The 38 Must-Try Restaurants in Mumbai

Mumbai has historically been short on restaurants showcasing the flavors of Nagaland, a northeastern state known for its Indigenous tribes who excel in foraging, smoking meats, and fermenting foods to enhance preservation. At Naga Belly, traditional tribal cuisine takes center stage. The menu features classic Naga dishes alongside unique interpretations. Begin with chicken wings prepared with axone (fermented soybean paste) and gahlo (rice porridge infused with wild herbs). Once you're warmed up, savor pork bhujia (boiled then fried pork until crispy), smoked pork with anishi (taro leaves), and black rice. Be sure to assess your spice tolerance beforehand and call ahead to reserve a spot in this cozy Mytoury.

While Mumbai isn't typically recognized for its momos, the Tibetan/Nepali dumplings that have recently gained popularity in India's street food landscape, Suraj Lama is changing that narrative. The restaurant's journey resembles a classic Bollywood rags-to-riches tale. What began as a humble cart has blossomed into a bustling venue with long lines of eager customers. Steamed chicken momos are the go-to order, but don't miss out on more adventurous options like chicken cheese pahadi tandoori for a richer flavor experience.

The newest member of the Chaitanya restaurant family, Nav Chaitanya brings the essence of Malvani cuisine to life, following successful locations in Malvan and Dadar. Chef Surekha Walke uses cherished family recipes to showcase the rich flavors of southern Maharashtra’s coastline. At one point, she even brought water from her hometown—about 10 hours away—to preserve the authenticity of the dishes. For a shared experience, try the tisrya bhujane (stir-fried clams with coconut and shallots), crab masala, gaboli fry (fried fish roe), and kombdi vade (chicken curry served with fried rice and millet bread). If dining solo, opt for the Bombay duck rice plate. Be prepared to wait at least an hour for a table on Sundays.

Ranking chaat in Mumbai is a daunting task, often leading to passionate debates among friends and family. If you're unsure where to start, the Ram & Shyam stall is a must-visit. Despite its small size, it has served countless Bollywood stars. Be sure to try the dahi puri (crispy flour dumplings lavishly topped with yogurt and tamarind chutney), bhel (puffed rice blended with sweet and spicy chutneys), and pani puri (dumplings filled with mashed potatoes and a flavorful mix of sweet and spicy water). The slightly higher prices compared to other vendors reflect the exceptional quality. End your meal with a sukha (dry) puri for good luck.

The history of the Sindhi community is intertwined with the tragic stories of migration during India's partition. Many who once lived in Sindh, now part of Pakistan, found refuge in Mumbai. While Sindhful offers a wide array of North Indian and Chinese dishes, its soul lies in cherished Sindhi classics. The arbi tuk features deep-fried colocasia root (taro) seasoned with spices, and the dal pakwan is a filling dish of lentils paired with crispy bread. Traditional Sindhi meat dishes, like the slow-cooked Sindhi mutton curry, are expertly prepared and guaranteed to please any palate.

Since its launch in 2014, Bombay Salad Co. has made healthy eating trendy, standing out in a neighborhood filled with indulgent options. Founded by Karishma Dalal, it was among the first salad bars in India. While many have their go-to favorites from the menu, you can also create your own mix from a selection of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The Red Frenchman and Protein Overload salads are particularly popular choices.

Izumi began as a cozy spot in Bandra but has since transformed into an elegant restaurant with a dedicated following. Chef Nooresha Kably refined her sushi and ramen techniques in Tokyo and Yokohama, bringing authentic Japanese flavors to Mumbai. Be sure to try the chutoro sashimi, tempura shrimp with yuzu mayo roll, and kimchi pork gyoza, and don’t hesitate to share a bowl of tonkotsu ramen with friends. Reservations are a good idea.

Bringing the delight of tapas to Mumbai, La Loca Maria offers a taste of various Spanish cuisines. Chef Manuel Olveira Seller’s restaurant features simple yet flavorful dishes. Start with charred octopus, palm heart ceviche, and pork al pastor tacos, then enjoy the subtly smoked salmon and sous vide chicken, which contrast beautifully with the bold spices commonly found in Indian dishes.

Hunger Inc.’s second restaurant, founded by Sameer Seth and Yash Bhanage of Bombay Canteen fame, has pleasantly surprised local diners with its Goan and Portuguese offerings. O Pedro has earned a spot on every notable list of Mumbai's best dining spots. Chef Hussain Shahzad’s creativity shines through in the restaurant’s signature dishes. Start with either a mushroom or sea bass ceviche, then enjoy roasted bone marrow, and finish with the roasted pork ard maas (bone-in meat). If you're dining around Easter or Christmas, don't miss the chance to indulge in a whole roasted suckling pig, a rare find even in Goa.

