Mumbai is a city of secrets, and more so when it comes to food. We all have our favourite eating spots around the city. But there are some places that just stand out from the crowd - be it for its amazing food, iconic decor, or storied past.
We've rounded up our favourite 20 iconic joints in Mumbai that are simply timeless and the ones we can visit again and again!
No matter what your opinions are on the hype at Cafe Leopold, there's no questioning the popularity of this iconic eatery on Colaba Causeway. Crowded, busy, and somehow laid-back at the same time, this one's earned pride of place on every list of must-visit eateries in the city. Featured in both news and pop culture, this one is particularly popular with tourists.
What to order: Split a beer tower among friends and wash down your Chicken Stroganoff, Chicken Wings, Mushroom Tikka
Shell Out: INR 2,000 for two
One of the best-known seafood restaurants for classic coastal and seafood specialties, Gajalee is a fast favourite. With a no-frills atmosphere and lines out the door, they've got a quick turnover rate that's a testament to its popularity.
What to order: Bombil Fry, Special Clams Koshimbir, Crab Masala, Halwa Curry
Shell Out: INR 1,500 for two
If the wait time is anything to go by, especially on weekends, Cafe Madras has earned a pride of place as an iconic eatery. One of Matunga's most well-known spots, this eatery is where you go to get your fill of fluffy set dosa, appam with stew, bisibele bhaat.
What to order: Set Dosa, Appam With Stew, and Bisibele Bhaat
Shell Out: INR 250 for two
Whether you agree that Britannia And Co. has the best Irani and Parsi cuisine in the city or not, there's little arguing about its popularity. Right from those chequered tables to the charmingly run-down interiors and nostalgic Duke's raspberry soda, there's much to make this place beloved.
What to order: Berry Pulav, Mutton Dhanshak, Sali Boti, Caramel Custard
Shell Out: INR 1,000 for two
Do you all get cravings for a good thali? We know we do. And right up there on the list of iconic places is Shree Thaker Bhojanalay. This eatery, tucked away in the bylanes of Kalbadevi is famed for its unlimited veg thali and we're pretty sure it'll leave you on a food high.
What to order: Classic Thali, Sunday Thali
Shell Out: INR 1,300 for two
Old-school Mumbaikars will have heard of Khyber. This fine dining restaurant in Kala Ghoda does North Indian fare right. Mughal-style interiors, exposed brickwork and regal ambiance, Khyber makes for a royal dinner out and it's little wonder that celebs have frequented this spot on visits to the city.
What to order: Malai Tikka, Afghani Chicken, Butter Chicken, Paan Kulfi
Shell Out: INR 2,700 for two
If you're looking for a fine-dine experience with BAE in Bandra, Pali Bhavan combines beautiful interiors with gourmet Indian cuisine. Plus, they've got a stellar wine list to accompany your meal as well. For Indian food with a modern twist, plus a great vibe and vintage atmosphere, head to this iconic spot.
What to order: Edamame Aur Hara Chana Chaat, Tandoori Kairi Red Snapper, Alleppey Fish Curry
Shell Out: INR 3,000 for two
Is there anything more satisfying than a spicy misal pav, especially in the monsoons or the winter season? This Dadar outlet is the original Mamledar and has a serious cult following for their varieties of misal.
What to order: Mamledar Misal, Vada Usal Pav
Shell Out: INR 150 for two
Are you a college student who's looking for a budget-friendly date night with BAE? Then bookmark this iconic cafe. Prithvi Cafe is a go-to for Mumbai's college and artsy crowd. With its alfresco seating and strings of fairy lights, it's got a cute ambience that's great for unwinding over a cup of chai and hot snacks. We suggest making a point to stop and grab a bite before attending that next play or theatre workshop.
What to order: Suleimani Chai, Irish Coffee, Mixed Parathas, Kheema Pav
Shell Out: INR 300 for two
A popular joint that serves Mughlai, Delhi Darbar Colaba is a must-visit for anyone who misses pairing dal makhni, butter chicken and naan for the ultimate food fest. From a menu that changes every day to the classics – it has something for everyone.
What to order: Chicken Leg Barra, Murgh Musallam, Butter Chicken
Shell Out: INR 1,100 for two
Kyani and Co is an iconic cafe, with a legacy of more than hundred years. This Iranian cafe situated opposite Metro Cinema in Marine Lines, is famous among office goers, college students, and foodies, and you’ve got to try their keema pav and khaari without fail.
