Mumbai is more than just the monumental Gateway of India arch and Bollywood film sets. It’s a city where a century-old Leopold Cafe can sit on the same street as a trendy rooftop serving cocktails crafted by the city’s best bartenders. Here in Bandra, restaurants open with graffiti-covered walls and menus inspired by Goan Catholic cuisine, while in Colaba, minimalist coffee shops serve specialty coffee and avocado toast.
Our selection is a mix of places locals choose and an outsider’s perspective: comments from travelers who evaluate them with the height of their experience. Sometimes, it’s a tourist from Berlin or Copenhagen who notices the things that Mumbaikars take for granted: the atmosphere, the service, and the special vibe of a place.
Where to Stay: Bandra or Colaba?
Before we dive into the list of restaurants and bars, it’s important to understand Mumbai’s geography. The city is massive, and distances are difficult to overcome, especially when you’re stuck in traffic for an hour just to get to dinner. You won’t be able to cover everything on foot, so you’ll have to make choices.
If you’re visiting for the first time and want to experience classic Mumbai, choose Colaba. If you’re looking for a great atmosphere and plan to spend a lot of time at restaurants and bars, then Bandra is definitely the place for you.
Colaba — Tourist Epicenter with History
Colaba is the southern tip of Mumbai, where the Gateway of India, the Taj Mahal Hotel, and the main tourist attractions are located. The neighborhood is compact, walkable, with colonial architecture and an old Bombay atmosphere. Cafes, art galleries, and restaurants that stay open until midnight are concentrated here.
Pros: everything nearby, walkable, sea views
Cons: touristy, more expensive, can be noisy
Where to Stay:
Taj Mahal Tower
This is an iconic hotel with the best views of the Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea. Arched balconies in the rooms, poolside yoga in the mornings, impeccable service. The building survived the 2008 terrorist attacks and remains a symbol of the city’s resilience.
Website: www.tajhotels.com
Address: PJ Ramchandani Marg, Apollo Bandar, Colaba
What guests say: “This is more than 5 stars!”
Abode Bombay
A boutique hotel in the heart of Colaba, just steps from the Gateway of India. Guests note the thoughtful design with antique furniture, local photography, and Indian textiles. Every evening, a note from the staff and fresh flowers await on the bed.
Breakfast is a small but delicious Indian buffet with egg dishes to choose from. The staff helps organize tours and reservations at the city’s best restaurants.
Website: abodeboutiquehotels.com
Address: First Floor, MB Marg, near Regal Cinema, Colaba
What guests say: “The perfect first stop for getting to know India”
Bandra — Hipster Suburb with Its Own Scene
Bandra West is a northern neighborhood that locals call the “queen of suburbs.” The bohemian crowd lives here, trendy restaurants and galleries open. The atmosphere is more relaxed than in Colaba, fewer tourists, more local life.
Pros: trendy spots, its own atmosphere, cheaper
Cons: far from main attractions, need a taxi
Where to Stay:
Taj Lands End, Mumbai
A five-star hotel right on the shores of the Arabian Sea with panoramic views of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link bridge. Legendary Taj service with that signature “Tajness”—attention to detail and impeccable hospitality. Spacious rooms (definitely get sea view), pool, spa, several restaurants. The location is ideal, situated at the end of Bandstand, one of the most picturesque promenades in Mumbai.
The Taj Club Lounge offers excellent breakfasts, including mascarpone-honey toast, chili and garlic eggs, and an unexpected favorite, khichdi. They also serve high tea with incredible chicken nuggets and cocktails with dumplings. The housekeeping staff works lightning fast—they’re a “masterclass in how to pamper a guest.”
Website: www.tajhotels.com
Address: BJ Road, Mount Mary, Bandra West
What guests say: “Luxury combined with fast service”
Bloom Boutique | Bandra
A modern boutique hotel on Pali Hill with an excellent location. Spacious rooms, huge beds, Netflix on a large TV. Breakfast is a separate story: a huge selection of Indian and Western dishes, fresh dosa (we recommend!), eggs made to order. On the roof—a quiet terrace where you can work during the day or have a drink in the evening.
Website: staybloom.com
Address: 331, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Pali Pathar, Bandra West
What guests say: “Home away from home”
Where Locals Eat: Modern Indian Cuisine in Mumbai
BANDRA BORN
Behind this successful project is Chef Gresham Fernandes. He is the Culinary Director and co-owner of the restaurant with 25 years of culinary experience. Fernandes worked and trained at the legendary Copenhagen restaurant Noma. Previously, he managed the iconic Salt Water Café at this same location for 15 years before transforming it into BANDRA BORN.
The restaurant started as a 12-week pop-up in 2023 and was so successful that it became permanent, won awards, and completely renovated the interior. Now there are three floors with different energy.
You’ll find Bollywood graffiti, neon bars and signs, and a playlist of 90s hits. There’s a rooftop with string lights and a mango tree.
The cuisine draws inspiration from East Indian, Mangalorean, and Catholic traditions while remaining modern and cosmopolitan. Many dishes are based on family recipes: for example, East Indian Crab Curry Dip is his grandmother’s recipe, which she cooked when crabs would swim into Bandra’s rice fields during monsoon rains.
