Quick answers — eating in Mumbai
- Best restaurant overall
- Indian Accent, The Lodhi, New Delhi (formerly at The Manor, New Delhi)
- Best value
- O Pedro (₹2,000 - ₹3,500 / $25 - $45 per person (approx. for a full meal))
- Strongest cuisines
- Indian, Japanese
- Dishes to try
- Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Bhel Puri, Frankie
- Booking window
- For top fine-dining establishments, aim to book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend dinner reservations. Some popular spots like Masque may open bookings monthly and fill up quickly.
Booking is essential for top-tier restaurants, often weeks in advance for weekend slots. Dress codes typically range from smart casual to formal, especially for dinner. Tipping is customary, usually 10-15% for good service, though a service charge may already be included. Dinner hours generally begin around 7:00 PM and extend until 11:00 PM or midnight.
Indian
Best Indian restaurants in Mumbai
Modern Indian kitchens have moved far beyond curry-house shorthand — regional recipes, live-fire tandoors and tasting menus that put spice work at the centre rather than heat.
Indian Accent, The Lodhi, New Delhi (formerly at The Manor, New Delhi)
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Indian · Lodhi Road, New Delhi (Though this is not in Mumbai, it is India's most acclaimed fine dining restaurant and sets the benchmark for Indian modern cuisine, often drawing comparisons and aspirations from Mumbai's top chefs.) · ₹4,500 - ₹8,000 / $55 - $100 per person (approx. for tasting menu)
Manish Mehrotra
Indian Accent is renowned for its inventive, modern Indian cuisine that playfully reinterprets traditional dishes with global ingredients and techniques. The elegant dining room provides a sophisticated backdrop for a culinary journey that continuously surprises and delights, establishing a new paradigm for Indian gastronomy on the global stage.
Order: Blue Cheese Naan, Daulat Ki Chaat
Masque
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Indian, Farm-to-Table · Mahalaxmi · ₹5,000 - ₹8,500 / $60 - $105 per person (approx. for tasting menu)
Prateek Sadhu (Co-founder, though culinary direction now led by Executive Chef)
Masque offers a groundbreaking farm-to-table tasting menu experience, focusing on hyper-seasonal ingredients sourced primarily from its own farm and local producers. The minimalist, industrial-chic space complements the innovative, ingredient-driven cooking that elevates regional Indian flavors through contemporary presentation and meticulous technique, defining a new era of Mumbai fine dining.
Order: 10-course Tasting Menu (changes seasonally)
The Bombay Canteen
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Indian, Regional · Lower Parel · ₹2,500 - ₹4,000 / $30 - $50 per person (approx. for a full meal)
Thomas Zacharias (former Culinary Director, now led by Executive Chef)
The Bombay Canteen masterfully reimagines classic Indian comfort food and regional specialties with a contemporary twist. Housed in a beautifully restored colonial bungalow, the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere encourages a convivial dining experience, making it a beloved spot for both inventive cocktails and deliciously familiar yet refined dishes.
Order: Pork Ribs, Eggs Kejriwal
Trèsind Mumbai
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Indian, Progressive · Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) · ₹6,000 - ₹9,500 / $75 - $115 per person (approx. for tasting menu)
Himanshu Saini (Group Executive Chef)
Trèsind Mumbai offers a theatrical and innovative take on Indian fine dining, characterized by molecular gastronomy techniques and intricate presentations. The experience is an elaborate journey through a multi-course tasting menu, where traditional flavors are transformed into surprising new forms, engaging all senses in a luxurious and immersive culinary spectacle.
Order: Modernist Chaat Trolley, Deconstructed Black Forest Cake
Avartana, ITC Maratha
Acclaimed local fine diningSouthern Indian, Progressive · Sahar, Andheri East · ₹4,000 - ₹7,000 / $50 - $85 per person (approx. for tasting menu)
J. Prasad (Executive Chef)
Avartana, originating from Chennai, brings its unique 'South Indian with a global sensibility' concept to Mumbai. The restaurant offers a meticulously crafted tasting menu that deconstructs and reimagines traditional South Indian dishes with modern techniques and elegant plating. The serene, contemporary ambiance provides a perfect setting for this innovative culinary exploration.
Order: Steamed Snapper, Pepper Lamb
Japanese
Best Japanese restaurants in Mumbai
Japanese rooms range from counter omakase, where you eat whatever the chef cut that morning, to kaiseki menus built around the season. Counters are small — book early and arrive on time.
