with love, ashni

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Must-Eat Restaurants in Mumbai

Mumbai is a vibrant city known for its dynamic culture, bustling crowds, and lively energy. But if you know me, you know it’s the food in Bombay that really has my heart.

I’ve traveled to almost 40 countries and countless cities, and I can honestly say there's no place in the world that has a food scene like Bombay’s. Food is such a vital part of Mumbai’s social scene and core culture, that it’s really not surprising that there’s mouthwateringly delicious food everywhere you look!

While Mumbai street food is my undisputed favorite thing to eat, Bombay’s restaurant scene is honestly also unmatched! It seriously feels like there’s a new incredible restaurant opening up every week in this city, sometimes it’s hard to keep up. But I’ve got you with some of my all-time favorite restaurants you need to try in Bombay — and of course, I’ll keep updating this list as new ones pop up!

[Also Read: Best Mumbai Street Food That’s Actually Tourist Friendly]

Bastian - At The Top

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Bastian at the Top is Bombay’s hardest to get reservation, and for good reason. Stepping into Bastian truly feels like you’ve left Bombay and stepped into an enormous rustic desert cave bustling with Mumbai’s elite. The space, spanning 23,000 square feet, The towering ceilings and the almost-40-foot plunge pool make it easy to forget that you’re still in the center of one of the busiest cities in the world.

My menu favorites: Korean Fried Paneer, Chili Dim Sum, the nachos, the mac and cheese, and honestly try any dessert — they’re all to die for.

Bombay Canteen

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Bombay Canteen is a classic and a must-go on Mumbai’s restaurant circuit. Ranked 71st in 2024 on the list of Top 100 Restaurants in Asia, Bombay Canteen is the late Chef Floyd Cardoz’s most iconic restaurant. The ambiance is inspired by Mumbai’s classic bungalows with high ceilings and stained glass windows. His modern twists on classic Indian fares are a hit with locals and tourists alike!

My menu favorites: Eggs Kejriwali, Gutti Aloo Roll, Jodhpuri Pyaaz Kulcha, and Banarsi Kala Chana Masala

Tanjore Tiffin Room

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I think Tanjore Tiffin Room is my personal favorite on the Bombay restaurant scene. Not only is the experience unlike anything I’ve had in the U.S. or Mumbai, the food is also really THAT good. Tanjore Tiffin Room recreates the experience of having dinner at home with a Tamil family. Serving authentic South Indian food that’s stray away from the usual suspects of dosa and idli, Tanjore Tiffin Room’s recipes are clearly inspired by the owner’s family. Order some apps like arbi fry and the rasam, and then get excited for a tasting thali! The tasting thali let’s you taste all the different curries and rice on the menu, and WOW they’re all SO good. Once you’ve picked your favorites, pick your choice of protein and enjoy! Something about the tasting thali makes me a little too happy, and they wrap up the meal with a little baby banana for digestion. I’m not sharing my menu faves here because you can taste everything, but I just highly recommend taking in the tasting experience.

If you’re having trouble choosing your favorite curry, I did rank my favorites in my Instagram highlights somewhere :)

Masque

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Ranked 23rd on Asia’s Best Restaurant List in 2024, Masque offers an incredible 10-course seasonally inspired tasting menu, including a vegetarian menu, with ingredients sourced directly from local farmers to ensure freshness and sustainability. But what really steals the show at Masque is the ambiance, presentation, and service. Masque is nestled in one of Mumbai’s old textile mills, and features stunning high ceiling and eclectic decor. The food plating is some of the most artistic and aesthetic I’ve ever seen, and the service is truly exceptional.

The Table

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The Table is another classic on the Bombay dining scene. a casual fine dining restaurant, located in Colaba, behind the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai. The Table offers a globally inspired menu influenced by the San Francisco style of cooking.

My menu favorites: Sobo Salad, Breakfast Quesadilla, Mexican Bean Tacos, Sweet & Sour Fried Brussel Sprouts, Burrata Ravioli, Potato Gnocchi

Ditas

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Located in Lower Parel, the ambiance and food at Ditas makes it a must-try. The artwork and decor give the popular restobar an upscale, yet edgy vibe. And every menu item I tried was truly delicious.

My menu favorites: Truffle Mushroom Pate, Netted Edamame and Cream Cheese Gyoza, Next Level Avocado Toast, Hash Browns Two Cheese Jalapenos, Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread, Mexican Rice Bowl, Japanese Miso Bowl, Signature Rose Penne

O Pedro

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Another Mumbai classic by the late Chef Floyd Cardoz, O Pedro is a Goan and Portugese inspired restaurant in the heart of BKC. The laid back ambiance paired with the unique flavor palette, makes this an experience not to miss.

My menu favorites: Garlicky Potato Chips, Smoked Eggplant Hummus, Tender Coconut Kis-Mur, Goan Tomato Bhaji

Americano

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Another restaurant listed on 2024's Top Restaurants in Asia — both for their food AND drinks — Americano is a classic South Bombay restaurant known for its hearty pizzas and pastas. Located in the heart of Kala Ghoda, Americano is the perfect post-shopping dinner spot! Americano’s fresh take on all the classics is sure to satisfy everyone at the table, seriously, everything from their pasta to their ricotta is made fresh right in their kitchen. Their pizza dough is fermented for four days and you can order special dipping sauces just for the pizza crust!