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.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon-Sat: ~12:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Sat sometimes later) Sun: Closed |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | CSMT (Central Line) ~1 km; Fort area |
| Time needed | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time to go | Weekday lunch, arrive by 12:30 PM before the berry pulao runs out |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.9/10- Value7.5
- iconic7.5
- Freshness9.3
- excellence7.5
- Crowd level6.0
- Authenticity9.0
- Accessibility7.0
Frequently asked questions
- Do they take reservations?
- Historically it runs walk-in only and does not take reservations, so you queue for a table at busy lunch times. Arriving right at opening or slightly before the main rush is the best way to avoid a wait and ensure the berry pulao is still available.
- What are Britannia & Co.'s hours?
- It's mainly a lunch spot, open roughly 12 noon to 4 PM Monday to Saturday, with some listings showing an earlier ~11:30 AM start and Saturday running later. It's closed on Sundays. Hours have narrowed over the years, so call ahead the same day to be sure. DRAFT — verify current hours.
- Where is it and how do I get there?
- It's in Ballard Estate, in the Fort district, about a kilometre from CSMT. The elegant old commercial quarter around it is worth a stroll. A taxi or a short walk from CSMT gets you there; the restaurant occupies a characterful old building.
- Why is it so famous?
- It's one of Mumbai's last classic Parsi-Irani restaurants, over a century old, and was long presided over by its endearing owner. The berry pulao, the vintage interiors, and the sense of a vanishing Bombay make it a bucket-list meal for food lovers.
- How much does it cost?
- It's mid-range; the berry pulao and Parsi mains are moderately priced, and a satisfying lunch for two lands in a reasonable range. You're paying a bit for the history and the signature dishes, but it's far from a fine-dining bill.
- Is it vegetarian-friendly?
- There are some vegetarian options, including a veg berry pulao, but the menu is built around Parsi meat dishes like dhansak and sali boti. Vegetarians can eat here, but the real draw is the non-veg signatures. DRAFT — verify current veg menu.
- What should I order?
- The berry pulao, topped with tart Iranian barberries, is the legendary must-order. Also try the dhansak, the sali boti or chicken berry pulao, and finish with caramel custard. It's classic Parsi comfort food, generous and hearty.
- Is Britannia still open?
- Yes, it remains open as of the latest information, though its beloved late owner Boman Kohinoor, who charmed generations of diners, has passed away, and operating hours are more limited than in the past. It's still a working, cherished institution. DRAFT — verify current operating status.
Nearby in Ask Mumbai
- RBI Monetary MuseumMuseum0.24 km · 3 min walk
- FortNeighborhood0.26 km · 3 min walk
- Horniman Circle GardenPark0.46 km · 6 min walk
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Heritage GalleryMuseum0.58 km · 7 min walk
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj TerminusAttraction0.63 km · 8 min walk
Where to stay near Britannia & Co.
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