We know that no matter how many studies come by emphasising its importance, breakfast for most of us has always been a cup of coffee to go or maybe a smoothie on good days. And we get it, it is hard enough waking up in the morning! However, we are strong believers in fueling up for a good start to the day. Therefore, we bring you a curated list of the best breakfast places in Mumbai for mornings where a hearty meal sounds just so good! Whether you are in the mood for a nutritious and filling breakfast or just cannot wait to take a spicy bite of vada pav (deep-fried potato inside bread rolls) with chai, we have got you covered!
1. Kyani & Co.
Glass jars filled with biscuits and savoury snacks, tall colourful posters on worn-out walls, creaking ceiling fans and the buzz of people talking over each other, sitting in this 100-year-old Irani cafe is nothing short of entering a time capsule. Though the bun maska and Irani chai served in this joint are delectable, we recommend trying the keema pav first. Served with fried eggs and buns, this meal proves why the spot is considered a local and tourist favourite for breakfast in Mumbai for about a century now! End your meal with its famous mawa cake or Parsi custard (we will not judge if you end up ordering both!) and your day cannot get better.
📍Jer Mahal Estate, 657, Jagannath Shankar Seth Rd
2. Mani’s Lunch Home
A beloved South Indian restaurant in Chembur, Mani’s Lunch House is a go-to breakfast place for locals in Mumbai! Whether a stop before heading to work, a place to indulge after morning runs or during weekends with your group of friends, Mani’s always comes through. A plate of their flavourful thali (with unlimited chutney and sambar!) is enough to quench those early morning hunger pangs. Try also their Mysore sada dosa, onion uttapam along with the delicious Pineapple sheera. Further, be sure to wash it all down with a perfectly brewed cup of filter coffee!
📍86, Ground Floor, Komal Building, 2nd Rd, Chembur Gaothan, Chembur
3. Anand Stall
Usually, we do not resort to favouritism, but if we did (hypothetically of course) the Bombay sandwiches served here would be our first pick. Serving loaded grilled sandwiches, all slathered in their insanely delicious green chutney, a bite is enough to make you glad you woke up early. We also recommend you try their famous butter vada pavs and take your pick from their sixty-five types of dosas served!
📍Vile parle West opposite Mithibai college
4. Sassanian & Co.
Another slice of Old Bombay, Sassanian & Co has been around for almost a century. It is most famous for its chicken puffs, mutton cutlets and of course the fluffy bun maska with chai. If you like to start your day with something sweet for the road, we recommend you have the caramel custard or the local favourite- bread pudding.
📍Metro, 98, Marine View, 1st Marine St, Cross Road, Dhobi Talao
5. The Bandstand Pantry
Fancy a morning cup of coffee with your date facing the ocean? The Bandstand Pantry takes an artisanal twist to breakfasts, serving hearty salad bowls, sourdough sandwiches, and even cheat day skillets. They offer an all day breakfast menu and my personal favourite remains the country sourdough bagel with roasted chicken and basil. Pair it with a steaming cup of cappuccino or better, a yellow passion smoothie. You can also take your pick through its counters stacked with cracked sourdoughs, golden tarts and many more sweet treats.
📍Bandstand Apartments, Shop 1, BJ Road
6. Cafe Mondegar
Dig into their good old fashioned burgers as you take a seat among this jam packed cafe. With funky murals covering every inch of their walls, the cafe exudes a retro vibe as you talk over the hustle and bustle of customers and servers running around serving clinking glasses of beers (yes, for breakfast!). One of the oldest cafes in the city, it will have you feeling nostalgic and definitely overwhelmed looking at one of the most detailed breakfast menus in Mumbai!
📍5A, Metro House, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, Colaba
7. Ashok Vada Pav
Talking about breakfast in Mumbai, how can we forget to mention the one dish that the city is truly known for! Vada Pav is a staple for Mumbaikars. Be it a snack before class, a bite during your journey home or even a pav or three during the early hours. Ashok Vada Pav is considered one of the best vada pav stalls in the city as for nearly two decades their taste has never once wavered. Packed with college students, passers-by and tourists alike, a visit is worth it if you have never tried the dish or simply just can’t get enough of it!
