Restaurant India News: 8ish Opens in Mumbai, Offering a Relaxed Early-Evening Escape

8ish has opened in Nariman Point, offering a relaxed space designed for unhurried evenings. The concept marks a new venture for restaurateur Rachel Goenka, known for The Sassy Spoon, House of Mandarin, Baraza, and Sassy Teaspoon.

Designed by Shweta Kaushik (SKID), the interiors combine comfort and style, making it suitable for both solo drinks and gatherings. The space features textured grey walls, aged wood, soft leather seating, and a standout bar made of deep maroon marble with copper accents. The lounge also includes an al fresco section for guests who prefer an open-air setting. Created for the early evening hours, 8ish aims to be a spot where people can unwind as the city slows down.

The food menu is designed for sharing and features bold, comforting flavours inspired by European, Indian and Mediterranean cuisines. Popular dishes include Asparagus Mousse with salsa and rice crackers, Cheesy Bread with smoked scamorza, Buff and Bone Marrow Sliders, and Sambuca Togarashi Scallops. 

At 8ish, cocktails are created with an ingredient-first approach, focusing on flavour and craftsmanship. The bar sources ingredients from regions across India including Goa, the Northeast, and South India as well as markets in Bangkok, China, and Australia. 

The bar team blends traditional and modern techniques such as steam distillation, hydrosol extraction, fermentation, pickling, and specification to make in-house wines, infusions, and ferments. The result is a menu of expressive yet balanced cocktails. The bar is led by Jishnu A.J., a mixologist with over ten years of experience at Ekaa, KOKO, Four Seasons Mumbai and Marriott Kochi. 

“The idea for 8ish clicked when we realized it perfectly captures those in-between moments, we all live for,” says Rachel Goenka, Founder and CEO of TCSC Hospitality.

“The idea was to create drinks that feel deeply personal. Each cocktail tells a story of where it comes from, what it evokes, and how it makes you feel. Our menu is built around three moods: comforting, experimental, and ritualistic,” adds Jishnu A.J, mixologist, 8ish.

Signature drinks include Familiar Stranger, a bright and smoky mix of rum, smoked agave and calamansi; The In Between, made with vodka, guava leaves, strawberry gum and sweet vermouth; and Lenon, which blends vodka, shiso infusion, muskmelon, basil and mezcal. Other highlights include Nearly Misbehaved, Liquid Sand and Parallel Mood, each offering unique flavour combinations. With capacity for about 120 guests, 8ish aims to bring a warm, contemporary take on the modern cocktail bar.