Home » HOTEL NEWS » Atelier House Hospitality and Graviss Hospitality Unveil SoBo 20, a New Cultural Haven Blending French Elegance and Southern Comfort in the Heart of Mumbai’s Marine Drive
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Atelier House Hospitality, in partnership with Graviss Hospitality, introduces SoBo 20, a new cultural haven located at the iconic InterContinental Marine Drive in Mumbai. This restaurant uniquely blends the refined elegance of French cuisine with the rich, comforting flavors of the American South, creating a fusion experience that goes beyond just dining. Positioned in the heart of Mumbai, SoBo 20 embodies the spirit of cultural exchange, offering guests an immersive journey through two distinct culinary worlds while capturing the vibrant energy of the city’s coastal charm.
SoBo 20: A Franco-American Culinary Haven at the Iconic InterContinental Marine Drive
Atelier House Hospitality, in collaboration with Graviss Hospitality, is poised to redefine Mumbai’s gastronomic scene with the unveiling of SoBo 20, an innovative Franco-American restaurant concept. Opening at the prestigious InterContinental Marine Drive, this new venture marks an exciting departure from the hospitality group’s previous triumph, Inja—a modern Indian-Japanese fusion restaurant. Building on the success of Inja, SoBo 20 delves into a rich cultural intersection, bringing together the time-honored culinary traditions of France with the bold flavors of the American South. The result is an unforgettable dining experience that transcends boundaries and celebrates both innovation and tradition.
“SoBo 20 is built on the premise of creative exchange,” notes Panchali Mahendra, CEO of Atelier House Hospitality. “We’ve created an environment where classic French technique meets American soul, where heritage and innovation share the same plate. It’s a space designed for discovery, relaxed in spirit, yet uncompromising in execution.”
The collaboration marks a strategic evolution for the InterContinental Marine Drive. “This partnership introduces a dynamic new narrative to our property,” shares Gaurav Ghai, Promoter of Graviss Group. “SoBo 20 embodies a kind of sophisticated playfulness. A global yet deeply personal approach, which I think is the perfect reflection of contemporary Mumbai.”
Romil Ratra, CEO of Graviss Hospitality, says “Working with AHH was a natural choice. Atelier House Hospitality understands how to create restaurants that resonate culturally while pushing culinary boundaries. With SoBo 20, we’re offering South Mumbai something original. Where French elegance meets American warmth on the shores of Marine Drive.”
A Culinary Dialogue Between Two Distinct Traditions
SoBo 20 is not simply a fusion restaurant; it is a thoughtful dialogue between two distinct culinary worlds, each with its own storied history and approach. French cuisine is celebrated for its traditional techniques, sophisticated presentation, and meticulous attention to detail, whereas Southern American cuisine is characterized by its rich, hearty flavors and laid-back, comforting nature. At SoBo 20, Executive Chef Sudeep Kashikar skillfully marries these two traditions, offering a menu that speaks to both sophistication and comfort.
Set against the backdrop of Mumbai’s iconic Marine Drive, the restaurant is designed to explore the unexpected harmonies that can arise when French culinary precision meets Southern American heartiness. The integration of coastal influences from Mumbai adds a unique twist, allowing each dish to feel both intellectually stimulating and deeply comforting. The menu evokes the charm of both cultures, while allowing guests to explore the nuances of each, creating a memorable culinary experience that is both rich and diverse.
A Visual Feast: Design that Mirrors the Concept
Designed by Essajees Atelier, the interiors of SoBo 20 complement the restaurant’s culinary philosophy by seamlessly blending visual languages. The design takes cues from the glamour of the Art Deco era, with its bold geometry and refined elegance, and infuses it with elements of vintage Americana. This mix of styles is further enriched by the influence of Mumbai’s coastal energy, which provides the restaurant with a distinct rhythm and a sense of vitality.