Wasabi by Morimoto
Acclaimed local fine diningJapanese · Colaba · ₹8,000 - ₹15,000 / $100 - $185 per person (approx. for a substantial meal)
Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto (Consulting Chef)
Located in The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Wasabi by Morimoto delivers an exquisite Japanese fine dining experience with impeccable sourcing and precision. The restaurant, overseen by Iron Chef Morimoto, offers a sophisticated ambiance befitting its grand setting, specializing in artfully prepared sushi, sashimi, and innovative Japanese hot dishes, revered for its quality.
Order: Black Cod with Miso, Sushi and Sashimi Platter
Izumi
Acclaimed local fine diningJapanese, Sushi · Bandra · ₹3,500 - ₹6,000 / $45 - $75 per person (approx. for a substantial meal)
Nooreez Khan (Executive Chef)
Izumi is celebrated for its authentic and high-quality Japanese cuisine, particularly its meticulously crafted sushi and ramen. The intimate setting, with its clean lines and focus on the culinary artistry, provides an immersive dining experience. It's a go-to spot for discerning palates seeking genuine Japanese flavors and exceptional fresh ingredients in Mumbai.
Order: Spicy Tuna Roll, Tonkotsu Ramen
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Mumbai
Bademiya
An iconic street-side eatery famous for its succulent kebabs and rolls. A Mumbai institution, perfect for late-night cravings. Enjoy tender seekh kebabs or chicken tikka rolls. Expect simple, open-air dining. Roughly ₹500-1000 for a meal.
Café Madras
A beloved South Indian vegetarian Udupi restaurant in Matunga, known for its authentic, homely flavors. Enjoy crispy dosas, fluffy idlis, filter coffee, and delicious sambar-chutney. Expect long queues during peak hours, but quick service. Roughly ₹300-600 for a meal.
Britannia & Co. Restaurant
A charming, old-world Parsi cafe in Fort, famous for its Berry Pulao and Sali Boti. Step back in time with its vintage decor and warm hospitality. A must-visit for traditional Parsi cuisine. Approximately ₹800-1500 for a hearty meal.
Mohammed Ali Road Stalls (during Ramzan)
During the month of Ramzan (Eid-al-Fitr), this area transforms into a vibrant food street. Feast on nihari, seekh kebabs, baida roti, malpua, and phirni. An unparalleled street food experience. Expect ₹300-800 per person.
Kyani & Co.
One of Mumbai's oldest surviving Parsi cafes, near Metro Cinema. Known for its Irani chai, bun maska, mawa cake, and Kheema Pav. A nostalgic spot for breakfast or a quick bite, retaining its classic charm and affordability. Around ₹200-500 for a snack and drink.
Local dishes
What to eat in Mumbai
Vada Pav
Mumbai's quintessential street food, a spicy potato fritter (vada) nestled inside a soft bread roll (pav), typically served with various chutneys. It's a quick, affordable, and incredibly satisfying snack found on almost every street corner. Try it from a local vendor near a train station for an authentic experience, like Aram Vada Pav near CST for a consistently good version.
Pav Bhaji
A flavorful mash of mixed vegetables cooked in butter and spices, served with soft, butter-laden pav. It's a hearty and popular dish, perfect for lunch or a late-night snack. The rich, tangy taste and soft texture make it a beloved comfort food. Sardar Pav Bhaji is a famous spot for this, renowned for its generous butter and delicious bhaji.
Bhel Puri
A classic Mumbai chaat, Bhel Puri is a delightful mix of puffed rice, finely chopped onions, tomatoes, potatoes, and various chutneys (tamarind, mint-coriander, garlic). It offers a tantalizing balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and crunchy textures. Enjoy this refreshing street snack, particularly popular along Juhu Beach, where numerous vendors serve it freshly prepared.
Frankie
Mumbai's answer to the wrap or roll, a Frankie consists of a flaky paratha bread filled with a choice of spiced meats (chicken, mutton) or vegetables (paneer, potato), onions, and a tangy sauce. It's a convenient and delicious meal on the go. Tibbs Frankie is a well-known chain that originated this popular fast food item, offering consistent quality.
Pani Puri
Small, crisp hollow puris filled with spiced mashed potatoes or chickpeas, dipped in a tangy, spicy, and sometimes sweet flavored water (pani). The experience of eating Pani Puri involves popping the whole puri into your mouth at once for an explosion of flavors and textures. It's a beloved street snack, highly addictive and immensely popular across Mumbai.
Bombil Fry
Also known as Bombay Duck Fry, this dish features crispy fried fish (Bombil) coated in a spiced batter. Despite its name, Bombil is a type of lizardfish, not a duck. It's a popular seafood delicacy, especially in coastal Mumbai. Mahesh Lunch Home in Fort is highly recommended for its excellent preparation of this local specialty.
Thali
A Thali is a traditional Indian platter offering a complete meal with a selection of different dishes served in small bowls (katoris), alongside rice, bread (roti/chapati), and sometimes a dessert. It provides a wonderful opportunity to sample a variety of regional flavors in one sitting. Shree Thaker Bhojanalay is famous for its authentic Gujarati Thali.
Berry Pulao
A signature Parsi dish, Berry Pulao is a fragrant rice dish cooked with tender meat (chicken or mutton) or vegetables, and crucially, topped with dried cranberries (berries) for a unique sweet and sour flavor profile. It's a rich and aromatic dish. Britannia & Co. Restaurant in Fort is legendary for its version, preserving Parsi culinary heritage.
How to book a table in Mumbai
- · For top fine-dining establishments, aim to book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend dinner reservations. Some popular spots like Masque may open bookings monthly and fill up quickly.
- · Many high-end restaurants now require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for tasting menus, particularly for larger groups. Always confirm their cancellation policy to avoid charges.
- · Consider booking lunch menus at fine-dining restaurants. They often offer a condensed version of the dinner experience at a more accessible price point, providing excellent value without compromising quality.
- · Be mindful of no-show policies; canceling within 24-48 hours may incur charges. Punctuality is also appreciated, as late arrivals can disrupt the kitchen and dining room flow, especially for tasting menus.
FAQ
Mumbai restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Mumbai?
Indian Accent, The Lodhi, New Delhi (formerly at The Manor, New Delhi) in Lodhi Road, New Delhi (Though this is not in Mumbai, it is India's most acclaimed fine dining restaurant and sets the benchmark for Indian modern cuisine, often drawing comparisons and aspirations from Mumbai's top chefs.) is the benchmark table — Modern Indian, led by Manish Mehrotra, acclaimed local fine dining, around ₹4,500 - ₹8,000 / $55 - $100 per person (approx. for tasting menu) per person. Order the Blue Cheese Naan, Daulat Ki Chaat
Where is the best Indian restaurant in Mumbai?
Indian Accent, The Lodhi, New Delhi (formerly at The Manor, New Delhi) in Lodhi Road, New Delhi (Though this is not in Mumbai, it is India's most acclaimed fine dining restaurant and sets the benchmark for Indian modern cuisine, often drawing comparisons and aspirations from Mumbai's top chefs.) is the Indian table to book in Mumbai (₹4,500 - ₹8,000 / $55 - $100 per person (approx. for tasting menu) per person). Other strong options: Masque, The Bombay Canteen, Trèsind Mumbai.
Where is the best Japanese restaurant in Mumbai?
Wasabi by Morimoto in Colaba is the Japanese table to book in Mumbai (₹8,000 - ₹15,000 / $100 - $185 per person (approx. for a substantial meal) per person). Other strong options: Izumi.
Where can I eat well in Mumbai without spending a fortune?
O Pedro is the best-value table on this list at roughly ₹2,000 - ₹3,500 / $25 - $45 per person (approx. for a full meal) per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Bademiya, Café Madras, Britannia & Co. Restaurant.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Mumbai?
For top fine-dining establishments, aim to book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend dinner reservations. Some popular spots like Masque may open bookings monthly and fill up quickly. Many high-end restaurants now require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for tasting menus, particularly for larger groups. Always confirm their cancellation policy to avoid charges.
What food is Mumbai famous for?
Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Bhel Puri, Frankie, Pani Puri — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. Mumbai's quintessential street food, a spicy potato fritter (vada) nestled inside a soft bread roll (pav), typically served with various chutneys. It's a quick, affordable, and incredibly satisfying snack found on almost every street corner. Try it from a local vendor near a train station for an authentic experience, like Aram Vada Pav near CST for a consistently good version.
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