For authentic Thai cuisine in Mumbai, look no further than chef Seefah Ketchaiyo’s namesake restaurant, a collaboration with her husband, chef Karan Bane. Drawing from her experience in both Thailand and China, the menu includes papaya salad, duck rice, Isan grilled pork, and Thai curry served with crispy roti. The restaurant also features a variety of Japanese dishes, so you can enjoy udon or sashimi as well. If chef Ketchaiyo is in the kitchen, be sure to ask for her off-menu specialty: a Thai omelette stuffed with chicken or pork.

A rite of passage in Mumbai is finding a dive bar that feels like a second home, and Yacht (pronounced “ya-chet” by locals in Bandra) is just that spot. Here, you’re bound to create unforgettable memories. The drinks are affordable, available by the quarter (250 milliliters) or by the bottle. Pair your beverages with classic dive bar snacks like chicken lollipops, cauliflower or chicken Manchurian, and mixed fried rice. The clientele is a mix of old-timers, college students, disillusioned screenwriters, and passionate lawyers. You don’t pick your dive bar; it picks you.

Guru Kripa is the quintessential family restaurant, perfect for large groups and joint families. It offers a diverse menu with something for everyone: chaat, complete thali meals, desserts, milkshakes, and main courses. Don't miss out on the samosas, vegetable sandwiches topped with cheese, dal pakwan, and any dessert that catches your eye—try the jalebis and fruit custard if you're unsure where to start.

When it comes to Irani cafes in Mumbai, the conversation usually revolves around iconic spots like Britannia and Excelsior, which have stood the test of time. However, Cafe Irani Chaii is a newer entry that exudes the charm of a century-old establishment. Start your meal with a warm cup of chai alongside brun maska (crusty bread slathered in butter), keema fry (spiced minced lamb), and a hearty mutton paya (lamb trotter) soup. Playful signs, such as “No flirting with the cashier,” add to the cafe's quirky ambiance.

Opening its doors at 7 a.m., Cafe Madras is typically bustling by 7:01, making it a cherished institution in Matunga for over 80 years. Start your culinary journey with a ghee roast masala dosa, generously topped with white butter. Share a plate of idlis (soft fermented rice cakes) dipped in ghee, chutney, and podi. Conclude your meal with a cup of rich filter coffee. Be prepared to share tables and make a swift exit unless you fancy the disapproving stares from those waiting outside.

It's nearly impossible to overlook the crowd of eager Maharashtrians vying for a table outside Aaswad, Dadar's go-to destination for authentic vegetarian Marathi cuisine. Sharing tables with fellow diners is standard practice, and lingering after your meal is generally frowned upon. Don't miss the varan bhaat (lightly sweetened lentils served with rice), buttery thalipeeth (hand-stretched, gluten-free flatbreads), and shrikhand puri (fried bread paired with a sweet yogurt dessert).

Prakash is the go-to spot for many Marathi grandmothers seeking to enjoy dishes they've perfected at home, a testament to the restaurant's quality. Skipping a plate of sabudana vadas (tapioca fritters) would be considered a crime. Complement them with pithla bhakri (gram flour curry paired with jowar bread), kothimbir wadi (crispy coriander patties), and solkadhi (a sweet and spicy coconut milk drink soured with kokum). Don't forget to savor several cups of tea while you dine. Note: The staff's brusque demeanor is actually a form of endearing hospitality at Prakash.

No dish embodies Mumbai quite like the vada pav: found on virtually every street corner, it’s incredibly affordable and quick to devour. This iconic snack features a spiced mashed potato patty coated in gram flour batter and served in a pao, a bread introduced to India by the Portuguese. One of the best places to enjoy this treat is a tiny stall outside Kirti College, where you'll find a constant queue, a perpetually grumpy vendor, and a steady stream of hungry students eager to polish off every last vada pav. Be sure to ask for extra tamarind chutney and chura (crispy bits of fried gram flour).

In the last ten years, the Bombay Canteen has emerged as one of the most significant modern Indian dining experiences in the nation. The culinary team travels to remote regions of India for inspiration, employing innovative techniques to craft seasonal menus that celebrate reimagined regional specialties. Currently helmed by chef Hussain Shahzad, a graduate of Eleven Madison Park, the restaurant was previously shaped by Thomas Zacharias and the late Floyd Cardoz, who both left a lasting impact on its culinary vision. Don't miss classics like eggs Kejriwal (a spicy fried egg dish created at the Willingdon Sports Club), prawns ali-yolio, and seasonal offerings like sev puri adorned with raw sea bass or pork belly thukpa. It's wise to secure reservations, especially on weekends.

