Cafe Mondegar is a modern european restaurant in Colaba, Mumbai.
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 dishes: Chicken cafreal, Pork sausage breakfast, Chocolate mousse
Must order: Chicken cafreal, a cold beer and the chocolate mousse.
Tip: The Wurlitzer takes coins; bring change for it. Cash and card both accepted.
Address: 5A Metro House, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Near Regal Cinema, Colaba, Mumbai 400039
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cream Centre opened at Chowpatty Seaface in 1958 as a vegetarian sweets and snacks counter. The channa bhatura is the canonical dish; the hot fudge sundae.
Signature: Channa bhatura, Sizzler, Hot fudge sundae
Order: Channa bhatura with a Spanish omelette sizzler and a hot fudge sundae.
Tip: Family-friendly with a high-chair stock; weekday lunches are quietest.