With the city spanning a history that stretches centuries, we think we have found the best way to get a taste of it (literally!). Out of the million restaurants scattered across the city, there lies a handful that still carries Bollywood posters on peeling walls, squeaky doors that have seen better days, worn caramel brown furniture and if you are lucky, the red and white striped tablecloth. From historic Irani cafes to timeless dining establishments, we bring you some of Mumbai’s oldest and iconic restaurants, which have been serving the city for decades centuries.
1. Britannia & Co., Fort
One of the legendary Irani cafes of Mumbai, Britannia & Co., has been around since 1923, thanks to Rashid Kohinoor. The charm of the cafe peeks through classic chequered tablecloths, wooden furniture, and walls lined with interesting cultural pieces, including a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi right next to one of Queen Elizabeth II. What keeps people coming back are the iconic dishes that have not once wavered since their establishment. Their berry pulao served with sizing gravy, melt-in-the-mouth sali boti, dhansak, and the delicious caramel custard still wins hearts.
📍St Fort, Ballard Estate
2. Gaylord Restaurant, Churchgate
Opened in 1956, this classic spot is one of Mumbai’s first fine-dining restaurants and has been sought after ever since. Back in the day, it even used to hold a dance floor and bar with live jazz performances now and then making it a real hotspot! Their menu now mixes continental, Mughlai, and Turkish dishes, but the vintage charm remains intact with the old-school décor still gracing its establishment. Their chicken a la kiev, waldorf salad, paneer tikka, croissants, and macaroons still offer lip-smacking deliciousness as they did before.
📍Mayfair Building, V N Rd, Churchgate
3. Pizza by the Bay, Churchgate
Originally called Talk Of The Town in the 1960s, this spot later became Jazz By The Bay in the ’80s, soon trickling down to Pizza By The Bay as we now know it. Over the years, it has evolved with Mumbai’s changing moods, from a live music hub to a jazz favourite, and finally settling down as a pizzeria in 2010. Despite all the overhauls, the sleek black-and-white interiors still reveal glimpses of its art-deco heritage. Anyways, the stunning view of Kilachand Chowk through its massive glass windows is still as iconic as it was then.
📍Soona Mahal, 143, Marine Dr, Churchgate
4. Prithvi Theater Cafe, Juhu
Opened in 1999 by Shashi Kapoor and Jennifer Kapoor, it’s a spot where artists, writers, and theatre enthusiasts have always found a home. Here you’ve still got classics like cutting chai, Irish coffee, and samosas, and new delicacies like stuffed parathas, biryanis, hummus with pita, sandwiches, and pizzas.
📍20 Janki Kutir, Juhu
5. Cafe Madras, Matunga East
A special mention considering the author’s patronage towards its filter coffee, Cafe Madras is easily their favourite of the list of iconic restaurants. Originally started by Gopal Kamath when he moved to Mumbai for work, this place has been a Matunga favourite for over 80 years. Known for its authentic South Indian food, it’s become popular well beyond the neighbourhood. On the menu, you’ll find comforting dishes like rasam, podi idlis, medu vada, neer dosa, appam with stew, and the sweet Mysore pak.
📍Ground Floor, Kamakshi Building, 391/B, Bhaudaji Rd, Matunga East
6. Gallops, Mahalaxmi
Tucked inside the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, this iconic restaurant combines a bit of ’80s charm with its beautiful setting. Opened in 1986 by Rahul Malik and Jasmine Singh, it’s been a go-to spot for many for almost four decades. With its white picket fence, green walls, and twinkling tree canopies, the restaurant offers a mix of cuisines from the likes of buttery rich butter chicken to soulful baked crabs.
📍Gate No. 1, Inside Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Via, Keshavrao Khadye Marg, Royal Western India Turf Club, Mahalaxmi Racecourse
7. Harbour Bar, Colaba
Harbour Bar, inside the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, holds the title of Mumbai’s first licensed lounge bar. It’s a great spot if you’re into great drinks with a side of history telling, as the bartenders love to share stories of how cocktails were made back then vs the change now. A must-try here is The Harbour Since 1933, a cocktail that dates back to the Prohibition era! We recommend pairing it with their famous seafood platter for the full experience.
📍The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Apollo Bandar, Colaba