Carnival by Tresind in Santa Cruz offers a delightful modern Indian dining experience with exceptional food and service. From the spicy Veepdu to the iconic Halal Guys Chicken Over Rice, the flavors shine, though the ambience could use improvement. A must-try for foodies seeking innovation!
A quantitative review of my experience at Carnival by Tresind
- Drinks Included: No
- Cuisine: Indian
- Sub-cuisine: Modern Indian
- Locality: Santa Cruz, Mumbai
- Price per Person: ₹1829
- Food: 5/5
- Service: 5/5
- Ambience: 3/5
- Repeat Value: Maybe
Summary
To celebrate my birthday, I visited Carnival by Tresind, a modern Indian restaurant in Santa Cruz that had been on my radar for a while. Known for its innovative dishes like the Lobster Vada Pav, I was eager to dive into their much-talked-about brunch menu. While the food was outstanding and the service impeccable, the ambience fell short of expectations. The live Hindi tunes felt mismatched with the venue’s concept, and the overall atmosphere leaned more toward a lounge vibe, which didn’t complement the dining experience. Despite the high-quality food, the price felt steep considering the setting. However, the standout dishes and the enticing cocktail menu make it worth a revisit—if the ambience improves and prices are adjusted.
What I tried
Veepdu: 5/5
Spicy and crispy fried Andhra-style chicken. So good, we ordered a second plate!
Recado Negro: 5/5
Succulent mutton chunks in a spicy coriander-based gravy, paired perfectly with a tangy buttermilk dipping sauce.
Mr. Nath’s Favourite: 4/5
A classic sweet-and-spicy chilli chicken dish. Simple but satisfying.
Coorgi Dumpling: 4/5
Pork dumplings with average flavor, elevated by a spicy chilli oil dip and tangy vinaigrette.
Charcoal Chicken: 5/5
Juicy chicken chunks served on a creamy hummus base—bursting with flavour.
Chemmeen: 5/5
Perfectly cooked prawns in a sweet and spicy sauce with hand-cut noodles—a delightful seafood treat.
Lettuce Wrap: 4/5
Crispy cauliflower in a spicy sauce, wrapped in lettuce. Good, but slightly underwhelming.
Patatas Bravas: 5/5
Crispy potatoes paired with a spicy jalapeño chutney—a must-try for crispy potato lovers.
Seekh Paratha: 5/5
Beautifully spiced kebabs paired with flaky paratha and refreshing mint chutney—a flawless dish.
Halal Guys Chicken Over Rice: 5/5
An iconic dish with perfectly spiced chicken served over fragrant rice—simply amazing.
Lobster Vada Pav: 3/5
The vada lacked lobster flavour and felt unbalanced. A dish with potential, but it needs refining.
Should you Visit Carnival by Tresind?
Yes, but with some caveats.
If you’re a fan of modern Indian cuisine, Carnival by Tresind will dazzle your taste buds with its creative and flavorful dishes. The food, from the crispy Veepdu to the tender Recado Negro, is the restaurant’s strongest suit, backed by impeccable service. However, the ambience and pricing leave room for improvement. The lounge-like vibe and mismatched music detract from the fine dining experience, making the high price tag feel unjustified.
Carnival by Tresind is worth a visit for the food and cocktails alone—especially if you’re exploring their brunch menu. However, I’d recommend waiting for updates to the ambience or a promotional discount to truly get your money’s worth.