From street-side classics, hidden gems and even stylish rooftop dining, discover where to eat at the best restaurants in Mumbai according to a local.

Mumbai stands apart from many other Indian cities due to its unique blend of opportunity, cosmopolitanism, and pace. As India’s economic engine, it attracts people from across the country, making it a melting pot of languages, religions, and cultures.

Unlike many parts of India, Mumbai has a more urban, fast-paced lifestyle that mirrors global metropolitan cities. This mix creates a social and cultural diversity not found at the same scale elsewhere in the country.

What is Mumbai famous for?

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is India’s largest city and a dynamic hub of finance, culture, and commerce. As the financial capital, it houses the Bombay Stock Exchange, major banks, and corporate headquarters, playing a crucial role in the country’s economy. Its mix of colonial-era buildings, gleaming skyscrapers, and dense neighbourhoods reflects the contrasts and complexities of urban India.

The city is equally famous for being the heart of India’s film industry, Bollywood. Home to studios, production houses, and iconic cinemas, Mumbai draws aspiring actors, filmmakers, and artists from across the country. The glamour of the film world coexists with everyday life, making it a place where dreams are pursued with intensity.

Like many other global cities, food is another major drawcard. Mumbai’s food scene is one of the most exciting in India, reflecting the city’s diversity and constant energy. From street snacks like vada pav and pav bhaji served hot on street corners, to seafood thalis in no-frills eateries and Irani cafés steeped in history, eating in Mumbai is both a cultural and culinary experience.

Alongside its street food culture, Mumbai is also home to a growing number of innovative restaurants, contemporary cafés and upscale dining spots. Neighbourhoods like Bandra, Colaba and Lower Parel offer everything from craft cocktails and fusion plates to classic Mughlai dishes and Maharashtrian food.

Mumbai is a fast-paced, diverse city where colonial architecture, Bollywood glamour, bustling markets and street food all coexist with striking contrasts of wealth and daily life.

What do I absolutely have to eat in Mumbai?

Visitors will soon discover that some of the best restaurants in Mumbai and food experiences may not have Michelin stars, but they are beloved by locals.

If it’s your first time in Mumbai, start with the city’s beloved street food staples like vada pav and pav bhaji. Vada pav is a spicy potato fritter tucked into a soft bun, served with green chilli and chutneys for an extra kick. Pav bhaji, a rich vegetable mash cooked with butter and spices, is paired with soft, butter-toasted buns and often eaten standing at crowded stalls.

If you’re ready to sit down, a quintessential local experience when dining in Mumbai is to step into a heritage Irani café for a plate of keema pav or crisp mutton samosas, paired with a glass of strong chai. For a deeper taste of the region, try a coastal thali featuring fried bombil (Bombay duck), sol kadhi, coconut-rich curries and steamed rice, especially at restaurants serving Malvani or Gomantak cuisine.

Make sure to leave room for dessert, though. Cool down with creamy kulfi in the summer, sip on a rose-tinted falooda layered with basil seeds and vermicelli, or enjoy aamras and shrikhand during mango season.

Even if you don’t have the time to embark on a culinary deep dive across the best restaurants in Mumbai, no first time visitor to Bombay should pass up the chance to snack on a vada pav.

Where are the best restaurants in Mumbai for Indian cuisine?

Dining in Mumbai is full of surprises, with every corner offering a taste of tradition and celebration. From hearty regional thalis to popular street food favourites, Mumbai restaurants serve it all with style. Here are some of the city’s best spots to enjoy truly authentic Indian cuisine.

Tresind Mumbai

Tresind is an award-winning and critically acclaimed restaurant with artistic presentation and bold flavours. Located in the affluent Bandra Kurla Complex, it blends gastronomy with traditional roots, offering dishes like deconstructed pani puri and reinvented kebabs. The elegant setting and curated tasting menus make it a must-visit for foodies.

The Bombay Canteen

A favourite among locals and tourists alike, The Bombay Canteen is not to be missed. Located in Lower Parel in a colonial-style space, it was born out of the desire to showcase the wealth of Indian cuisine. Dishes like pork vindaloo tacos are served with innovative cocktails, showcasing creativity while staying rooted in Indian tradition.

Cafe Madras

This Matunga hotspot has been serving authentic South Indian food for decades. Known for its Kappi (filter coffee), crisp dosas, and fluffy idlis, Café Madras is simple, fast, and always buzzing. It’s a place where tradition meets taste, making it a beloved breakfast and brunch destination among Mumbaikars.

Panshikar & Co

Tucked away in Dadar, Panshikar is a heritage eatery known for its Maharashtrian food. You can enjoy sabudana vada, misal pav, and thalipeeth, often paired with traditional beverages like piyush, masala milk and sweets like peda and jalebis. The atmosphere is no-frills, but the flavours speak of home and nostalgia.

Chaitanya

Chaitanya is the place to go in Mumbai for authentic Malvani and coastal Maharashtrian food. The restaurant's menu features perfectly spiced fish thalis, to sol kadhi and seafood curries. Located in Dadar, it’s a fan favourite for those seeking an affordable yet rich culinary experience by the sea.

Native Bombay

A newer addition to Mumbai’s dining scene, Native Bombay celebrates forgotten regional recipes with a contemporary flair. The décor is warm and inviting while the menu offer an exploration of India’s culinary diversity from Rajasthani laal maas to Bengali kosha mangsho.

If you’re hunting for authentic Maharashtrian food, Chaitanya in Dadar is a local favourite for authentic Malvani thalis, seafood curries and coastal Maharashtrian flavours.

Which sweet is famous in Mumbai?

One of the most famous sweets in Mumbai is modak, especially popular during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. This sweet dumpling, traditionally filled with jaggery (unrefined cane sugar) and grated coconut, resembles a lotus, symbolises the unfolding of spiritual wisdom. The steamed version, known as ukadiche modak, offers a true taste of authentic Maharashtrian tradition. More than a treat, this sacred delicacy brings families together in devotion and celebration.

Beyond festivals, Mumbai’s sweet offerings shift gently with the seasons, adding warmth and flavour to daily life. Summer welcomes the cool comfort of aamras and shrikhand, light and soothing in the heat. As monsoon clouds gather, basundi and pathavniche ghavne bring familiar richness. Crisp sweets like karanji, puran poli and chiroti pair perfectly with quiet evenings indoors.

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6 Of The Best Restaurants In Mumbai For Foodies