Why Mumbai Is One of India’s Best Food Cities?

Among all the major metro cities, we feel Mumbai is one of the most forward-thinking when it comes to food. For decades, Mumbai has led the way with culinary experimentation and has many firsts to its name. From traditional places to some of the most beautiful fine-dining experiences, Mumbai truly caters to all tastes and budgets - from a mouth-watering vada pav costing as little as Rs. 10 to exclusive suppers at modern Indian freestyle kitchens and private dining studios, where the experience goes far beyond the spend. Mumbai has it all.

The newest and trendiest food experiments in the city are now focusing on gourmet, sustainable, and conscious menus, with thoughtful design and storytelling that reflect the travel and cultural diversity of India. At the same time, restaurants that have stood the test of time continue to inspire with their standards and consistency.

Located in the suburbs, The Bombay Canteen, Masque, Masala Library, and Soda Bottle Openerwala (do ask for their Parsi Wedding Feast recommendations) remain among the most loved restaurants by our guests. In Colaba, Trishna, The Table, Khyber, and the newly refurbished Gaylord are not only top-rated but also offer great value for money. Soam (an all-vegetarian regional menu, on a first-come, first-served basis) is one of the most popular lunch stops for our guests during sightseeing. Loved the Paani-Poories here on our last visit!

New restaurants

Among the newcomers, Ekaa and Araku represent transformative, new-age culinary journeys deeply rooted in regional produce and community-forward practices.

On a Thursday night, there's no better place than Olive Bar & Kitchen, Khar West, known for its iconic bar nights. We particularly enjoy visiting for the Sunday brunch served in a sunlit courtyard - supremely satisfying.

Recently, we've also rediscovered a few unpretentious, authentic spots such as Jai Hind (local fish delicacies) and Mahesh Lunch Home (excellent local seafood).

Street food

Needless to say, street food and the local eating-out culture in Mumbai are taken very seriously. Girgaum Chowpatty, with its beachside carts serving brilliant street food from across India, is a must-stop on all our food tours. Legendary kebabs at Bade Miyan (right behind the Taj Mahal Hotel - cheap, delicious, and open till the early hours), Swati Snacks(for some of the best misal pav and local street food in a clean & hygienic setting), unlimited Gujarati thalis at Shree Thaker Bhojanalaya, and a chilled draft beer with a Bombay sandwich at Leopold Café are some of our go-to favourites.

Note: Jimmy Boy is currently closed for renovations and will be reopening soon.

Restaurants and Local Favourites in Mumbai

The Bombay Canteen, Parel

Indian / Colonial, Relaxed Dining

Award-winning restaurant and bar

Why we like it: Consistently creative cooking that still feels rooted in familiar flavours.

Masque, Mahalakshmi

Modern Indian, Fine Dining

Set tasting menus in a high-ceilinged industrial space

Why we like it: Thoughtful menus driven by technique and seasonal produce.

Masala Library, Bandra Kurla Complex

Indian, Fine Dining

Imaginative and contemporary Indian cuisine

Why we like it: A polished experience for guests curious about modern interpretations.

Soda Bottle Openerwala, Multiple Locations

Parsi / Irani, Relaxed Dining

Classic Irani café favourites

Why we like it: Comfort food with character, especially for those new to Parsi cuisine.

Trishna, Kala Ghoda

Seafood, Relaxed Dining

Simple, intimate space known for seafood

Why we like it: One of the city’s most dependable seafood addresses.

The Table, Colaba

International, Relaxed Dining

Western dishes with good cocktails

Why we like it: Easygoing, versatile, and consistently enjoyable.

Khyber, Colaba

North Indian, Relaxed Dining

Classic Mughlai and North Indian dishes

Why we like it: A long-standing favourite that still delivers on flavour.

Gaylord, Churchgate

Multi-Cuisine, Relaxed Dining

Recently refurbished iconic restaurant

Why we like it: Nostalgic charm paired with a refreshed menu.

Soam, Chowpatty

Gujarati, Local Dining

Vegetarian-only, first-come, first-served

Why we like it: Honest regional food and one of the best lunch stops in the city.

Ekaa, Fort

Modern Indian, Fine Dining

Seasonal tasting menus driven by produce

Why we like it: A focused, ingredient-led dining experience.

Araku, Colaba

Multi-Cuisine, Relaxed Dining

Ingredient-first cooking with strong design sensibility

Why we like it: A thoughtful space celebrating craftsmanship and provenance.

Olive Bar & Kitchen, Khar West

Mediterranean, Relaxed Dining

Popular nightlife spot and weekend brunch venue

Why we like it: Lively evenings and relaxed, social energy.

Bade Miyan, Colaba

Street Food

Late-night kebabs near the Taj Mahal Hotel

Why we like it: A legendary stop for no-frills, flavour-packed kebabs.

Swati Snacks, Multiple Locations

Street Food, Casual Dining

Clean, reliable setting for local favourites

Why we like it: Some of the best versions of Mumbai’s everyday snacks.

Shree Thaker Bhojanalaya, Kalbadevi

Gujarati Thali, Local Dining

Unlimited vegetarian Gujarati thali

Why we like it: A classic, filling introduction to Gujarati home-style cooking.

Leopold Café, Colaba

Multi-Cuisine, Casual Dining

Historic café with lively atmosphere

Why we like it: A Mumbai institution that’s still full of character.

Jai Hind, Bandra

Seafood, Local Dining

Known for local fish preparations

Why we like it: Straightforward, well-cooked seafood without fuss.

Mahesh Lunch Home, Multiple Locations

Seafood, Relaxed Dining

Local seafood restaurant with loyal following

Why we like it : Reliable flavours and consistently good seafood.

Jimmy Boy

Parsi Cuisine

Currently closed for renovations

Why we like it: A long-standing favourite for traditional Parsi food.