7 Must-Try Restaurants in Mumbai

Mumbai shines bright in the eyes of its visitors with its iridescent hues. Nothing seems impossible in this ‘City of Dreams’ as you are experience the luminous fanfare of Bollywood, visit legendary landmarks, indulge in scrumptious culinary delights, and revel in the upbeat vibe of the city. So, when you venture to Mumbai this month to attend the Global Citizen India concert on November 19, to witness performances by Coldplay, Jay Z, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Arijit Singh, Katrina Kaif and a number of other artists, take this opportunity to fulfill your foodie dreams. While there are many posh restaurants in popular hotels in Mumbai, here’s my pick of the top 7 restaurants in the Maximum City. Try a new restaurant, a new cuisine everyday! 

1. Aaswad Uphar and Mithai Ghruh

Mouth-watering Maharashtrian fare accompanied by warm hospitality and a cosy ambience – That’s the magic of Aaswad. Dining at Aaswad Uphar and Mithai Ghruh is a delight for vegetarians and also easy on the pocket. The huge variety on the menu includes authentic Maharashtrian food, South Indian, local street food and desserts.

Where: LJ Road, Shivaji Park, Dadar West

Star of the Show: Vada Pav, Kothimbir Wadi

Word to the Wise #1: While you will find it difficult to resist the spicy Maharashtrian local delicacies, do save some appetite for the delicious desserts. You might regret missing them later!

2. Café Mondegar

Located bang on Colaba Causeway, Café Mondegar or Mondy’s, is the place to head to for good times. High on energy, the café is a big hit among foreigners and youngsters for its wall murals, jukebox, finger foods and beer. The wall murals by Mario Miranda have become synonymous with Mondy’s and depict a bustling café in Mumbai. When browsing the various hotels in Mumbai, you can pick one closer to Colaba Causeway as that will make many tourist spots easily accessible.

Where: 5-A, Metro House, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Colaba Causeway

Star of the Show: Beer with Onion Rings/Fried Chicken

Word to the Wise #2: Wade through the vivacious Colaba Causeway before or after a meal at the café to shop for trinkets, antiques and other knick knacks. Don’t forget to haggle here!

3. Pizza By The Bay

Urbane interiors, soothing ambience and sea views…what could be a better place to savour the classic pizza? Beyond classic, this is where you can enjoy gourmet pizzas by the bay! Of the many restaurants in Mumbai, this one enjoys a very unique location. Located just opposite Marine Drive, this restaurant has both fine dining and casual seating arrangements. Come here for pizzas, pastas, risottos and everything Italian.

Where: 143 Marine Drive, Churchgate

Star of the Show: Pizzas, Pastas

Word to the Wise #3: Try their thin crust Margherita pizza, baked with cherry tomatoes and with fresh mozzarella oozing out of its crust.

4. Quattro

When it comes to international vegetarian cuisine, Quattro is the place to be. Be it Tex-Mex, Italian delicacies or sinful desserts, eating at this restaurant is truly uplifting. After indulging in one of the finest dining experiences, don’t forget to take home some fresh baked muffins, breads or sauces. This is one of my favourite restaurants in Mumbai and I personally recommend the chocolate cage here.

Where: Opposite Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel

Star of the Show: Baked Fondue/ Chocolate Cage

Word to the Wise #4: Don’t be surprised to see the variety of complimentary dips they offer with their dishes. Each one is a must try!

5. The Tasting Room

Enter The Tasting Room and be prepared to be charmed by their fabulous food and earthy ambience. The touch of elegance that the place has truly sets it apart from other restaurants in Mumbai. Breakfast, lunch or dinner – you’ll find this place bustling with people at all times of the day. Just grab a coffee and one of their zillion salads or desserts (ranging from warm cheesecakes to chocolate pies). You can spend hours at this beautifully done up place without even realising so.

Where: Raghuvanshi Mills Compound, Lower Parel

Star of the Show: Watermelon and Feta Cheese Salad

Word to the Wise #5: After satisfying your taste buds, head to the adjacent Good Earth store for some retail therapy.

6. Sancho’s Restaurante & Cantina

Tantalise your palate at Sancho’s, which offers delectable Mexican cuisine and the best Margaritas  and Sangrias. This cool and relaxed dining outlet features a wonderful menu for the discerning gourmet. The authentic Mexican fare on the menu at Sancho’s is accompanied by swanky interiors, colourful wooden furniture and great music.

Where: 604, Ground floor, Pinnacle House, PD Hinduja Road, Bandra West

Star of the Show: Nachos, Fish and Chicken Taquitos

Word to the Wise #6: What’s your type of salsa - the mild cruda and verde, the hot pico or the ranch-style salsa ranchera? Sancho’s Restaurante & Cantina has it all; don’t forget to try out your favourite!

7. Punjab Grill

Being a true blue Punjabi, Punjab Grill clearly tops the list for me among the many restaurants in Juhu. Founded by celebrity chef Jiggs Kalra, it is a premium fine dining restaurant. Sumptuous delicacies from undivided Punjab and an exotic collection of cocktails and mocktails await you here. Couple your meal with a glass of wine for a truly eclectic experience. Besides this, there are many fine dining restaurants in some hotels in Mumbai which you will love.

Where: Juhu Supreme Shopping Centre, Vile Parle West

Star of the Show: Dahi Kebab/Murgh Malai Tikka

Word to the Wise #7: Don’t miss the exclusive (and complimentary!) paan shots, which make for a perfect ending to an even better meal.

If you thought that food is all that Mumbai is about, think again. I will be back in Mumbai soon to share some great experiences that this vibrant city has to offer. Till then, sing along…

♪ Ye hai Bambai, ye hai Bambai, ye hai Bambai meri jaan ♪

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