Review: Experience The Refreshing Refinement Of Levantine Flavours At Sette Mara

The St. Regis Mumbai has a new gastronomic experience that promises to be refreshingly unique. It has recently relaunched its restaurant Sette Mara, deemed to be the city’s first Levantine restaurant and lounge. The Levant, comprising modern-day Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and neighbouring regions, is a cradle of diverse culinary influences. Under the guidance of Egyptian Chef Ahmed Farhat, Sette Mara aims to celebrate the tapestry of traditions of these territories. We recently had the chance to dine at the restaurant and relish some of its new signature offerings. Read our full review below:

Our meal began on a warm and wholesome note with two soups. The Levantine Pumpkin Soup was a smooth broth enriched with Goat cheese and hazelnut. The Lentil Soup, with hints of orange zest and truffle oil, turned out to be an unexpected delight. The vegetarian option came with small bits of water chestnut that offered wonderful pops to the palette. Alongside soft pita and drool-worthy Muhammara, we also enjoyed the vibrant refreshment of the House Fattoush salad.

The Levantine Chicken Shawarma followed, which resembled small stuffed pita pockets. Shawarmas can be tricky to serve in a fine dining setting. We were glad to note that Sette Mara’s delicate reinvention managed to deliver its yumminess sans mess. But if there’s one treat you cannot afford to miss, it is the Zhoug and Truffle Oil Khachapuri. This traditional Georgian cheesy bread won us over from the first bite. While truffle and cheese is a common pairing, this one capitalised on it differently. The truffle oil itself was muted – its role was rather to enhance the amazing flavours of the Zhoug. 

Sette Mara has an exciting cocktail programme that spotlights key Levantine flavour profiles. One can expect expertly crafted concoctions featuring ingredients like pistachios, dates, sumac and even za’atar syrup. If you’re simply looking for comfortable options to sip on during your meal, we highly recommend the Sette Mara Saz-Arak (cognac, arak, demerara syrup, bitters) and Pearl of The Mediterranean (gin, chamomile, cherry liqueur and lime).

The menu features three Signature Platters, each celebrating the bounty of different territories: Farm (vegetable, cheese and mushroom), Ocean (Seafood) and Land (chicken and lamb). We opted for the last and feasted on succulent bites of grilled meat packed with the aroma of kebab spices. The components of the platter – Chicken Adana, Bharat Spiced Lamb, Lamb Shish and Chicken Taouk – were served on a small grill that allowed the retention of delicious smokiness from kitchen to table. You can also choose to enjoy some of the grilled delicacies individually. If you do, don’t miss the spicy and juicy Shish Tawook.

Our final savoury foray into the Levant was in the form of Sette Mara’s Vegetable Tajine. The wholesomeness of the veggies and couscous shone brightly in its simplicity. The savoury dishes we had tasted during our meal felt undeniably nourishing. Any leanings toward sophistication were cleverly understated, allowing the natural freshness of the ingredients to make itself felt. But the sweet treats that followed could never be called simple. While the dessert section continued to celebrate the Levant roots, its methods were more regal.

The Umm Ali – a medley of buttery croissant morsels, rose milk and nuts – exudes indulgence. At first glance, this is derived from the theatrical element of the cream being poured and torched at the table, in front of your eyes. But then you dig in and are enveloped by the richness of its layers. The Sette Mara Mahlabia is also a dessert worth returning for. Scoop up the saffron mahlabia, mixed nut halwa and pistachio ice cream in a single go, and savour the experience of a royal combination of flavours.

Sette Mara impressed us with its ability to celebrate simple flavours and uncomplicated delights while paying homage to the rich diversity of the Levant simultaneously. If you’re looking to discover a well-curated experience of this cross-section of cuisines, head to The St. Regis Mumbai soon!

Where: Level 9M, The St. Regis, 462, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai.