With 22 million people living there, Mumbai can be a daunting place.
However, it’s beaming with culture and plenty of things to do. Part of this culture includes the tasty and delicious Indian cuisine served around the city. The best restaurants in Mumbai are unique and offer different spices and flavours you’ve probably never tried before. Let’s take a look at the best of the best and reasons why you need to try each one.
The Best Restaurants in Mumbai for Tasty Eats
No matter where you’re staying or your reason for visit, Mumbai awaits your company. You can literally try spiced mashed potatoes on butter-fried rolls in one restaurant and piri-piri spiced chorizo just around the corner. We really like the diversity and risks Mumbai chefs take when creating a delicious experience for their eaters. Here are our favourite selections everyone should try.
1. Indigo
Indigo is one of the best restaurants in Mumbai. Born in 1999, it offers a warm style with eclectic modern European cuisine. Situated in a colonial bungalow, it’s simply elegant with sun-lit spaces and chic interiors. Indigo is popular amongst residents and tourists and earned numerous awards for its service and delicious food. In 2011, they won an award for the Stars of The Industry Awards and 101 Best Restaurants in Asia in 2013. The awards don’t stop there though, and they’re dedicated to providing a world-class service to anyone who steps foot in their doors.
Their lunch menu is extensive and delectable. The Roasted Cauliflower Crème, Baked Burata and Compressed Melon are three of our favourite sounding items on the menu. Dinner includes Lasagne, Summer Vegetarian Stew and many more tasty options. Just a short ride from the Taj Palace Hotel, it’s in an excellent location close to other amenities and attractions. There’s a good vibe here and you can make the most of the rooftop terrace after a wonderful dinner.
Many people choose to hold a special celebration at Indigo, although make sure you reserve a table well ahead of time. Ask for a table on the terrace for the ultimate views and experience of Mumbai with skyline views. This is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a break from Indian food and feel like trying new flavours. If you do opt for multiple courses, customers have commented that they’re thrilled with the space between each meal.
2. The Pantry
The Pantry is another of our best restaurants in Mumbai. Whether you choose to order a take away here or dine inside, the choice is yours. They primarily serve Continental cuisine which brings out a flavourful twist to any meal. The trained chefs handpick the spices, ingredients and sauces to create a delectable menu which is also affordable.
Located in Fort, it’s easy to access in a safe and secure location (ideal for first-time tourists). Their all-day breakfast is rare even amongst the best restaurants in Mumbai. A few items include Tomato Scramble Eggs, Cottage Cheese and Fresh Basil, and Bread and Butter Pudding. These delicious selections are adored by regulars in The Pantry. The portion sizes are filling without making you feel stuffed or greedy.
The ambiance here is chilled and relaxing, so it’s a great setting for a quick lunch with friends. Alternatively, we can imagine visiting here on a Sunday afternoon for a chilled meal to refresh for the week head. The Pantry’s welcoming space feels like you’re in your own home, without having to lift a finger of course.
If you’d rather pop by to grab some homemade baking goods before heading out to the neighbourhood, it’s the perfect place for that too. The restaurant has a mixture of a relaxed café to make you feel comfortable and at home. Throughout the restaurant, there’s a mixture of tiled-walls, friendly windows, high-beamed ceilings and window seats. There’s a collection of atmospheres in one place suitable for everyone.
3. Masque
Masque is one of the best restaurants in Mumbai for magical flavours. Their special food re-discovered the essence of conventional Indian cooking. Driven from fresh ingredients, Masque offers a 10-course chef’s tasting menu. This is a rare quality even amongst the best restaurants in Mumbai. Inspired by the owner’s personal journey with food, the ingredients arrive from his homeland in Kashmir for a unique, delicious flavour.
With a mixture of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, they cater for all tastes and lifestyles. Their vegetarian dinner menu includes Smoked Sweet Potato Broth, Corn Chilli, Kafal Sorbet and more. Their non-vegetarian dinner menu comprises of Soft Shell Crab, Smoked Chicken Broth, Katlam Pickled Chilli Butter and more.