📍Kashinath Dhuru Marg, Dadar West
8. Cafe Dela Paix
A tranquil getaway from the constant commotion of Mumbai, Cafe Dela Paix offers a quiet atmosphere to enjoy a delicious cup of their mint chai. Though old and a little run down, this Irani cafe has no kitchen staff and the owner cooks everything himself! We usually give our recommendations but anything you have in this cafe will become your favourite (well only until you try another dish from their menu!). Do pay this hidden gem a visit and we promise, you’ll stay for the amazing food but will return for another conversation with Mr. Gustad!
📍67, Shanker Seth Road, Avantikabai Gokhale Street
9. Social
This country wide chain of resto-bars, Social, has established twelve outlets in Mumbai! Considered a hangout spot frequented for lunches or drinks after work, they are also known for serving delectable ‘breakfast trays.’ If you have had a fun night out be sure to try their Hangover Special tray. They even tag in a discount if your night out was at Social itself (Brilliant marketing? We think so too!).
📍Various Locations across Mumbai
10. Sukoon By Joshi House
A fairly new joint, Sukoon (relaxation), as its name suggests offers a quiet retreat away from your day-to-day life. Offering vegetarian and sattvic (plant-based diet) options, they value serenity to the extent that customers are offered an additional 15% off their menu if they surrender their phones during the entire duration of their visit. Served in traditional thalis, we recommend the sabudana thalipeeth, coconut cream waffles and of course a glass of refreshing mango lassi to wash it off!
📍Ground floor, Noorie House, 4 rajan road
11. Ramashray
With multiple outlets spanning the city, Ramashray offer delightful South Indian food from the likes of podi idli, and Mysore masala dosa to strong cups of filter coffee and pineapple sheera. With every item on the menu priced ridiculously low in comparison to high-end breakfast joints, you can have your entire meal (five dishes for us to be exact) at INR 300!
📍Matunga | Lal Baug | Parel | Girgaon
12. Veronica’s
A cheeky menu that delights customers with the likes of carbonara swirls, signature maple pecan pie, momos drizzled in Sichuan oil, honey toasts and sriracha omelette, Veronica’s knows how to lure people for a seat at their table. This quirky establishment housed in one of Mumbai’s oldest bakeries is a riot of colours with dark wood tables holding fresh sunflowers. Make sure you try from their long list of wonderfully delicious sandwiches. One bite in and we are fairly certain that it’ll be enough to have you coming back every weekend.
📍69, Jude, Ranwar, Waroda Road, Bandstand, Bandra West
13. Candies
We know that their dessert menu expands several A4 pages but this restaurant is not so far behind when it comes to serving wholesome platters of breakfast. From multigrain sandwiches to platters of English breakfast, it’ll keep your appetite full with your pockets fairly the same. We recommend trying their delicious chicken and cheese croissant sandwich with a tall glass of Americano or a Mocha (if you are not as pessimistic!) for a filling brekkie.
📍Near Learners Academy School, Mac Ronells, Pali Hill, Bandra West
14. Ellipsis Bakery
Yes, we have not suddenly mixed up our listicle for bakeries in our breakfast in Mumbai round-up. Ellipsis Bakery though serving desserts calling for delectable mindless indulgence also serves one of the best turkey ham bagel sandwiches. Try their truffle cheese fries and a cup of iced coffee as you bask in the sun straining past their tall glass walls.
📍S.K. Ahire Marg, Recondo Compound, Inside Municipal Asphalt Garage, Doordarshan Lane, Worli
15. The Nutcracker
A vegetarian joint that takes the words ‘quaint corner’ to a very literal sense seats about 25 people in a go, serving breakfast smoothies, sandwiches, juices and some pretty killer desserts. Choose from scrambled eggs quesadillas, bagel and cream cheese to classics like (with a tinge of chocolaty indulgence) pancakes coming in Belgian chocolate chip, cookie dough and Nutella variations. We loved the French toast served with heaps of whipped cream and fresh fruits with a side of steaming hot chocolate.
📍Kalaghoda | Bandra | Phoenix Palladium | Jio World Drive
16. The Bagel Shop
Choose from a long line of bagels offered at this New York eatery finding roots in the Maximum city. From the classic cream cheese bagel this joint offers several vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Try the smoked chicken ham or the Bombay bagel or you can opt for their Sloppy Joe pairing it perfectly with crispy fries.
📍30, Pali Mala Road, Near Carter Road, Bandra West