Manuel Olveira
Chef / Founder
Born in the UNESCO heritage town of Toledo in Spain, Chef Manuel Olveira’s earliest childhood memories stem from his mother’s restaurant where he got his first glimpse of the various techniques of cooking. His passion for the craft inspired him to start cooking at the age of 14, and he helped out at the family restaurant on weekends, where he often served Spanish home-cooked food.
Over the course of his career, he has worked as Chef De Cuisine at several illustrious hotels around the world, including St. Regis – Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi and Le Cirque and Café Belge at The Ritz-Carlton in Dubai & J.W Marriot in Mumbai.
Chef Manuel’s gastronomical exploits have taken him from Spain to Dubai, and Abu Dhabi to Mumbai. Chef Manuel has established his signature style of cooking by exploring classic flavours and adapting to the diverse cultures and energies of the world around him. Having worked in some of the most revered Michelin kitchens at an international level and with renowned chefs such as Sergi Arola, Pepe Rodrigues Rey, and Paco Perez, his precision and attention to detail have been further honed with consistency in the flavours of each dish that is plated.
He credits India, and its nuanced culture, as playing a significant role in opening up his palette as it was here where he learned to play around with and infuse different flavours, textures and spices into his own creations.
Pratima (Mickee) Tuljapurkar
Founder
After marrying Chef Manuel Olveira, Mickee Tuljapurkar encouraged him to give birth to La Loca Maria upon witnessing not just his creativity, talent and passion for food, but also the success and recognition he received while working alongside Michelin-star chefs and rave reviews from family & friends.
While the holistic inspiration came from his hometown and culture in Spain, Mickee served as the brains behind the conceptualization and execution of the restaurant.
Despite hailing from a real estate background, she found her first venture in the hospitality segment made easier alongside Chef Manuel’s calm and easy-going demeanour. Together, this dynamic duo has conceptualized La Loca Maria as a unique restaurant that has its own profound identity. “I decided to take a risk by attributing half the floor space of the restaurant as the kitchen because I truly believe that the spirited energy begins to flow from there.
When people leave La Loca Maria, we want their souls to be more than satisfied. The fine showcase of diverse flavours means that patrons won’t have trouble finding a fresh favourite each time they step into La Loca Maria”.
La Loca Maria
Restaurant
Nestled in the vibrant Pali Hill area of Bandra, Mumbai, La Loca Maria has risen above its humble beginnings as a neighbourhood restaurant to establish itself as a renowned culinary destination in the city. In 2019, the name “La Loca Maria” was born, with “la loca” translating to “the crazy,” paying homage to Chef Manuel Olveira’s mother, who ignited his passion for cooking from a young age.
Under the skillful leadership of Spanish Chef Manuel Olveira and his Indian wife Pratima (Mickee) Tuljapurkar, La Loca Maria has captivated diners with its Modern Spanish Cuisine and an equally enticing bar program.
As guests step into our 75-seater restaurant, they are enveloped by a space that beautifully interprets Spanish architecture, combining modernity with a comforting touch. Thoughtfully arranged, our restaurant layout ensures almost every table enjoys a view of the bustling kitchen, the heart and soul of our establishment.
Inspired by Chef Manuel’s hometown, the UNESCO heritage city of Toledo in Spain, our restaurant boasts a colour palette reminiscent of an old town, featuring shades of beige, greens, whites, and browns. A magnificent art deco chandelier graces the central dome, casting a soft glow on the hand-painted murals depicting various facets of Spanish culture, setting the stage for the delightful dining experience ahead.
Our food philosophy is simple yet profound – we aim for guests to savour the essence of each ingredient, embracing the richness of simple yet robust flavours that showcase the quality of our produce, where exceptional taste reigns supreme.
The menu is considered in choice but looms large in variety and flavour. From Chef Manuel’s signature Paella dishes, BFF Carpaccio, Spanish-style flatbreads known as Cocas, to delectable offerings like Mushroom Truffle & Ham Croquettes, Gambas Al Ajillo, and Tacos – these dishes have earned a cult following among our patrons. Not to be missed is our most sought-after deconstructed La Loca Tiramisu, an absolute favourite that keeps our guests returning for more, cherishing the unforgettable flavours that define their dining experience.
At our bar, we take immense pride in crafting every element of our drinks program in-house, with a focus on zero waste. From infusions, cordials, and syrups to bitters and tinctures, our drinks bear a unique La Loca Maria flavour and character that stem from the care and attention put into their preparation.
Just like our food, our handcrafted cocktails have become an irresistible part of the La Loca Maria experience. From the meticulously prepared Aeropressed & La Loca Negroni to the refreshing Pisco Sour and the spicy Carambola Margarita, our cocktail program entices our guests to return for more delightful sips.