The design is dynamic, shifting from the relaxed energy of daytime service to the more intimate, refined atmosphere that characterizes evening dining. Whether guests are enjoying a leisurely lunch or a lively dinner with friends, the space is designed to accommodate a range of moods and experiences. The warmth and charm of the space are intended to make every visit feel unique, ensuring that SoBo 20 becomes not just a place to eat, but a place to experience.
The Culinary Program: A Celebration of Two Cultures
SoBo 20’s menu, spearheaded by Executive Chef Sudeep Kashikar, is a masterclass in cultural fusion. Kashikar brings his extensive experience to the table, reimagining classic French dishes through the lens of American Southern comfort. French classics like foie gras, escargot, and coq au vin are reinterpreted with a Southern twist, infusing familiar flavors with new and unexpected ingredients. At the same time, Southern staples such as shrimp and grits and jambalaya are elevated through refined cooking techniques that reflect French culinary sophistication.
The result is a menu that is at once familiar and new, comforting yet challenging. Dishes are layered with complexity, offering guests the opportunity to savor the intricacies of both cuisines while enjoying the harmony that can only arise from such an ambitious culinary vision. What sets the menu apart is the inclusion of Mumbai’s coastal influences, which emerge subtly in the form of fresh seafood and local spices, providing each dish with a regional character that reflects the city’s diverse culinary heritage.
The Beverage Program: A Cross-Cultural Celebration
The beverage program at SoBo 20 extends the restaurant’s cultural conversation, offering an extensive wine list that spans the vineyards of Bordeaux in France to Napa Valley in the United States. The wine selection is thoughtfully curated, ensuring that each bottle complements the rich flavors of the food, whether it is a delicate French Chardonnay or a bold American Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cocktails at SoBo 20 also draw inspiration from both sides of the Atlantic, with references to Parisian cafés and New Orleans jazz clubs. Acclaimed mixologist Supradeep Dey has crafted a cocktail menu that is as inventive as the food, offering drinks that are both refreshing and deeply flavorful. The spirits selection celebrates the craft traditions of both continents, offering guests the chance to explore classic American whiskey, French absinthe, and artisanal spirits from both regions.
More Than Just a Restaurant: SoBo 20 as a Cultural Salon
SoBo 20 positions itself as more than just a place to eat; it is a cultural salon—a space where food, design, music, and conversation come together to create a larger narrative about contemporary dining. The atmosphere is carefully curated, from the playlist that sets the mood to the service style that blends warmth with refinement. Every element of the experience has been considered, with the aim of creating a space where guests can engage with food in a meaningful way.
The restaurant’s ambiance fosters a sense of community, with a focus on making each guest feel like part of the larger conversation happening around the table. Whether it’s an intimate dinner for two or a spirited gathering with friends, SoBo 20 offers a unique environment where food becomes a catalyst for connection and conversation.
Opening Details: SoBo 20 Welcomes Guests on June 25th
SoBo 20 opens to the public on June 25th, 2025, and will be serving lunch from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM and dinner from 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM, seven days a week. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to Mumbai, SoBo 20 promises to offer a one-of-a-kind dining experience that celebrates the intersection of cultures and culinary innovation. With its unique blend of French and American influences, complemented by Mumbai’s vibrant coastal energy, SoBo 20 is set to become one of the city’s most sought-after dining destinations.
Atelier House Hospitality and Graviss Hospitality unveil SoBo 20, a new cultural haven at Mumbai’s InterContinental Marine Drive, blending French elegance with Southern comfort in a unique dining experience.
Conclusion
SoBo 20 at the InterContinental Marine Drive is a culinary journey that bridges the gap between two distinct culinary traditions. Atelier House Hospitality and Graviss Hospitality have brought together the elegance of French cuisine and the boldness of the American South, creating a menu that is as intellectually engaging as it is satisfying. With its stunning design, creative cuisine, and cultural ambiance, SoBo 20 is set to redefine Mumbai’s dining scene and offer guests an experience that transcends the ordinary. The restaurant is not just a place to eat—it is a space where food, culture, and conversation intertwine to create something truly special.
