Rs 2 lakh Champagne, Rs 8,500 Pasta and a ceiling that moves: Why Arpita Khan's new restaurant is so expensive

Arpita Khan, sister of Bollywood actor Salman Khan, recently stepped into the culinary world with the launch of Mercii, a chic fine-dining restaurant located in Mumbai's posh Santacruz neighbourhood. Covering an expansive 9,000 square feet, Mercii has quickly emerged as a go-to destination for celebrities, often spotted by paparazzi enjoying the elegant setting. Apart from this, what is actually making headlines is that her restaurant sells French champagne worth Rs 2 lakh and lamb for Rs 10,000, but what makes it so expensive? Let's decode.


Mercii is co-owned by Salman's sister, Arpita, along with Ketul and Gaurav Parikh, and Anuj and Vicky Chugh of Richboyz Hospitality and Richboyz Entertainment. According to the Financial Express, the name of the restaurant 'Mercii' is a French word which means 'thank you', and the name reflects the brand's ethos of hospitality.

On the other hand, Arpita restaurant also sells champagne worth Rs 2 lakh and lamb for Rs 10,000.

Why does Mercii charge Rs 2 lakh for a bottle of French champagne and Rs 10,000 for lamb?

Mercii’s pricing goes beyond just the food and beverages; it encapsulates a full-fledged fine-dining experience. The champagne list features exclusive, high-end French imports, carefully selected for their rarity and luxury appeal. Signature dishes like the ₹10,000 Herb-Crusted Lamb Loin and the Truffle Pasta on Wheels are made with premium ingredients such as Périgord truffles and top-quality lamb, all presented with a touch of theatrical flair that enhances the overall dining journey.

A dynamic ceiling that changes with time

Hidden on the lower level of the Santacruz building, Mercii manages to avoid the typical basement vibe, and thanks to a stunning architectural feature that redefines the space, its ceiling. The most amazing part of the place is that the guests are treated to an ever-changing LED canopy that mimics the sky; hence, the guests do not feel enclosed.

By day, it radiates a soft, golden light reminiscent of natural sunlight, creating the perfect ambience for a breezy, alfresco-style brunch, without the Mumbai heat.

As evening falls, the ceiling seamlessly transitions into a moody, atmospheric skyscape, offering the charm of a Parisian rooftop under the stars.

Interior is inspired by the designer Carl of Creative Clinic

According to Curly Tales, Arpita once revealed that the idea of the interior came from designer Carl of Creative Clinic (Dubai). “It helps us create a vibe… It also adds to the expanse and makes the place look more dramatic and larger than life,” she said.

According to her, the ceiling of the restaurant is a theatrical ingredient of the place.

Where royal elegance meets party vibes

Mercii’s interiors strike a unique balance between regal opulence and vibrant nightlife. Picture plush seating, ornate jharokha-inspired lighting, and cosy shamiana-style alcoves that bring to mind intimate royal gatherings.

Though the menu leans heavily into European cuisine, the design reflects Arpita Khan’s personal taste, a fusion of lavish charm and inviting warmth. A sleek, elongated bar acts as the visual centrepiece of the space, flanked by a dedicated DJ zone that comes alive as the evening unfolds.

For guests seeking a more private experience, Mercii offers an exclusive lounge area that seats up to 30 people, complete with its own bar, so your next pour is never more than a few steps away.

Meet the chef behind the magic: What's on the menu at Mercii

Leading the culinary charge at Mercii is Deniss Koll, the Group Culinary Director, whose impressive resume includes experience at top-tier restaurants in Dubai. While Arpita Khan was actively involved in the search for the ideal chef, it was her partners, Ketul and Gaurav Parikh, who ultimately introduced Deniss to the team, reports Times Now.

The connection came via a trusted Dubai-based chef who had previously collaborated with Deniss and vouched for his talent. A tasting session in Mumbai was all it took to confirm the choice, as Arpita put it, “His heart and culinary skills were in the right place.”

Man behind the cuisine | Credit: Instagram |@mercii

( Image credit : Man behind the cuisine | Credit: Instagram |@mercii )

Cuisine: Elevated European with a hint of Desi tadka

While Arpita Khan initially envisioned Mercii as a multi-cuisine spot, she eventually opted for a more curated approach. The result is a sophisticated menu rooted in European cuisine, subtly infused with Indian and Asian touches.

One of her personal go-to dishes is the Quattro Formaggi, a rich, four-cheese pizza priced at Rs 1,100. Other pizzas on the menu range from Rs 800 to Rs 1,100, offering a more accessible indulgence.

For those looking to go all out, Mercii doesn’t hold back. The star attraction is the Herb-Crusted Lamb Loin, coming in at an extravagant Rs 10,000. And seafood lovers can also opt for the Teriyaki Salmon, a luxe pick at Rs 4,000.

FAQs

The standout feature at Mercii is its dynamic LED canopy ceiling, designed by Carl from Dubai’s Creative Clinic.

Q. Why are celebrities frequently spotted at Mercii, and how does that add to its pricing?

Mercii has quickly turned into a hotspot for Bollywood and Tinseltown personalities; names like AP Dhillon, Bhumi Pednekar, Arbaaz Khan, and Pulkit Samrat have all dropped by within months of its opening.

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