Zerua — which means “sky” in Basque—is the latest tasteful and elevated addition to Mumbai’s repertoire of rooftop lounges, offering stellar views of the sky, a lively atmosphere, and a selection of signature meals and crafty cocktails to boot. This sky-high rooftop lounge by restaurateur Gaurav Choksey, located in the heart of town and perched high above the busy streets, provides vertical respite from the sweltering chaos below. Exquisite and sustainable design conceptualised by Mumbai’s well-known Architect—Ashish Kambli—the 1347 sqm space is inspired by the Spanish-French ‘baserri’ design.
The eclectic lighting, subtle furnishings and traditional materials like timber and stone, juxtaposed with lush tropical greenery and potted plants, set the image of a basque flora in the mind that shifts gently from the rough coastal landscape to the semi-desert regions. Segregated into various intimate seating zones and a large courtyard for bigger groups, each area lends a varied experience and could be enjoyed at various times of the day or dusk. A series of air-conditioned glass cabanas with their quirky geometric handcrafted floor has colours inspired by Basque painter and sculptor Augustin Ibarrola. These allow for lazy afternoon lunches under the sky in all seasons. The gabion wall-inspired long bar carries a rustic visual, at twilight, the backlit bar back comes to life with the setting sun, lending the sky a plethora of colours. Zerua is the ideal spot to kick off a special night out with crafted signature barrel aged and zero waste cocktails curated by the in-house mixologist Atul Munde and a scrumptious bite to eat from the menu curated by stellar Chef Rakesh Talwar.
From dukkah-crusted fish to gluten-free pizza to truffle mushroom volcano maki, paired with sake, to a lamb carne asada—there is a flavourful selection of contemporary cuisine and Asian and Mexican-inspired eats. Indulge your palate in the choice of sushi and sake, taco and tequila, Mediterranean platters, pizzas, flatbreads, woks and tandoors to complete a fine dining experience, elevated above the hustle and bustle. This cosy, contemporary rooftop lounge with its relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere is the perfect spot for panoramic views, fine sundowners, after-work drinks, pre/post-dinner cocktails or casual and relaxed gatherings.
