Inside Grand Hyatt Mumbai’s Return to the Centre of the City’s Dining Life

This article is in collaboration with Grand Hyatt Mumbai

For years, Grand Hyatt Mumbai has been a place people return to without needing a reason. Birthdays, business lunches, wedding dinners, late-night drinks that turn into early mornings: the hotel has always understood the role food plays in the city’s social life. This year, it is doubling down on that instinct by sharpening its focus on dining.

Instead of introducing novelty for novelty’s sake, the hotel has chosen to strengthen what already works. With Celini relaunched, Juniper Bar reintroduced, and China House elevated, Grand Hyatt Mumbai places food and drink firmly at the centre of the experience.

Celini’s return is rooted in familiarity. It has long been one of the hotel’s most recognisable restaurants, known for comforting Italian food and welcoming atmosphere. The refreshed version keeps that spirit intact. The space feels warmer, more relaxed, and built for conversation.

The menu stays close to classic Italian cooking, drawing from family recipes and traditional techniques. What changes is the way the food is presented. Several dishes are finished at the table. Risottos are stirred in front of guests. Roasts are carved on a trolley. Sauces come together in real time. It adds a sense of pace to the meal and reminds diners that food can still be a shared experience rather than something that arrives already perfected and untouched.

Celini works because it understands its audience. It is equally comfortable hosting an intimate dinner or a large celebration. Nothing feels overdesigned. The focus stays where it should be, on flavour, warmth and ease.

Robert Dallimore, General Manager, Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel & Residences and Area Vice President, West India, said, “The relaunch of Celini is not only an exciting introduction of a new dining experience, but also a nod to the simple wholesomeness of Italian cuisine, which shines through the new space as well as the menu. Guests get to immerse themselves in the true essence of Italian hospitality, where every meal is a celebration of togetherness and the art of living well. Whether it's an intimate dinner, a gathering of friends, or a milestone celebration, Celini promises an unforgettable culinary escapade that transcends the ordinary and leaves a lasting impression.”

The Juniper Bar moves in a different direction altogether. Reintroduced with a new identity, the bar builds its cocktail programme around the five elements. Air, fire, earth, water and ether form the base of its menu, influencing both flavour and composition.

The cocktails are well-balanced and thoughtfully put together. Spices are used carefully, botanicals feel deliberate rather than decorative, and each drink tells a clear story. The space itself mirrors that balance. It is intimate and softly lit, a place that works just as well for a quiet drink as it does for a lively evening.

Juniper feels designed for people who enjoy staying a little longer than planned. It is the kind of bar that fits naturally into the rhythm of the hotel. A drink before dinner. Another after. Or no dinner at all.

Dallimore shared his excitement about this transformation, stating, “With the reimagination of ‘Juniper Bar,’ we are bringing a unique, elemental experience to our guests. As we commemorate 20 years of Grand Hyatt Mumbai, we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, offering our patrons an extraordinary space where the elements come alive through masterfully curated flavours and ambience.”

China House’s approach to Chinese cuisine is built on getting the fundamentals right. The cooking stays rooted in traditional techniques, from the use of wok hei to the careful balance of heat, umami and aromatics. While flavours are adjusted for local preferences, the structure of each dish and the integrity of its ingredients remain unchanged. The result is a menu that feels refined without drifting into fusion.

That focus on authenticity has extended beyond the regular menu through an ongoing exchange with Hyatt Hotels across Asia. Guest chefs specialising in regional Chinese cuisines have worked alongside the China House team, bringing with them distinct techniques and flavour profiles. These collaborations offer diners a closer look at the diversity of Chinese cooking, without overcomplicating the experience.

In 2025, this included a collaboration with Lee Kum Kee, in partnership with chefs from Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, which centred on classic flavours and traditional methods. The response has led to more such collaborations planned for 2026, further expanding China House’s focus on regional Chinese cuisine.

Together, these three dining spaces make a strong case for why the hotel remains such a favourite. In a city where restaurants open and close at a relentless pace, Grand Hyatt Mumbai is choosing longevity. By investing in its kitchens and bars, it reinforces its role not just as a hotel, but as a place people return to for life’s everyday celebrations.