Bastian Bandra Bids Farewell: A Final Bow Before the Next Act

After nearly a decade of setting culinary trends and hosting Mumbai’s glitterati, Shilpa Shetty’s iconic restaurant Bastian Bandra is closing its doors. The upscale eatery, which first opened in 2016 and moved to a larger, multi-level location in 2023, will serve its final meal this Thursday. Located on Linking Road, Bastian became more than just a dining destination it was a lifestyle hotspot, known for its luxurious interiors, seafood-forward menu, and regular celebrity footfall.

Though the official reason for the shutdown hasn’t been spelled out, the decision comes amid the backdrop of ongoing controversy surrounding Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra, who have been named in a ₹60 crore investment fraud case. Despite this, Shetty has firmly denied that the closure is linked to any financial or legal distress, stating that Bastian Bandra is not shutting down due to “problems” but instead is going through a strategic transition.

And that transition is ambitious. The Bandra venue will soon reopen under a new concept called Ammakai, a restaurant dedicated to authentic South Indian flavors with a focus on heritage recipes and traditional cooking styles. The word “Ammakai” itself is inspired by the warmth of a mother’s touch a nod to Shetty’s Mangalorean roots. The new space is expected to launch in October and will showcase an earthy, rooted aesthetic in contrast to Bastian’s glitz.

Meanwhile, the Bastian brand is far from retiring. A new venture called Bastian Beach Club is in the works and will open in Juhu, promising the same indulgent experience with a breezier, beach-inspired vibe. Shetty has assured fans that the brand is simply “shifting homes” and evolving, not disappearing. This includes the continuation of Bastian At The Top, the Dadar outlet that remains operational.

Over the years, Bastian Bandra was known for its bold, globally inspired menu that celebrated seafood, sushi, vegetarian specials, and larger-than-life desserts. Its luxurious multi-story interior featured artful lighting, plush seating, and a vibe that balanced exclusivity with modern comfort. It became a media darling too, often photographed as a second red carpet for Bollywood A-listers.

In many ways, the farewell to Bastian Bandra marks the end of an era in Mumbai’s dining scene. But instead of being a closure born out of decline, it appears to be a carefully timed reinvention. With Ammakai offering a soulful culinary journey and Bastian Beach Club aiming for seaside sophistication, Shilpa Shetty and her team seem ready to script a new chapter one rooted in identity and expansion.

As the final plates are served this Thursday, Bastian Bandra will leave behind not just memories of great food, but also of reinvention and resilience in the ever-changing world of hospitality.