Restaurant India News: Sora by The Nines Opens in Mumbai

Sora by The Nines opens in the bustling streets of Kandivali, invites its patrons to look around, breathe, and rediscover vegetarian dining through a refreshing new lens. Translating to “sky” in Japanese, Sora embodies freedom, openness, and creativity — the very essence of this new culinary destination by the team behind The Nines. 

Spanning 2,800 sq. ft., the space itself is a visual ode to the sky — serene, expansive, and effortlessly chic. Soft neutrals, gentle blues, and organic textures create a calm yet uplifting atmosphere that transitions beautifully from day to night. Curved forms, warm lighting, and earthy undertones lend a sense of openness and understated sophistication.

Behind this vision is Mahesh Shetty, a seasoned hospitality entrepreneur known for shaping Mumbai’s suburban dining scene with concepts that marry consistency and character. From Times Square in Borivali to Namaskar, The Nines Juhu, Maharaj in Dahisar, and now Sora and Devengere Benne, his portfolio reflects a deep understanding of evolving dining sensibilities — and a talent for creating destinations that feel both aspirational and authentic.

Born from the success of The Nines, Sora is designed to resonate with a younger, experience-driven audience one that values innovation as much as flavour. Reimagining vegetarian food as indulgent, bold, and imaginative, it breaks away from tradition to present a cuisine that’s both comforting and creative. It’s a celebration of exploration where food feels soulful, modern, and inspired.

At the helm is Chef Khushal, whose culinary philosophy balances authenticity with innovation. Known for mastering South Indian flavours at Devengere Benne, he now brings that same respect for ingredients to a globally inspired vegetarian menu. “At Sora, we’ve created a menu that celebrates flavour, texture, and balance globally inspired yet rooted in Indian sensibilities,” he shares. 

Highlights include the bold Chimichurri Paneer, the creamy Khow Suey, and the fiery Mock Meat Chilly vegetarian dishes that surprise with depth and flair. Bar bites like the Broccoli Corn Cheese pair perfectly with cocktails, while the dramatic Pull Me Up Tiramisu ends the meal on a decadent note. Each plate reflects Sora’s signature balance of imagination and comfort familiar, yet delightfully unexpected.

Complementing the cuisine is an inventive cocktail program inspired by the lightness of the sky. From the floral Purple Mist (Smirnoff vodka, lavender, lime) and the refreshing Elder Blush (Greater Than gin, elderflower, cranberry) to the tropical Caribbean Bloom and the citrusy Pink Amber, each drink is crafted to be as elegant as it is approachable — light, layered, and visually stunning.

“My favorite part of starting a restaurant is watching an idea turn into an experience that people connect with,” says Shetty. “Each concept we create has its own story, but the goal is always the same to make guests feel at home. Continuing that legacy means staying true to the values of warmth, consistency, and community that started it all.”

As vegetarian dining evolves in India, Sora by The Nines stands at the intersection of comfort and creativity, a place where food, design, and experience come together to redefine what it means to dine vegetarian. The challenge, as Shetty acknowledges, lies not just in changing perceptions but in staying authentic while pushing boundaries. And with Sora, the team does exactly that offering a dining experience that feels fresh, grounded, and elevated, all at once.