A new chapter in South Mumbai’s culinary landscape has begun with the launch of Otoki, a contemporary Japanese izakaya located at the base of the heritage Pheroze Building in Colaba. The launch marks the transformation of the former site of Indigo Deli, once a pioneering casual dining venue in the city that operated for nearly two decades before shutting down.
Positioned near the Gateway of India, Otoki has been conceptualised as a refined Japanese dining experience, led by hospitality veteran Anurag Katriar of Indigo Hospitality Pvt Ltd and chef Mohit Singh, whose training and professional background spans globally renowned establishments including Kikunoi Honten in Kyoto and Boury in Belgium.
Otoki aims to introduce an elevated Japanese dining experience in South Mumbai, a region with limited access to authentic izakaya-style cuisine. The restaurant’s interiors have been reimagined by designer Sarah Sham of Essajees Atelier. The decor follows the Japanese philosophy of Ma, focusing on simplicity and intentional use of space, featuring earthy tones, sculptural elements, and a calming aesthetic that contrasts the earlier industrial style of Indigo Deli.
The culinary offerings at Otoki include a curated menu of traditional and modern Japanese dishes, structured into categories such as wan-mono (soups), kozara (small plates), sushi, and sashimi. Highlights include prawn tempura, robata-grilled lamb, mushroom korokke, and Chicken Nanban. The sushi bar offers premium cuts including otoro and katsuo tataki, prepared in full view of diners.
The beverage program has been designed to complement the menu with an extensive selection of sakes, including styles such as junmai, daiginjo, nigori, and taru. The sake list has been curated by Maia Laifungbam, India’s only certified sake brewer, while the cocktail list, created in collaboration with sake sommelier Kalpesh Dupate, focuses on clean, ingredient-forward drinks such as the Umeboshi and Yuzu Kosho.
Otoki’s opening has been met with enthusiasm from former patrons of Indigo Deli and new diners alike. Located at Ground Floor, Pheroze Building, 5 Apollo Bandar, Colaba, the restaurant is expected to contribute significantly to the evolving food and beverage scene in South Mumbai, offering a sophisticated reinterpretation of a beloved address.