Nestled in surprisingly the calmest neighborhoods in Andheri, Luv restaurant is full of surprises that will leave you in awe. You know how there are some places that not only leave you satisfied with their food but also make your heart happy, well, Luv is that place. And not because we felt a homely vibe here but we know for sure that anyone who chooses to spend an evening at Luv will be of the same opinion.
Every corner of this restaurant is filled with love and creativity. From the very moment you enter the restaurant, you can feel the personalised touch the brothers, Akash and Luv have molded this place with. "It was always a dream to have our own restaurant and we somehow knew it would come true and we're glad it did," said Luv, who manages the logistics and the guests at the restaurant. His brother, Chef Akash is the one who has curated all the dishes in the menu and brings the restaurant to life with his creations.
To be honest, when we came across their popular dessert on Instagram, we thought of this restaurant to be somewhere in Bandra but Luv being situated in Andheri took us by surprise. "We wanted Luv to be more accessible to people and we wanted it be a cozy space where people can come and hangout anytime they like. We've also made Luv an 'alcohol-free' restaurant considering the fact that we're situated in a residential area and we want our food to take the centrestage," said the brothers.
As soon as you enter Luv, you see Chef Akash working his magic into the dishes and you'd be lucky to have a seat at the live counter. Well, we did. Out of all the delicacies we savoured, there was not one dish that did not touch our souls. Chef Akash had been in the culinary world for as long as he can remember and he put all his skills and more into curating Luv's menu and creations. Here are some of the delicacies you must try at Luv.
Gnocchi with Lemongrass and Corn Sauce
This dish is a testament to Luv’s commitment to sustainability, served with roasted potatoes and corn sauce that is star of the dish. A perfect blend of flavors and textures. Moreover, it embodies the restaurant’s philosophy of zero wastage where even the potato peel is dehydrated and fried into a delicious topping.
Sizzling Pan-Fried Gyoza
Defined by Chef Akash as 'fancier dumplings,' these gyoza are filled with smoked bok choy, which is barbecued to enhance its depth of flavor. Inspired by Chef Pramod from Uttarakhand who also works with Akash, these dumplings bring an exciting twist to a classic dish. The dumplings are juicy from the inside and the filling has a smoky flavour. Also, the thin outer covering of the dumplings enhances the taste of the sauce provided for the dip.
Fagattini: A Vegetarian Take on a Classic
Traditionally a non-vegetarian dish, the chefs at Luv have crafted a vegetarian version of fagattini, filled with amaranth (laal maath). The fresh, house-made pasta pairs beautifully with a sauce made of red wine, president butter, rosemary, and lemon-an exquisite blend that Chef Akash personally tastes before serving to ensure perfection.
Lamb Tacos
A standout on the menu, these soft-shell tacos are filled with lamb that has been slow-cooked for 10-12 hours with red wine, carrots, and onions. The tacos are finished with a garnish of smoked chimichurri, elevating the dish with its smoky, herbaceous notes.
Kokum Prawns & Deshpande Fish Curry
Kokum Prawns are fresh and flavorful. This dish highlights the tangy essence of kokum, perfectly complementing the juicy prawns.
Deshpande fish curry is also on the menu for the love of home. A traditional Malvani curry infused with a French twist, making it an intriguing and delicious cross-cultural creation.
Innovative In-House Beverages
Luv does not serve alcoholic beverages due to its family-friendly atmosphere. However, its inventive drinks menu makes up for it with unique creations like:
Rum & Coke – While it smells like rum, this non-alcoholic drink has a strong cinnamon profile that lingers on the palate and tastes even better than an alcoholic Rum & Coke
Brazilian Mix– Another innovative, in-house creation that keeps guests coming back. It was infused with lemon and chilli that satisfied the tangy palette.
Decadent desserts
Though Luv does not offer sugar-free or vegan desserts, its dessert menu is carefully curated. Luv has a beautifully crafted dessert that Mumbaikars visit this restaurant for. It is a manual work of art and only a few limited pieces are made every single day. This dessert is called the 'Starry Night'. Inspire by Van Gogh, Chef Akash creates 10 of this dessert every morning.
This visually striking dessert featuring muskmelon flavors, delicately painted with food color. Only ten pieces are made each day, adding to its exclusivity. This is also the perfect time to mention to the readers that Chef Akash is also an artist and the restaurant has multiple corners decorated with art pieces curated by him.
Another desert you must try here is the 'veiled lady' – A dark chocolate tart that is as rich in flavor as it is in presentation.
Apart from Luv himself, the restaurant boasts two additional chefs who have mastered the exact recipes and cooking techniques, ensuring consistency and quality in every dish. Luv isn’t just a restaurant-it’s an experience. Located in Andheri, it breaks away from the ever-changing restaurant landscape of Bandra by offering a space where people feel truly at home. With a focus on sustainability, comfort food with a twist, and a carefully curated menu, Luv is a culinary destination worth visiting time and again.