Restaurant India News: House of Pleo Launches in Powai, Targets Mumbai’s Premium Rooftop Bar Segment

Mumbai’s evening economy has expanded further with the launch of House of Pleo in Powai. The rooftop venue has been founded by hospitality entrepreneur Nirmal Patel and is positioned as a premium neighbourhood bar targeting urban professionals and social diners. Designed as an open-air format with cabana seating and DJ-led programming, the property aims to strengthen Powai’s growing status as a nightlife and dining hub.

House of Pleo operates on a cocktail-forward model, placing its bar program at the centre of the experience. The menu features signature blends developed to differentiate the venue in a competitive cocktail market. Among them is Pleo Reign, which combines tequila and vodka with absinthe and capsicum, and Yuzu Skydrop, made with apricot purée, agave, gin and yuzu. Sunset Drift blends dark rum with red fruit notes, while Evening Ember integrates malted barley, wheat, hops and Italian limes with agave, drawing inspiration from brewing elements. The inclusion of alcoholic golas adds a familiar local format to the premium beverage mix, offering a hybrid between nostalgia-driven products and contemporary cocktail presentation.

The cocktail curation reflects a strategy focused on premiumisation and margin optimisation through differentiated beverage offerings. Rooftop positioning, combined with curated music programming, is designed to increase average dwell time and enhance weekend footfall.

The food program has been developed by Chef Hitendra Gaikwad, who brings 20 years of industry experience to the kitchen. The menu has been structured around shareable plates suited to group dining and alcohol pairing. Indian bar-style chakna options such as Chana Jor Garam and Masala Papad sit alongside wood-fired pizzas, tandoor selections and grilled dishes including Chicken Yakitori and Dakshin Prawns. The offering also extends to Truffle Cheese Pops, Korean Dragon Prawns, Mediterranean-inspired plates and Continental selections. The mix indicates a multi-cuisine approach aimed at broad consumer appeal rather than a niche culinary focus.

The location strategy appears deliberate. Powai has seen steady residential and corporate growth, with a concentration of young professionals seeking localised dining and nightlife options. By situating the concept within the neighbourhood, the brand is tapping into demand for premium experiences without requiring consumers to travel to traditional nightlife clusters.

Nirmal Patel said, “House of Pleo was created as a space where people can come together over great cocktails, good food, and music without having to leave the neighborhood. Powai felt like the perfect place to bring this rooftop experience to life, and we're excited to introduce a destination that truly comes alive after sunset.”

As Mumbai’s hospitality sector continues to see demand for experience-driven formats, House of Pleo enters the market with a combination of rooftop real estate, beverage-led differentiation and multi-cuisine shareable menus. Its performance will likely depend on sustained programming, operational consistency and its ability to convert neighbourhood traffic into repeat customers in an increasingly competitive premium casual segment.