Time To Sea: A Coastal Feast in the Heart of Oshiwara

If you’re someone who finds joy in the sound of waves, the salt in the air, and the comfort of a good seafood curry, then Time To Sea in Oshiwara is the kind of restaurant that will speak to your heart — and your taste buds. This new addition to Mumbai’s food scene brings together the warmth of India’s coastal kitchens and the freshness of local catch, creating a dining experience that’s both nostalgic and refreshing.

Unlike most places that try too hard to reinvent traditional recipes, Time To Sea does the opposite. It celebrates what’s already perfect: the depth of coconut gravies, the zing of freshly ground masalas, the softness of Neer Dosas, and the satisfaction that only a perfectly cooked fish can bring. The focus here is simple: regional flavours, fresh ingredients, and recipes that feel like they’ve come straight from someone’s home by the sea.

It's Time To Eat!

Our meal began with a comforting bowl of Ratnagiri Chimbori Rassa — a crab soup that instantly transported us to the Konkan coast. It was spicy but not overpowering, rich yet light enough to keep you going for the next course. The flavours were layered, with the sweetness of the crab blending beautifully with the earthy spice of the masala. Next came the catch of the day —Surmai— cooked in a butter garlic sauce. The simplicity of the dish was its biggest strength. The fish was fresh and flaky, and the buttery garlic flavour gently coated it without overshadowing its natural taste. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you why the freshest seafood needs the least dressing up. There was a quiet confidence in how it was made — no unnecessary frills, just a clean, comforting flavour.

Then arrived the Peri Peri Prawns, adding a touch of spice and fun to the lineup. Smoky, tangy, and perfectly grilled, the prawns had just the right amount of heat. They were served sizzling hot, and it was easy to tell that freshness was key here too — no rubbery texture, no overcooking. Every bite had a nice balance of flavour and spice that made it hard to stop at one. The highlight, however, was the Pomfret Pollichathu. This traditional Kerala-style preparation involves marinating the fish in a rich masala, wrapping it in banana leaves, and slow-cooking it to perfection. The result was a dish bursting with aroma and flavour — the masala was deep and bold, the pomfret moist and flaky, and the banana leaf added that distinct earthiness that only this method can bring. It’s the kind of dish that makes you pause for a moment to appreciate how perfectly everything has come together.

As the meal progressed, the focus shifted to a Mangalorean classic — Chicken Gassi — paired with Neer Dosa and Amboli. The curry was coconut-based, slightly spicy, and packed with warmth. The Neer Dosa, soft and almost lace-like, soaked up the curry beautifully, while the Amboli, with its light tang, added contrast. Together, they created a wholesome, satisfying combination that tasted like comfort in every bite. It’s easy to see why this dish is a coastal favourite — simple, soulful, and deeply comforting.

India's Coastal Gems on One Plate

One thing that stood out throughout the meal was the consistency. Every dish felt well-thought-out, not just in terms of taste but also in how they complemented each other. The chef clearly knew what worked together and curated a menu that moved smoothly from one region to another — from Ratnagiri to Mangalore — without losing its rhythm. The flavours were distinct, yet nothing felt out of place. The service, too, added to the overall experience. The staff was attentive without being intrusive, and their familiarity with the menu made it easy to choose the right dishes. The chef’s recommendations, as it turned out, were spot on. 

If there was one element that didn’t quite land, it was the dessert. TheFilter Kapi Misu — a playful spin on tiramisu — sounded exciting on the menu, but it fell short in execution. The texture was fine, but the coffee flavour was far too mild. After such a flavourful meal, it felt like an unexpectedly quiet ending. However, given how satisfying everything else was, it’s an easy miss to forgive. What makes Time To Sea truly stand out is how it captures the essence of coastal India without resorting to clichés. So, the next time you find yourself craving something coastal in the middle of Mumbai, skip the usual and head to Oshiwara and enjoy the finest seafood in the city!

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