The Top 10 Restaurants in Mumbai

A legendary Gujarati snack restaurant that has been a Mumbai institution since 1963, serving impeccably made chaats, handvo, and dal dhokli in a clean, no-fuss setting. The pani puri, sev usal, and the seasonal specials are unmissable. Queues stretch out the door at lunch and dinner — arrive off-peak or expect a 30-minute wait.

A beloved Mangalorean seafood institution that has been packing in locals since 1977. The butter garlic crab, kane fry (ladyfish), and prawn gassi are must-orders. Expect a no-frills canteen atmosphere and long queues at peak hours — arrive early or be prepared to wait.

A humble, much-loved South Indian restaurant that serves some of the most authentic Tamil and Udupi food in the city. The ghee roast dosa, sambar, and filter coffee are exceptional. The space is small and simple with no alcohol, but regulars consider it one of the most honest kitchens in Mumbai.

India's most ambitious farm-to-table tasting menu restaurant, Masque sources hyper-local and foraged ingredients to create a multi-course experience that changes with the seasons. It consistently ranks among Asia's best restaurants and is essential for serious food travellers. The tasting menu is the only option, making it unsuitable for those with many dietary restrictions.

A Maharashtrian seafood stalwart that locals swear by for its Konkani-style preparations at honest prices. The surmai (kingfish) koliwada, crab masala, and bombil (Bombay duck) fry are essential orders. The decor is utilitarian and parking can be a challenge, but the seafood quality is reliably excellent.

Aaswad in Dadar West is the beloved Maharashtrian institution locals send you to for misal pav, thalipeeth, sabudana wada, and puran poli. Its misal even won a UK Foodie Hub award. Open roughly 10 AM to 10:30 PM daily, cheap and always busy. This is authentic home-style Marathi food done right.

A Colaba landmark since 1932, Mondegar is famous for its Mario Miranda murals, cold beer, and reliable comfort food. The chicken schnitzel, prawn cocktail, and sizzlers are perennial favourites. It is perpetually crowded and service can be slow, but the atmosphere and history make it worth the wait.

Trishna in Kala Ghoda is Mumbai's most celebrated seafood restaurant, famous worldwide for butter-garlic-pepper crab, Koliwada prawns, and Hyderabadi pomfret. Open roughly noon to 3:30 PM and 6 to 11:30 PM. It's mid-to-upscale (about ₹2,500 for two), reservations wise, and genuinely worth planning a meal around.

Britannia & Co. in Ballard Estate is the century-old Parsi cafe (since 1923) famous for berry pulao, dhansak, and caramel custard. It runs lunch-focused hours, roughly noon to 4 PM Monday-Saturday, closed Sundays, walk-in only. Beloved and historic, but check ahead; hours and days have narrowed in recent years.

A Mumbai institution since 1956, Khyber serves refined North-West Frontier cuisine in a dramatic space adorned with Mughal-era murals. The raan-e-Khyber (slow-roasted leg of lamb) and dal Khyber are legendary. Service is polished but the restaurant can feel slightly formal; book ahead on weekends.

A creative Indian restaurant that reimagines regional Indian ingredients and recipes through a modern lens without being gimmicky. The pork vindaloo, seasonal thali, and the cocktail programme are all excellent. It can get very loud on weekends and the wait for a table without a reservation is often over an hour.

Sardar Refreshments in Tardeo is Mumbai's most famous pav bhaji, drowning in Amul butter since the 1960s. Open roughly noon to 2 AM daily, cheap (about ₹250 for two), and worth the queue. The extra-butter version is criminally indulgent. This is the pav bhaji locals argue is the city's best.

A Mumbai Chinese institution that has been serving its own distinct Indianised Chinese style since 1980, and locals love it unapologetically. The Peking duck, chilli chicken, and prawn in black bean sauce are the dishes to order. The decor is dated and the space is cramped, but the loyal following speaks for itself.

Chef Floyd Cardoz's flagship remains Mumbai's benchmark for contemporary global cooking with local ingredients. The seasonal menu changes frequently; the sourdough with cultured butter and any of the wood-fired mains are highlights. It is expensive and reservations are essential — walk-ins are rarely accommodated.

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto's Mumbai outpost at the Taj Mahal Palace delivers some of the most precise Japanese cooking in India. The omakase, black cod miso, and the sushi counter are the highlights. Prices are steep even by Mumbai fine-dining standards, and the hotel entrance can feel intimidating for first-timers.

Located inside the ITC Grand Central, this restaurant offers one of Mumbai's most comprehensive Maharashtrian thalis alongside a broader Indian menu. The Maharashtrian thali with puran poli, sol kadhi, and bharli vangi is a genuine cultural experience. The hotel setting makes it slightly corporate but the food quality is consistently high.

Bademiya is Colaba's legendary late-night seekh kebab stall behind the Taj, grilling since 1946. Open roughly 7 PM to 3 AM, it's where night owls, cabbies, and tourists collide over smoky kebabs and rumali rolls. Cheap, fast, chaotic, and best experienced standing on the street after midnight.

Set in a beautifully restored heritage bungalow, Neel offers refined Indian regional cuisine in one of Mumbai's most atmospheric dining rooms. The slow-cooked lamb dishes, dal makhani, and the dessert trolley are standouts. It is primarily a business-lunch destination so evenings are quieter and more relaxed.

A wildly popular seafood and grill restaurant that draws a stylish Bandra crowd for its theatrical presentations and bold flavours. The lobster thermidor, truffle fries, and the whole grilled fish are crowd favourites. It is perpetually packed and noisy — book well in advance and expect a lively, social atmosphere.