Continuing on our search for more gastronomic adventures in India, we decided to take a detour from the regular cafes, and also give you the option of more dining options in Mumbai city. So, here is a list of our top 10 restaurants, where you can share a meal with your friends or loved one.
- The Bombay Canteen
Indian restaurants are hard to come by these days, especially in Mumbai, where the population is constantly craving flavours of the west. But among all the demand for western flavours, lies an experience of modern Indian cuisine – The Bombay Canteen. Indian at heart, the chefs have created some of the classic dishes of various regional cuisines of the country and given them a twist for all taste buds, with modern gastronomy, unique blends of flavours and impactful presentation. And even their cocktail menu follows the same ethos. Getting the best of both worlds, this little gem has become a favourite amongst Mumbaikars!
Must-Try: Grilled Dhokla Chaat, Banana Leaf Wrapped Roasted Fish, Mutton Uppu Kari, Gulab Nut
Website: http://thebombaycanteen.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebombaycanteen/
2. The Table, Colaba
One of the leading restaurants that first brought the concept of quality ingredients-driven gastronomy to Mumbai in 2011, The Table, Colaba, is now one of the most sought-after dining spots in the city. Sourcing fresh produce for its own farms and supreme quality of meats and seafood, the restaurant is committed to sourcing nearly all of its ingredients locally. It has truly brought the farm to fork culture to the forefront in Mumbai, and believes in presenting a simple, pure, yet sophisticated and enjoyable menu. Without putting a finger on a particular cuisine, the restaurant takes inspiration from all corners of the world including the Americas, Italy, France, China, Thailand, Japan and more. The restaurant also offers a great beverage menu with an extensive wine list and an expert sommelier to help you navigate through both local and international choices. The Table also hosts a number of events such as masterclasses with chefs and the sommelier. One can always find a place at this table!
Must-Try: Truffle Soft Scrambled Eggs on Toast, Yellowfin Tuna Tataki, Hand Made Goat Cheese Cavatelli, Baby Back Ribs, Chocolate Bundino
Website: http://www.thetable.in/index.php
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetable_colaba/
3. Cecconi’s, Soho House Mumbai
Situated in one of the most elite clubs and guests houses of Mumbai suburbs, Ceccnoi’s at Soho House Mumbai offers a modern-day twist to classic Italian flavours. I had the pleasure of staying at Soho House on my last visit to the metropolis and was impressed by the lavish Italian menu featuring authentic pasta, wood oven pizza, mouth-watering antipasti and irresistible desserts. A taste of Italy in India! And that’s not all. The ambience completes the experience with not just cosy indoors, but al-fresco dining on the shore of the famous Juhu Beach, with the view of the vast Arabian Sea. It’s the perfect spot for date night!
Must-Try: Fried Mozarella and Spicy Tomatoes, Parma Ham, Burrata & Rocket pizza, Risotto Asparagus, peas and mint, Chocolate & Amaretto Pudding
Website: http://www.cecconismumbai.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sohohousemumbai/
4. The Allis, Soho House Mumbai
Yet dining spot in the grand estate of Soho House Mumbai, The Allis is a great location for casual conversations with friends and family or professional meetings with colleagues and associates. The concept of this space is borrowed from the original Allis first opened in Soho House Chicago, and resonates the same stress-free vibes over coffee, juices and small bites, all day long. And just like Cecconi’s, this space is also open to non-members, making a sophisticated spot in the city for relaxed rendezvous and meetings.
Must-Try: Avocado Toast, Farfalle Four Cheese, Berry Pannacotta, Scones with Cream & Jam
Website: http://theallismumbai.com/#about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sohohousemumbai/
5. Hakkasan
The Modern-Cantonese fine dining icon has gained a reputation as one of the leading restaurants in authentic Chinese food, in Mumbai food culture, since its launch in 2011. Located in the bustling Bandra district, which is accessible to both the North and South extremes of the city, Hakkasan is a favourite amongst locals here. From signature set lunch menus to extensive choices for elaborate dinners and innovative cocktails by skilled mixologists, this is always a place one seeks to get pampered with food. In addition to the regular menu, the culinary team here creates unique experiences by blending authentic Cantonese flavours and local nuances, to curate an “Only At” menu, exclusive to the city of Mumbai. One can also host private events at the restaurant.
Must-Try: Prawn Dumpling with Tobiko, Spicy Jackfruit dumpling, Roasted Mango Duck with Lemon Sauce, Woke Fried New Zealand Lamb Chops, Stir Fry Lotus Root and Asparagus in Black Pepper Sauce and Lemongrass and Vanilla Crème Brulée.
