Indian$fortDaily 10:00-22:30
Pancham Puriwala near CSMT has fried puris and served thali to Bombay commuters since 1848. UP migrants who succeeded in the puri trade opened the room.
Signature: Puri sabzi, Pancham thali, Lassi
Order: Pancham thali with the puri-sabzi combo and a sweet lassi.
Tip: Cash easiest; lunch service is fastest before 12:30. Cash and card both accepted.
Udupi South Indian$matungaDaily 11:30-15:30, 19:00-22:30
A Rama Nayak's Udipi Shri Krishna Boarding has run an unlimited South Indian thali in Matunga since 1942. Banana leaves, ghee roast, sambar refills.
Signature: Thali, Mangalorean ghee roast, Filter coffee
Order: The unlimited thali; come hungry.
Tip: Lunch only on weekdays here; book the upstairs hall ahead for groups of six or more guests.
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.