New to the bustling streets of Kandivali, Sora by The Nines invites its patrons to look around, breathe, and rediscover vegetarian dining through a refreshing new lens. Translating to “sky” in Japanese, Sora reflects freedom, openness, and creativity qualities that define this new culinary destination by the team behind The Nines. The space is a tranquil yet vibrant escape, seamlessly blending the artistry of modern vegetarian cuisine with a contemporary bar culture. Here, every dish tells a story, every cocktail complements the mood, and every moment feels like an effortless celebration of togetherness.
The vision behind Sora stems from the success of The Nines and the ambition to connect with a younger, more dynamic audience, one that appreciates experience as deeply as taste. Built on the idea of reimagining vegetarian cuisine, Sora challenges the notion of it being traditional or limited, instead presenting it as indulgent, bold, and full of creative potential. It embodies a spirit of exploration, bringing together food that feels imaginative, soulful, and distinctly modern.
At the culinary helm is Chef Khushal, who leads the kitchen with an inspired mix of authenticity and innovation. Having mastered regional South Indian flavours at Devengere Benne, Chef Khushal brings that same respect for ingredients and technique to Sora, but with a global approach. His menu is a creative expression of how vegetarian food can be elevated while still feeling comforting and familiar. “At Sora, we’ve built a menu that celebrates flavour, texture, and balance, drawing inspiration from around the world but rooted in Indian sensibilities,” shares Chef Khushal. The result is a modern vegetarian journey that’s thoughtful yet playful, refined yet approachable.
Guests can indulge in signature creations like the vibrant Chimichurri Paneer, a bold, herbed take on a classic; the creamy, comforting Khow Suey layered with aromatic coconut and noodles; and the fiery, flavourful Mock Meat Chilly, a vegetarian twist on an all-time favorite. Other highlights include the Broccoli Corn Cheese, an indulgent bar bite that pairs beautifully with cocktails, and the decadent Pull Me Up Tiramisu, a dessert that’s as dramatic as it is delicious. Every dish on the menu reflects the balance of imagination and comfort that defines Sora’s approach to food that feels familiar, yet endlessly exciting.
Complementing the menu is an inspired cocktail program that seamlessly blends modern mixology with approachable charm. Designed to mirror Sora’s breezy, elevated vibe, the bar menu showcases refreshing blends and signature pours that are as beautiful as they are balanced. Guests can sip on the Purple Mist, a delicate mix of Smirnoff vodka, lavender syrup, and lime juice; or the Elder Blush, where Greater Than gin, elderflower, and cranberry juice meet a rose-petal finish. The tropical Caribbean Bloom fuses Old Monk white rum with blueberry and apple, while the Coriander Leaf stands out with Camino silver tequila, yuzu puree, and a coriander-salt rim. The Pink Amber, a blend of Blenders Pride whisky, pink grapefruit syrup, and lime juice, offers a citrus-forward twist to a classic favourite. Each cocktail feels like a gentle nod to the sky light, layered, and effortlessly elegant.
True to its name, Sora by The Nines is envisioned as a visual and sensory tribute to the sky. Spanning 2,800 sq. ft., the space captures a sense of calm and expansiveness through a palette of soft neutrals, gentle blues, and earthy tones. Curved furniture, diffused lighting, and natural textures come together to create an atmosphere that transitions effortlessly from day to night. Designed to feel light, open, and elevated, the interiors strike a balance between aspiration and warmth, a setting where the ambience enhances the dining experience and evokes a sense of calm, connection, and global sophistication.
Behind the concept is Mahesh Shetty, a seasoned hospitality entrepreneur known for creating spaces that blend consistency with character. From Times Square in Borivali to Namaskar, The Nines Juhu, Maharaj in Dahisar and now Sora by The Nines and Devengere Benne, his restaurants have become cornerstones of Mumbai’s suburban dining culture. “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.