What to order:
- Roasted Bone Marrow Chilli Cheese Toast with habanero
- King Cabbage — slow-cooked cabbage resembling a steak, with brown butter
- Duck Stroopwafel — a crispy sandwich with caramelized duck
- Venus Cake with two types of ice cream (mix them together with the cake)
Cocktails: The bar specializes in drinks with mahua—a traditional Indian spirit made from flowers. Try Kadak Nimbu Sharbat (mahua, kaffir lime, sweet lime, soda)—the establishment’s most popular cocktail.
What locals say: “The food tastes new and comfortable at the same time—like a vintage car with a new engine.”
Address: Rose Minar, 87, Chapel Rd, Bandra West
Hours: 12:00–3:30 PM, 7:00 PM–1:00 AM daily
Important: Dinner is adults only (no kids policy)
Veranda Bandra
This modern Indian restaurant is located on the rooftop of the Bloom Hotel. It has a relaxed atmosphere and a mixed menu, offering everything from Western dishes to Indian and Asian cuisine. It’s suitable for both a quiet weekday dinner and celebrating with friends.
It’s cozy and simple here, ideal for relaxation. On weekdays it’s not crowded, which creates a pleasant intimate atmosphere. Sometimes there are evenings with live music, which can be loud—keep this in mind if you’re planning conversations.
What to order: Chettinad chicken, and generally focus on Indian dishes rather than Western or Asian items.
Wine: Good wine list with several Indian wines—a pleasant rarity for Mumbai.
What locals say: “Cozy and peaceful rooftop restaurant.”
Website: theveranda.in
Address: 331, Doctor BR Ambedkar Road, Pali Hill, Bandra West
Hours: 12:30 PM – 1:30 AM daily
Where to Drink in Mumbai: Speakeasy and Rooftops with Views
Slink & Bardot
A secret spot behind an inconspicuous bright door in the Worli fishing village. The place is simultaneously intimate and chic, with a Parisian basement atmosphere and creative cocktails. French-Indian fusion cuisine in small plates format, solid colored walls, perfect lighting. The chef personally comes out to guests to learn about dietary restrictions and preferences.
Book in advance and arrive before 11 PM to catch the intimate atmosphere.
Address: Thadani House 329/A, Worli Village, Koliwada
Hours: Closed Mondays, 6:30 PM–1:30 AM
Therapy Cocktail Bar
The name delivers 100%—this really is therapy after a long day. The bar has a warm, stylish, effortlessly cool atmosphere with cocktails created by people who genuinely love their craft. Each drink is creative with thoughtful presentation. Friendly staff.
Address: Ground Floor, Hotel Metro Palace, Hill Rd, Khar West
Hours: 12:30 PM – 1:00 AM daily
Bombay Daak
A concept bar in Bandra with an indie-retro vibe and great music—old Bollywood hits play here almost non-stop. The chakna format—small Indian snacks with drinks—replaces a full menu and creates the atmosphere of an easy evening with friends.
Cocktails come with unexpected accents: Birds Eye Chilli Wine seems mild at first but gradually opens up and noticeably warms; Desi suits whiskey lovers; Pahadi is light and refreshing. Prices are above average but justified by service and atmosphere.
Address: Shop No 5/21, ONGC Complex, Bandra West
Hours: 6:00 PM–1:30 AM daily
AER (руфтоп)
Two zones on one floor: the first—with loud music and energy for dancing, the second—with calm music for conversations and meetings. Panoramic views of the city, Bandra-Worli Sea Link bridge, and the Arabian Sea. Cocktails are excellent, food is decent (especially praised are Banana-Leaf Tawa Fish and Avocado Sushi), but the main thing here is the view and atmosphere.
It’s better to book a table in advance, especially on weekends, and arrive at sunset—it’s really worth it.
Address: 34th Floor, Four Seasons, Dr Elijah Moses Rd, Worli
Hours: 5:00 PM–1:30 AM daily
Where to Go for Art: Galleries and Street Art That Locals Know
Jhaveri Contemporary (Colaba) — a hidden gallery on the third floor of a heritage building with powerful exhibitions where different generations of South Asian artists meet. The entrance is hard to find, but the reward is a light-filled space where you simultaneously feel silence and energy.
47-A Gallery (Khotachiwadi, Girgaon) — a cozy space in the heart of a historic neighborhood showcasing contemporary Indian artists; the journey here through traditional alleyways is itself an art form.
The Designera (Worli) — India’s first and only pop art gallery with bright, bold, Instagram-worthy exhibitions; you can spend 30-45 minutes among colors and chaos, it’s nothing like classic museums.
Bollywood Art Project (Bandra, Chapel Road) — large-scale murals featuring Indian cinema icons turn Bandra’s narrow streets into an open-air gallery; go early in the morning to photograph without crowds.
Chemould Prescott Road (Fort) — one of the oldest contemporary art galleries in the beautiful Queens Mansion with a wooden staircase that adds atmosphere; come on weekday afternoons when the space is surprisingly quiet and daylight reveals the works differently.
Kala Ghoda Art Festival (February) — if you’re in Mumbai in February, don’t miss Asia’s largest annual street art festival with free admission. For a whole week, the entire neighborhood transforms into a living gallery with performances, lectures, and live concerts.
If you’re looking to continue traveling through Asia at a more relaxed pace after bustling Mumbai, you can mentally transport yourself to the popular Indonesian island. Check out our selection of flower baths in Bali. There, we’ve gathered spas where relaxation becomes a beautiful ritual filled with the aromas of tropical flowers, warm water, and jungle views.
