A December evening drew me to The Mission Bay, a place that immediately felt welcoming and snug. Situated in Malviya Nagar’s Eldeco Centre, the restaurant brings the vibrant culinary essence of San Francisco to Delhi, showcasing the creativity and diverse heritage of California’s Bay Area while offering diners a memorable exploration rooted in its rich food culture.
The air outside was cool but not biting, and the moon cast a silver glow over the streets, setting a captivating mood. Walking into the restaurant, I was greeted by an interior that felt carefully designed; warm tones, wooden textures, and a sense of openness. No clutter, no fuss. It was a space where the simplicity allowed the atmosphere to breathe.
The menus were an unexpected delight. Real, physical menus that I could hold and flip through. This small, almost forgotten luxury made me smile. Many places have swapped this for QR codes, but here, the tactile pleasure of browsing through the selections felt like a small nod to a better time. It set the tone for the rest of the evening, which unfolded as a culinary journey.
The food told its own story, a celebration of global flavours brought together with finesse by Chef Adam Timney. The Pork Carnitas Tacos were bright and zesty, with a salsa that added a sharp punch to the tender meat. The Grilled Prawns arrived perfectly cooked; their smokey taste paired beautifully with a herby leek parsley sauce. The Lamb Meatballs had a unique sweetness, their spices enhanced by hints of golden raisins and pistachios. The Chicken Asado, layered with smoked gouda and caramelised onions, was hearty yet refined, while the Ahi Tuna Poke, served with a coconut-infused dressing, felt like a light, refreshing pause between the heavier plates.
Somewhere in between, I stepped outside for a quick breath of fresh air. The meal was filling but far too good to stop, so I prepared myself to dive back in. The Panko Fried Calamari and Shrimps were crisp, sitting on a bed of creamy polenta that had an addictive quality. A Marinated Feta and Beet Hummus platter, adorned with house-made spice crackers, fresh baby carrots, and crunchy pistachios, brought a pop of colour and freshness to the table. The Herb Brined Pan Roasted Chicken, tender and flavourful, came with green olives, roasted fennel, and chimichurri that added a tangy, herby edge.
I washed down the meal with cocktails by their talented mixologist, each of which was a personality in itself, crafted with an obvious attention to detail. The Rich Table, with toasted barley, bourbon, and mushroom blend, had an earthy, almost mysterious character. Lolo, with its bold kick of jalapeño complemented by refreshing cucumber and tequila, was vibrant and playful. Tunnel Top, made with passion fruit and whipped coconut, felt like a tropical escape, while Buena Vista, blending banana, espresso, and bourbon, was an intriguing surprise.
Dessert sealed the occasion with elegance. The Kouign Amann – buttery and flaky, was served warm with vanilla ice cream and apricot – a combination that felt both indulgent and balanced. The toffee date cake, on the other hand, was rich but not heavy, with a caramel sauce and toasted walnuts that made every bite joyful.
The Mission Bay, brought to life by owner Puja Sahu, is not about grandeur or extravagance, but about creating an experience genuine and lasting. The space, the dishes, and the drinks work together in harmony to give you something real and thoughtful. It’s the kind of place where you feel like staying a little longer, savouring not just the food, but the allure of an evening well spent.
Other details:
Address: Eldeco Center, South, Block A, Shivalik Colony, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, 110017
Phone: 091139 60148
Price for two: ₹2000++