Website: https://hakkasan.com/mumbai/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hakkasanindia/
6. Bastian
Named after the crustacean Sebastian in everyone’s favourite tale from the sea – The Little Mermaid, this fun dining venue is on every seafood lover’s bucket list. Colourful interiors and rustic furnishings offer a more relaxed vibe and a convivial spot for date nights or family meals. Moreover, it is not just a favourite amongst locals, but one can be sure to spot famous faces from among the crème de la crème of Bollywood, savouring a meal here. Although famous for its extravagant seafood menu, the restaurant also understands the needs of fellow vegetarian counterparts and also offers sumptuous vegan and gluten-free options.
Must-Try: Pan Seared Mushroom Soup Buns, Vegan Millennial Bodhi Bowl, Salmon Jalapeno, Bastian Ceviche, Lobster Thermidor, Mud Crab in Mon’s Singapore Curry Basque Burnt Cheesecake.
Website: http://www.bastianrestaurant.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bastianmumbai/?hl=en
7. Seefah
This little nook on Hill Road, Bandra West, is home to authentic Thai and Japanese food in Mumbai. Unlike most others on this list, this is a great space for people looking for a casual dining setting, and still enjoying a wholesome and sophisticated meal. The menu offers everything from known regulars in Japanese and Thai cuisine to the undiscovered yet equally authentic dishes, all made with the choices of ingredients to give customers a complete experience of these two cuisines. In addition, the restaurant’s Thai Chilli Paste has gotten so popular amongst locals, that Seefah now sells this favourite recipe bottled in a jar, which makes for a great present to loved ones or to yourself to relish on its own or add to dishes at home!
Must-Try: Chicken or Mushroom Gyoza, Tuna Tataki, Vegetarian Shoyu Ramen, Roasted Tenderloin Salad, Honey Toast
Website: https://seefahhillroad.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seefah_hillroad/?hl=en
8. Pa Pa Ya
This is yet another Asian icon, with numerous outlets dotted across the city. This restaurant, however, stands out because of their innovative presentation styles and contemporary cooking techniques of molecular gastronomy, using fresh and organic produce. The restaurant also offers an expansive menu of tapas, with a unique and flavour profile for each dish. An experience at Pa Pa Ya is incomplete without taking a sip from their extensive range of exclusive cocktails that pair seamlessly with the food.
Must-Try: Potato & Wheat Starch Prawn Hargao Dumplings, Truffle & Mushroom Bao, Spicy Crab Roll, Chocolate Ball on Fire
Website: https://www.gopapaya.co.in/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papaya_asian/
9. O Pedro
Here is a piece of Goa’s coastal culinary delights in the heart of Mumbai. If you are not familiar with Goan cuisine, here is what you must know about it – a fiery infusion of centuries of Portuguese colonization and Indian flavours, giving one of the most renowned culinary favourites of the country today. Located in the business district of Bandra Kurla Complex, that is now a culinary hub, this haven of authentic Goan offerings has become a favourite for citizens from all over Mumbai, willing to travel the distance and withstand the infamous traffic for a taste of Goa on a weekday or weekend. If your next visit to India does not take you to Goa, you can be sure to get a taste of its flavours in Mumbai!
Must-Try: Lotus Root Chilly Fry, Lamb Shank AAD-MAS, Margao Choriz & Bacon Pulao, Lisboa PAS-TEL DE NA-TA and Aunty Li’s Serradura
Website: http://opedromumbai.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opedromumbai/
10. Wasabi by Morimoto
Mumbai’s iconic treasure – the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, holds a culinary gem that serves authentic Japanese Cuisine – with every ingredient flown down from Japan! Established by world-renowned and award-winning Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Wasabi is the Morimoto restaurants’ flagship property in the country. With true Japanese flavours curated in unique presentation styles, this is a fine dining experience that is truly special in Mumbai. It has in fact been recognized as one of Asia’s top 50 Best Restaurants 2018, along with many other accolades to its credit. An indulgent experience, that if you do get the opportunity, you should not miss!
Must-Try: White Fish Carpaccio, Black Cod Miso, Morimoto Ramen Soup, Wasabi Crème Brulee
Website: http://www.candiescafe.com/index.php
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring the culinary scene of the city that never sleeps. If you wish to know about more these treasure troves of food bliss, then maybe plan a trip for a weekend to experience just to explore what the city’s kitchens have in store for you!
You can also check out our blog “Cool Cafes in Mumbai that We Love“
