Few other Mumbai neighbourhoods inspire the sort of love that Bandra does. Most big cities tend to have an area where the creative community congregates; in Mumbai, Bandra is that neighbourhood. Shilarna Vaze {chef and caterer of Gaia Gourmet} takes us on a journey to some of her all-time favourites in Bandra’s bustling culinary scene. “Anyone doing something new such as bespoke coffee, Korean food or nouvelle Indian, will first try it in Bandra. Maybe it’s the people here—they’re more open-minded. But whatever the case, Bandra truly is one of the best places to get everything from a drink at a local hole in the wall to a fancy meal at a posh restaurant”.
Discover Bandra’s Best Eateries: A Renowned Mumbai Chef’s Top Picks
Kitchen Garden By Suzette
Kitchen Garden is an absolute favourite. Run by husband-wife-and-friend trio Jérémie Sabbagh, Antonia Achache, and Pierre Labail, it’s the perfect place to have amazing, fresh juices. While the menu is completely nutrition-led with all manner of organic, dairy and gluten-free goods up for grabs, there are some decadent treats too like the heavenly apple raspberry compote with mascarpone, Greek yoghurt and crumble and their fresh croissants are a must. Check out their Instagram here.
Cost For Two: INR 1200
Google Rating: 4.4/5
Timings: 8 AM to 11:30 PM
Best dishes to try: Chicken Pesto Sandwich, Ham Sandwich, Avocado Toast, Smoothies, Salads, CoffeeKoinonia Coffee Roasters
Tucked away in the narrow streets of Bandra’s Chuim Village is this coffee hotspot. Koinonia sells coffees from estates in Marvahulla in Tamil Nadu, Poabs in Kerala and Kelagur and Badra in Karnataka. They also roast the coffee themselves. I’m married to a Swiss guy who is always craving good coffee and Clement and his partners are doing a great job of fixing this gap. Check out their Instagram here.
Cost For Two: INR 600
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Timings: 7 AM to 10 PM
Best dishes to try: Flat White Coffee, Chocolate Croissant, Hot CoffeeSequel Bistro and Juice Bar
No sugar. No flour. No chemicals. The menu at Sequel Bistro is super healthy. Started by Vanika Choudhary to promote conscious eating, the restaurant features an all-organic menu with an emphasis on alternative grains such as buckwheat, amaranth, sorghum, chia seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds and more. From delicious nut butters to decadent desserts using natural sweeteners, Sequel is just the place for all-organic salads and smoothie bowls. Check out their Instagram here.
Cost For Two: INR 1500
Google Rating: 4.1/5
Timings: 8 AM to 10:30 PM
Best dishes to try: Avocado Salad, Sweet Potato Fries, Smoothies, CookieJanata Bar + Jaihind Lunch Home
Janta Bar is the suburb’s only local watering hole where heaps of cash-strapped college kids hang out and it is that local joint that you never go to, but you can always order alcohol from at any point of day or night. Jaihind, opposite Janta Bar is a fail-proof local seafood joint. Standouts here include bombil fry, prawn curry, tisrya, Koliwada prawn, steamed banana leaf fish and sol kadi.
Cost For Two: INR 850
Google Rating: 4.2/5
Timings: 11 AM to 1 AM
Best dishes to try: Chicken Sukka, Chicken Lollipop, Prawns, Snacks
The Yoga House
The Yoga House is a great place to hang out post yoga or after a hectic workout. Aside from their healthy menu of quinoa burgers and feta sandwiches, there are excellent cups of coffee and smoothies to look forward to here. Check out their Instagram here.
Cost For Two: INR
Google Rating: 4.8/5
Timings: 8 AM to 10 PM
Best dishes to try: Hash Brown, Mozzarella Sandwich, Summer Salad
LBB tip: They host regular yoga and meditation sessions, know more about them here.Bastian
At Chef Kelvin Cheung’s Bastian, seafood is the real star. Bastian’s amazing crab and lobster dishes—specifically the ‘under the bridge crab’ are a culinary tribute to the inventiveness of fishermen in Hong Kong, who created a stellar dish stir-frying staples like shallots, garlic and dry chillies. Another stand out here is the cheesecake. Check out their Instagram here.
Cost For Two: INR 4000
Google Rating: 4.4/5
Timings: 12 PM to 4:30 PM and 7 PM to 1 AM
Best dishes to try: Lobster Roll, Bacon Kimchi Fried Rice, Pork Mazeman Bowl, Lotus Kunafa Cheesecake
LBB-tip: They also have a private dining room that can be reserved for those who prefer a more intimate setting.This recommendation was first posted on Nicobar.
Benne
Benne has become quite literally Bandra’s celeb-favourite spot. Owned by husband and wife duo Akhil Iyer and Shriya Narayan, this small darshini packs quite a culinary punch. If you’re looking for really authentic Bangalore-style South Indian, then a meal at Benne is a must—their fluffy Benne dosa, ghee podi idli and filter coffee top the list of things you must order. Check out their Instagram here.
Cost For Two: INR 500
Google Rating: 4.2/5
Timings: 7 AM to 3:30 PM and 5 PM to 11:30 PM (Monday closed)
Best dishes to try: Benne Dosa, Ghee Podi Idli, Mysore Pak, and Iced Filter Coffee
LBB tip: To avoid long queues, we suggest getting there in the morning for a delicious breakfast.
Contact: +919004676941
Gustoso
If you want a taste of Italy but don't have any plans to travel there anytime soon, go to Gustoso. Wood-fired pizzas with an intense smoky flavour. Involtini di pollo in white wine butter sauce. Ravioli. Bruschetta. Gustoso embraces Italian culture and its cuisine like no other. And while the main course is the star here, their desserts and cocktails are no less than an experience. Check out their Instagram here.
Cost For Two: INR 3500
Google Rating: 4.2/5
Timings: 12 PM to 3 PM and 7 PM to 12 AM
Best dishes to try: Pappardelle Alla Bolognese, Spaghetti Aglio Olio E Peperoncino, Casarecce All' Arrabbiata, Prosciutto Di Parma
The LoveFools
If you’re done dining in at traditional restaurants, try having a meal at The LoveFools. Perfect for your next date, the cafe is housed inside a bungalow for an intimate dining experience with its vintage vibes. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, throwing a baby shower, or just want to go on a date with your partner, The LoveFools is the place to be. Check out their Instagram here.
Cost For Two: INR 1000
Google Rating: 4.1/5
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM and 7 PM to 12 AM (Monday closed)
Best dishes to try: Pomodoro Blanco, Yuzu Kinoko Tempura Salad, Harissa Sunrise, Plancha, Pancake, Banana Bread
The last three additions were made exclusive to Chef's recommendations.