Maaslli is an ideal spot to savor traditional dishes from the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin community, celebrated for their fish culinary skills. Indulge in the mori ghee roast (shark with a sweet and spicy roasted masala), bangda tirfal curry (mackerel with teppal), and prawn biryani. Be sure to ask about the GSB specials, and save room for kharvas (a creamy dessert resembling panna cotta made from colostrum). Maaslli signifies a new trend in family-friendly dining in Mumbai, focusing on the cuisine of specific communities rather than broad pan-Indian offerings.

While many Maharashtrians might admit that the city isn't the top destination for misal, the spicy, one-pot dish of moth beans paired with bread and various condiments, Martand serves up a fantastic version that’s sure to leave you sweating. Skip the cheesy and buttery variations and opt for the classic special misal if it's your first experience. Note: If you're sensitive to spice, pairing your misal with buttermilk or solkadhi will help tame the heat.

Masque has stirred up opinions since its emergence in Mumbai's fine dining scene, challenging the norms of contemporary Indian cuisine. Chef Varun Totlani now leads the kitchen, having taken over from founding chef Prateek Sadhu. Be sure to book well in advance to experience the 10-course tasting menu, which highlights seasonal offerings and a commitment to local ingredients. Additionally, you can inquire about dining at the Masque Lab, an experimental space where adventurous diners can sample dishes that are still being perfected.

Bombay Sweet Shop is reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s factory, but with an Indian twist. Fusing traditional mithai with contemporary flavors, chef Girish Nayak has crafted delights like Kaapi Paak (a coffee-infused take on Mysore’s classic ghee and gram flour sweet), seasonal ghevar strawberry tarts, and Parle-G biscuit fudge. Nostalgia is a recurring theme in many of their creations. If the sweetness becomes too much, pair your treats with some spicy kachoris for a palate cleanse.

A beloved breakfast spot for the legendary author Saadat Hasan Manto, Sarvi is a Nagpada landmark. While the seekh kebabs draw the crowds, the offal dishes are a must-try, especially the brain masala and tongue fry. Don’t skip the caramel custard; it’s worth a second helping. If you strike up a conversation with the older waiters, they’ll regale you with tales of Mumbai’s underworld and point out Manto’s favorite table.

Swati Snacks has made a name for itself by bringing homestyle, vegetarian Gujarati snacks to Mumbai. Minakshi Jhaveri’s cozy Mytoury has served an impressive array of local and international celebrities. Don’t miss their signature dish, suva panki, a rice flour pancake steamed with dill in banana leaves. The fada khichdi is a comforting mix of broken wheat and lentils, perfect for soothing your stomach. Pair your meal with a refreshing glass of sugarcane juice.

Noor Mohammadi is renowned for its nalli nihari, a rich and gelatinous slow-cooked stew of water buffalo, traditionally enjoyed by Muslims after the first prayer. This savory dish, featuring tender chunks of bone marrow in a luscious gravy, pairs perfectly with thick, buttery tandoori rotis for a hearty dinner. Currently run by Raashid Abdul Hakim, this iconic Mytoury is woven into Mumbai’s pop culture, with a tribute sketch by the famous M.F. Hussain at the entrance and a signature dish by Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt, the Chicken Sanju Baba. At one time, migrants used this restaurant as their address for letters. Celebrating its centenary in 2023, Noor Mohammadi remains a cherished piece of Mumbai’s history.

If you're in the mood for a late-night carb fix, pull up to Bachelorr's and an eager server will quickly come to your car. In no time, you'll be enjoying grilled sandwiches bursting with melted cheese, thick shakes, and seasonal fruits served with cream. During summer, make sure to try any mango dish on the menu; in winter, indulge in strawberry treats.

Shree Thaker Bhojanalay stands unrivaled in Mumbai for its thali, showcasing the best of Gujarati hospitality. This vegetarian feast includes over 20 traditional dishes meticulously arranged on your plate, featuring some special Rajasthani treats. During winter, don't miss their undhiyu, a labor-intensive Surat specialty that takes all night to prepare. Behind the register, a large photo wall features culinary icons like David Chang, Mauro Colagreco, and Nigella Lawson, all of whom have experienced the restaurant's legendary thali. The servers are relentless, ensuring your plate is never empty until they declare the meal is complete.

For decades, Kyani has been a cherished spot for college students, offering affordable and speedy meals perfect for a quick breakfast. Stepping inside feels like entering a time capsule, with mirrored walls, wooden seating, and the inviting scent of freshly brewed tea. Be sure to try their chicken puffs, bun maska (buttered bread), Irani chai, mawa cake, and a plate of eggs.

