgic sensation with a 4pm to 7pm old style high tea experience. Hosted over a piano recital or a book-reading or a game of mah-jong, this event accompanies your favourite beverage with the finger foods of the noon. Homecooks will also be invited to share their home-borne recipes, along with a presentation to cook it, serve it, as well as teach you how to make it.

Light conversations bloom near the piano, as the ambience gives an old British Gymkhana feel to the restaurant. The patio is a mix of chairs and sofas, bringing in a modern dining with a touch of casual. The presence of plants tends to keep an aura of fine dining with a dash of a friendly huddle, as well.