The delicious food choices are accompanied by Cocktail Chefs, who take their inspiration from natural surroundings and sweet flavours. The wine complements the food and isn’t too formal like some of the other best restaurants in Mumbai. Connect with their delicious cocktails, packed with amazing consistency and strength. The relaxing and accessible atmosphere makes it the optimum environment for a friendly drink with friends.
Masque stands out against competitors because they often hold events here. This can include collaborations with local chefs to produce new flavours. On average, every fortnight, the chefs refresh the menu to constantly add new flavours to the menu. Consequently, you can’t help but want to return to see what’s added next. The plain black marble wall, modern interior design and bright lights are our favourite features of this restaurant. Don’t miss out!
4. Romano’s
Romano’s is dedicated to Italian food and brings a new culture to Mumbai. Past customers are adamant that anyone visiting the city should visit here due to its tasty and consistent food, and excellent service. The wine and food selections are expansive and potentially one of the best Italian food joints in Mumbai.
The pizza and pastas are favourites of locals who also admire the overall ambiance in Romano’s. One of this restaurant’s best features is its comfortable and pleasant atmosphere. We can imagine attending here for a special gathering, but also for a romantic date with a loved one. Its rustic vibe is unique and edgy, making it an addictive restaurant to visit again.
Located in JW Marriott, it’s an easy find and in a comfortable position in Mumbai. If you stay at this hotel chain, conveniently head to Romano’s for mouth-watering foods. We're absolutely positive that this fan-favorite will not disappoint!
5. Ziya
Ziya is one of the best restaurants in Mumbai for a multitude of reasons. The natural lighting due to wall-to-wall windows offers a refreshing and amazing view across the ocean. Head to Ziya at night for stunning views along Marine Drive. A bright, spacious and gracious restaurant in Mumbai, Ziya prides itself on contemporary Indian cuisine. Expert staffs are trained to provide the best tasting food you’ve ever tried, and leave with a huge smile on your face.
Ziya experiments with different flavours and spices throughout each course on their menu. The appetizers include pumpkin chops which are made fresh in the restaurant with unique ingredients. For the main course, try something different from many of the other best restaurants in Mumbai. Some popular recommendations include tandoori cauliflower, bhaji paneer and more. For your main course, the chicken maharani is a common dish amongst locals and the scallion pakoda Tadka makhni sauce gives it an extra kick.
We love that the dining experience is romantic and laid-back, whilst the excellent team of staff make you feel settled and comfortable as soon as you walk in. The contemporary presentation of the restaurant and intricate fabrics dotted around gives a modern spin on a traditional vibe and menu.
6. The Table
The Table, first established in early 2011 by Jay Yousuf and Gauri Devidayal, is located nearby the infamous Taj Hotel in Colaba. We highly recommend this restaurant if you attend with people who have different tastes, or you’d like to try different cuisines.
Focusing on American, Italian, Japanese, French, Thai and Chinese food, they offer signature selections other best restaurants in Mumbai don’t. Their famous 20-foot long Burma teak community dining table at the bar is popular amongst regulars. We recommend trying this for a special occasion or if you’re new to the area.
Voted “the best restaurant in India” in 2014, it’s loved by people from all around the world. We love that you can customise your courses to your liking, or depending on allergies. The Table focus on unique cooking styles with global cultures and comprise a variety of small and large plates, nibbles and sides. If you do get the opportunity to visit here, we highly recommend purchasing different meals to share amongst your party. Make the most of the lively atmosphere. When you’re finished, don’t forget to check out their cocktail menu, all of which are made from the freshest ingredients, premium spirits and homemade syrups.
Have You Visited Mumbai Before?
We hope you enjoyed reading about the best restaurants in Mumbai to try. No matter your tastes, lifestyle or allergies, there are plenty of choices. Regardless of the time, occasion or the number of your people visiting with you, there’s something for everyone.
Have you ever visited Mumbai? If so, let us know in the comments the best places to eat and your experience of their food.
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