Modern European$$colabaDaily 08:30-00:30
Cafe Mondegar opened in 1932 on Colaba Causeway. The Mario Miranda murals on opposite walls are the room's signature; the Wurlitzer jukebox still works.
Signature: Chicken cafreal, Pork sausage breakfast, Chocolate mousse
Order: Chicken cafreal, a cold beer and the chocolate mousse.
Tip: The Wurlitzer takes coins; bring change for it. Cash and card both accepted.
Parsi$$fortMon-Fri 12:00-16:00, Sat 12:00-22:00, closed Sun
Britannia in Ballard Estate has poured Iranian zereshk berries over mutton pulao since 1923. Lunchtime only weekdays; Saturday opens until 22:00.
Signature: Berry pulao, Sali boti, Caramel custard
Order: Mutton berry pulao with a side of sali boti.
Tip: Cash only; arrive by 13:00 weekdays or the berry pulao runs out. Closed Sunday.
Parsi$$fortMon-Sat 08:00-23:00; Sun 08:00-16:00, 19:00-23:00
Jimmy Boy off Horniman Circle runs the Parsi wedding menu daily: patra ni machhi, sali boti, dhansak, akuri, lagan nu custard. Three-generation Parsi family.
Signature: Patra ni machhi, Sali boti, Lagan nu custard
Order: Patra ni machhi and a Pallonji's raspberry soda.
Tip: The Sunday Parsi wedding thali is the order; book ahead for it.
Modern European$$colabaDaily 11:00-23:30
Rahul Akerkar's Indigo Deli on Colaba Causeway runs all day, two minutes from the Gateway. Eggs benedict for breakfast, burger for lunch, sticky toffee.
Signature: Eggs benedict, Indigo burger, Sticky toffee pudding
Order: Eggs benedict at any hour and a sticky toffee for the table.
Tip: The bakery counter sells loaves and danishes from 11:00; come earlier for croissants.
Gujarati and Maharashtrian$$chowpattyDaily 11:30-22:30
Pinki Dixit's Soam in Chowpatty has run Gujarati and Maharashtrian home cooking since 2005. Saat dana khichdi runs seven grains; undhiyo holds nine.
Signature: Saat dana khichdi, Faraali undhiyo, Bhinda nu shaak
Order: Saat dana khichdi and a glass of chaas.
Tip: Weekend lunches crowd hard; arrive at 12:00 sharp for a counter seat.
Gujarati vegetarian$$tardeoDaily 11:45-22:30
Swati Snacks in Tardeo has run family-style Gujarati for three generations. Panki on banana leaves, faraali pattice and seasonal aamras with hot puris.
Signature: Panki, Faraali pattice, Aamras with puri (in season)
Order: Panki on banana leaves and a faraali pattice.
Tip: Aamras season runs March to May; book ahead for weekends in those months.