What to order: Elaichi-flavoured chai, bun maska, khaari, kheema pav, chicken sali boti, dhansak
Shell Out: INR 300 for two
K. Rustom & Co, also just known as K. Rustom’s is an old-school, Iranian ice-cream parlour which is set up with coloured bulbs all year round and has been churning out the yummiest, freshest ice-cream biscuits since 1953. This iconic ice cream is served as a thick slab sandwiched between wafer biscuits and wrapped in thin butter paper. Its most popular flavours, walnut crunch, and Kesar Pista are also layered with bits of walnut, caramelized sugar, and pista respectively.
What to order: Green mango, guava, choco delight, walnut crunch, papaya, and sitaphal ice-cream biscuits
Shell Out: INR 150 for two
So iconic that it barely needs an introduction, Bademiya in Fort is open till late in the night for post-work drinking seshes or when you are pulling an all-nighter. Their kebabs and rolls are famous and people swear by the chicken seekh kebab, mutton keema roll, and the bhuna chicken.
What to order: Chicken Seekh Kebab, Mutton Kheema Roll, and Bhuna Chicken
Shell Out: INR 900 for two
Another hole-in-the-wall but very famous eatery is this 90-year-old Bagdadi in Colaba. In the same lane as Bademiya, this one's a hub for meat lovers. The two things strongly recommended here are kaleji crispy and nalli nihari. And if you’ve been looking for yummy biryani, their mutton biryani never disappoints. What's more, this restaurant is packed throughout the year and is supremely pocket-friendly.
What to order: Beef Rice, Beef Bhuna, Chicken Khada Masala, Chicken Kashmiri, Beef Chilli, Shami Kebabs
Shell Out: INR 600 for two
Known for its range of ice cream flavors and fruit shakes, Bachelorr's has carved a special place in the hearts of Mumbaikars as a late-night option to gorge on heavy shakes and indulgent snacks. Being an eatery that shuts pretty late into the night, it's uber-popular for anyone who heads to SoBo when in the mood for a long drive. From their classic roasted Cadbury ice cream to strawberry cream, and of course, the infamous Green Chilli Ice Cream (for the ones who dare), it's all there.
What to order: Green chilli ice cream, wrapsules, pizzas, and grilled sandwiches.
Shell Out: INR 300 for two
The ever-so-iconic Cafe Mondegar on Colaba Causeway has sustained the passage of time, tragedy and is still one of our favourite cafes in town. Cafe Mondegar was started off in 1932 and was the first cafe in the city to have a vintage jukebox. With Mario Miranda’s murals painted all over the cafe, the cafe is a favourite amongst the tourists and the locals. Its envious location amidst the busy street lined with beautiful jewellery and colourful clothes, it holds its own time.
What to order: Beef chilli, bacon-wrapped prawns, Arrabbiata penne pasta, Mondy’s special steak cheeseburger
Shell Out: INR 1,300 for two
Does your mulgi love her vada pav? Then you could take her to Ashok, the vada pav kings of Mumbai. Because you will not find any other joint selling a 'choora pav', their specialty. Ashok mixes the choora with chutney and stuffs it in the pav. There are many reasons why no other vada pav can match the standards this man has set, mainly because for over two decades, his vada pav has consistently been tasting the same. Spot Kirti College in one of the lanes of Dadar, and that's where you will find Ashok's humble cart!
What to eat: Ashok's famous choora pav, normal vada pavs
Shell Out: INR 100 for two
Have a fancy schmancy date night at Gaylord's fine diner, or eat out of their outdoor bakery. Gaylord is a place that oozes class and has a legendary vibe and it is nothing less than a jewel of Bombay. The place has been ruling hearts and pleasing stomachs since 1956. Gorge on North Indian, Continental, and European delicacies when here with BAE.
What to order: Waldorf salad, tandoori jumbo prawns, Chicken A’la Kiev, Baked Alaska
Shell Out: INR 2,000 for two
Well, if Delhi ke momos is an emotion, Mumbai has great momowallahs too, teleported here all the way from Darjeeling. If you both are momo-loving people, take a beach trip to Versova, and do not come back without eating at Suraj Lama Momos- the pride of Andheri. Craving for authentic North-Eastern style momos? Visit them for just that and more!
What to order: Chicken cheese tandoori momos, pahadi tikka momos, fried momos
Shell Out: INR 500 for two
Pav Bhaji is unarguably one of the best, and the most delectable dish that Mumbaikars love to snack on. And Sardar Pav Bhaji is a shop that will never disappoint you when it comes to whipping up this yummy delicacy. The tiny place is almost always busy with office-goers and students and attracts every passerby too.
What to order: Cheese pav bhaji, khada bhaji pav, Jain pav bhaji
Shell out: INR 250 for two