No list of Mumbai Mytouries is complete without Britannia, the iconic Irani café renowned for making mutton berry pulao a staple in the city. This dish, featuring tangy zereshk berries (barberries) from Iran and succulent lamb, has remained a constant amid the city’s evolution. Although it may no longer be an everyday indulgence for many Mumbaikars, savoring a serving is considered a rite of passage. For a truly nostalgic meal in South Mumbai, pair it with Pallonji’s soda and a side of dhansak (lentils cooked with lamb). For nearly a century, the café was lovingly managed by the affable Boman Kohinoor, a third-generation owner who witnessed the restaurant's inception in 1923 and passed away in 2019.

Tucked away in the lanes of Fort, Deluxe is one of the rare spots to relish a Kerala-style vegetarian sadhya lunch served on a banana leaf. Both the avial (a medley of vegetables cooked in coconut and yogurt) and parippu (lentil curry) are worthy of seconds. Don't miss the prawn fry and karimeen fry (pearlspot fish) as delightful accompaniments. Embrace the experience by eating with your hands; it’s the best way to truly enjoy the meal.

This beloved spot is part of Mumbai’s tight-knit Iranian community, many of whom trace their roots back to Zoroastrians fleeing persecution. Military is one of the rare Irani cafés where you can enjoy a cold beer with your meal, serving generations of families around Fort. Check the daily specials or opt for the reliable salli boti (a sweet and tangy slow-cooked lamb curry) and lamb mince biryani. Don’t miss the brain fry, which practically melts in your mouth.

The lagan nu bhonu feast at Jimmy Boy offers a delightful introduction to the finest Parsi wedding dishes. Look for patrani machhi — a whole fish enveloped in a rich coconut and green chile chutney, steamed in banana leaves — alongside chicken farcha (Parsi-style fried chicken), mutton pulao, and dhansak (lentils with lamb). The vegetarian option features a cashew vegetable curry. Be sure to try a bottle of the vibrantly pink Pallonji’s soda.

Chef Alex Sanchez has made quite a mark in Mumbai's dining scene, especially with his previous venture, The Table, which set new standards for restaurants in the city. His latest endeavor, Americano, co-founded with Mallyeka Watsa, is often seen as an Italian establishment, yet it draws inspiration from various culinary traditions. Each small plate is elegantly crafted to showcase its ingredients. Be sure to try the sweetcorn ribs, duck ravioli, and shaved Brussels sprouts. The bar program alone is worth a visit; don't miss the Amaize Balls cocktail featuring tequila, peach jam, and salted corn—true to its name.

In Mumbai, a late-night drinking spree often concludes with a classic roll from one of the city's Mughlai or Punjabi Mytouries. Ayub’s is a beloved establishment that caters to both the wealthy and students alike. Try the mutton baida roti, a bread filled with eggs and minced lamb, or the paneer tikka roll, featuring cottage cheese wrapped in soft roomali roti. Don’t forget to order a side of bhurji, scrambled eggs mixed with spices. Everything pairs perfectly with a chilled bottle of Coke.

When it opened, The Table was pioneering, introducing concepts like “farm-to-table” and “cuisine agnostic” to a city that was unacquainted with them. Since its inception, Mumbai's fine dining scene has transformed dramatically. Co-owned by Gauri Devidayal and Jay Yousuf, The Table continues to impress. Signature dishes include yellowfin tuna tataki, boneless chicken wings, and blackened Norwegian salmon.

Ling’s Pavilion, founded by the team behind Mumbai’s legendary Nanking, stands as one of the city’s oldest Chinese dining spots. The extensive menu is complemented by seasoned servers, and the amiable owner, Baba Ling, is always ready to share the daily specials. Be sure to order the steamed chicken wontons, roast pork with shiitake mushrooms, and the hakka noodles. With generous portion sizes, it’s best to gather a large group to tackle the offerings.

Bagdadi claims a rich history of 125 years. As you step inside, take a moment to appreciate the timeless decor, which has retained its charm even after a recent makeover. Be sure to order the shami kebabs that melt in your mouth, along with mutton pulao, crispy fried potatoes, and creamy caramel custard. Don’t miss the daily specials, particularly the dabba gosht, a unique mutton curry topped with egg batter and flavored with spices. Conclude your meal with a cup of black tea, then enjoy a leisurely stroll around the Gateway of India to aid digestion.

Since launching its first outlet in Bandra three years ago, Subko has become synonymous with high-quality artisanal coffee and exquisite French pastries in Mumbai. Its latest addition, the Cacao Mill, is a paradise for chocolate aficionados. Don’t miss the sea buckthorn almond and pistachio cherry cubes, and be sure to try the signature kouign amann and the haleem quiche crafted by chef Daniel Trulson of Bread & Chocolate fame. Visitors can also tour the chocolate-making facilities to see how these delightful treats are created.