Indigo Delicatessen is a modern european restaurant in Colaba, Mumbai.
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 dishes: Eggs benedict, Indigo burger, Sticky toffee pudding
Must 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.
Address: 5 Ground Floor, Pheroze Building, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai 400039
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.
Sukh Sagar at Chowpatty has run a pure-veg multicuisine menu for four decades. Pav bhaji, sandwiches, dosas and the South Indian counter run all day.
Signature: Pav bhaji, Pani puri, Pao bhaji
Order: Pav bhaji and a sweet lassi.
Tip: Crowded counter, table service runs slower; takeaway at the front is faster.
Papa Pancho on Pali Naka serves dhaba-style Punjabi cooking since 1997: sarson da saag, butter chicken, makki rotis and lassi in steel tumblers.
Signature: Sarson da saag with makki di roti, Amritsari fish, Pindi chole
Order: Sarson da saag with makki di roti and a sweet lassi.
Tip: Cash and card both accepted; the pork pickle is a take-home favourite.
S C Karkera opened Mumbai's first dedicated Mangalorean room in Fort in 1977. The pomfret hits the tandoor whole; the fish gassi runs with thick coconut.
Signature: Tandoori pomfret, Crab butter pepper garlic, Neer dosa
Order: Tandoori pomfret and neer dosa.
Tip: Order sol kadhi to follow the meal; the kokum drink settles the spice.