A new Indian restaurant has quietly begun serving diners in Idylwood.
Mumbai Central, housed in Idylwood Plaza at 7505 Leesburg Pike, kicked off its soft opening earlier this month, owner Sunil Bastola confirmed to FFXnow.
The restaurant is targeting Aug. 15 for its grand opening, Bastola said.
Though it comes from the team behind Fairfax City’s Bollywood Bistro, which has drawn mostly positive reviews since opening in 2009, Mumbai Central is offering a somewhat different take on Indian cuisine.
The restaurant is designed to resemble a train station on the inside, a travel-related concept that extends to its menu. Drawing inspiration from all across India, dishes include meats grilled in a tandoor oven, curries, naan and other Indian breads, and a variety of appetizers, from steamed dumplings and chilly garlic noodles to dholka chaat and Mumbai coastal shrimp.
“We’re trying to make it a little bit upscale and a good dining spot. We’re expecting very positive feedback from our community, definitely,” Bastola said in June. “… We’re not new guys. I have 25 years of experience. My partner has 30, 40 years of experience. We all are industry veterans, so hopefully, everything will work out very well.”
Mumbai Central has taken over the space formerly occupied by Jason’s Deli, which closed in 2022. The 4,600-square-foot restaurant can seat more than 100 diners inside with a full bar and lounge, along with future plans for outdoor dining.
The restaurant is currently open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., except on Sundays, when it closes at 9 p.m. Reservations are accepted, and catering services are available, though that menu is more limited.
Mumbai Central is the second new eatery to arrive at Idylwood Plaza this summer, coming on the heels of Quickway Japanese Hibachi’s opening in late June. The shopping center also welcomed Japanese noodle shop Kajiken and the daytime cafe chain First Watch earlier this year.
