There are some places in a city that are not all about atmosphere or food; they become part of your memory. For most Mumbaikars, Bastian Bandra was that place. It wasn’t another restaurant; it was where birthdays were marked, friendships were formed, and where the city’s pulsating nightlife found its pace. And now, sadly, it’s time to say goodbye.
Earlier this week, actress and entrepreneur Shilpa Shetty announced that Bastian Bandra will be shutting its doors this Thursday. The news dropped on Instagram, and for anyone who has ever walked through those doors, it felt like a little piece of Mumbai was slipping away.
A Farewell With Feelings
Shilpa’s note was emotional; you could feel that this wasn’t just a business decision. She called it the “end of an era” and spoke of how Bastian had given countless memories and unforgettable nights. And honestly, she wasn’t exaggerating.
For those who frequented it, Bastian was more than a restaurant. It was one of those rare places where you could bump into Bollywood celebrities at the next table, enjoy a fantastic meal, and still feel completely at home. Saying goodbye to it feels strangely personal, even if you only visited a handful of times.
But Shilpa also gave a glimmer of hope that the brand isn’t disappearing entirely. Their Arcane Affair on Thursday nights will continue at Bastian at the Top, opening a new chapter. So, while Bandra is losing a gem, the essence of Bastian will live on elsewhere.
How It All Began
When Bastian first opened in 2016, co-owned by Shilpa and restaurateur Ranjit Bindra, it was an instant hit. Not just because of the star factor, but because it offered something different. It had personality. The interiors were chic without being cold, the menu balanced indulgence with innovation, and it had that electric energy that only a few spaces in Mumbai can pull off.
Over the years, it became a magnet for the city’s elite. Bollywood celebrities, cricketers, influencers—name them. But it was not simply about celebrity spotting; it was about being within a zone that felt like the heart of the city belonged to it.
When it relocated and reopened in Bandra in 2023, the buzz was real.
The Cloud Over the Closure
Of course, the timing of this announcement hasn’t gone unnoticed. It comes just as Shilpa Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, are facing accusations of defrauding a businessman of over ₹60 crore in a loan-cum-investment deal. Their lawyer has called the claims baseless, but the controversy has made headlines.
Now, whether this has anything to do with Bastian’s closure is anyone’s guess. Maybe it’s connected, maybe it’s not. But as is the case in Mumbai, gossip flows faster than traffic at rush hour. The truth may take its time to unfold, but for the patrons of Bastian, the immediate heartbreak is simply about losing a beloved hangout.
Why It Hurts More Than a Restaurant Closing
If you’ve ever been to Bastian, you’ll get why people are upset. It wasn’t just the food (though let’s be honest, the lobster, the small plates, and the indulgent desserts were to die for). It was the vibe.
It was the place where friends met after work, where dates turned into relationships, and where “just one drink” often turned into dancing till late. It was the kind of spot that became a backdrop for so many personal stories. And that’s why its closure stings. Because in losing Bastian, people feel like they’re losing a piece of their own history too.
What Comes Next
The silver lining? Bastian isn’t gone completely. Shilpa made it clear that Bastian at the Top will continue the journey. Maybe it won’t be the same as walking into the Bandra space, but maybe it doesn’t need to be. Mumbai is a city that thrives on reinvention, and perhaps this is just the next chapter in the Bastian story.
A Toast to Bastian Bandra
As Thursday approaches, there’s a bittersweet feeling in the air. The last few guests who walk in will probably look around a little longer, soaking in the walls, the music, the atmosphere, and the memories.
Restaurants may come and go, but only a few etch themselves into the fabric of a city. Bastian Bandra was one of those blessed few. It was never dinner by yourself; it was about the people, the vibe, and the feeling that it made you feel like you were part of something bigger.
So here’s to Bastian Bandra. Thank you for the memories, the nights that had turned into mornings, and all the tales you’ve shared. You’ll be missed but never forgotten.