7 Best Places to Eat in Mumbai – From Iconic Street Eats to Luxe Dining Spots
If you’ve ever tried to describe Mumbai’s food scene to someone, you’ve probably ended up waving your hands around dramatically, saying something like, “Look, you just have to go.” And honestly, you do. The city is a glorious, delicious, occasionally chaotic buffet of flavors, cultures, and culinary moods. One minute you’re biting into a vada pav that costs less than a coffee, the next you’re sitting under soft mood lighting trying to decide whether you should splurge on that extra dessert (yes, you should).
Best Places to Eat in Mumbai
So consider this your friendly (and very food-motivated) guide to the best places to eat in Mumbai—places that will charm you, feed you, and make you think, “Yep, this city definitely has my stomach’s best interests at heart.” Whether you’re planning to explore on foot or prefer to rent a car in Mumbai and hop between neighborhoods, this list has a little something for every craving.
1. Ashok Vada Pav, Dadar – The King of Street Eats
Let’s kick off with the absolute reigning monarch of Mumbai street food: vada pav. And if you’re hunting for the best places to eat in Mumbai on a student budget, a chaotic schedule, or just general vibes, Ashok Vada Pav has to be on your list. It’s iconic, beloved, high on flavor, and nostalgic.
Expect soft pav, a perfectly fried potato vada, and green chutney that hits you with just the right amount of “wow, ok, hello spice.” There’s always a crowd, which is the city’s unofficial stamp of approval. If you’re someone who loves discovering good eating places in Mumbai, this is the perfect (and deliciously affordable) warm-up act.
Pro tip: Grab two. You’ll thank yourself.
2. Sardar Pav Bhaji, Tardeo – Butter Lovers, Assemble
If your love language is carbs and dairy, Sardar Pav Bhaji will feel like coming home. This institution serves pav bhaji that’s unapologetically rich, buttery, and famous for leaving you in a happy food trance.
The bhaji is silky, spicy, and somehow manages to taste exactly the same every single time—like they’ve signed a contract with consistency. It’s one of the best places to eat in Bombay when you’re craving something indulgent without burning a hole in your wallet.
Don’t make eye contact with the giant block of butter at the counter. It knows what it did.
3. Elco, Bandra – Chaat That Hits All the Right Spots
If the universe ever feels a bit meh, chaat can fix it. And for that, Bandra’s beloved Elco is basically therapy in edible form. Hygienic, buzzing, and armed with an army of pani puri experts, Elco is what millennials mean when they talk about wholesome street-eats energy.
Whether you’re team sev puri, bhel puri, or pani puri, that leaves you quietly wiping your eyes from the tangy-spicy slap—it’s all here. If your mission is to experience the best places to eat in Bombay, especially the tangy-street-snacky side of it, Elco is non-negotiable.
Perfect pit-stop if you decide to wander Bandra and play tourist for the day. Getting a self-drive car rental from Revv is always a great idea as it offers pocket-friendly rates, customised plans, and flexibility of schedule, which frees you from the burden of booking expensive cabs and figuring out metro routes.
Also Read: Best Shopping Places in Mumbai
4. Bademiya, Colaba – Midnight Kebab Heaven
Few things in life feel as satisfying as eating a smoky seekh kebab at midnight in Mumbai, and Bademiya is the spot for that. What started as a tiny stall back in the 1940s has now become a full-blown kebab shrine. Locals, tourists, night owls, party-goers—everyone ends up here eventually.
The rolls are juicy, the kebabs melt in your mouth, and the late-night energy is unmatched. If you’re exploring the city by night and looking for good eating places in Mumbai, Bademiya is your guy.
Bonus: There’s something oddly poetic about eating a kebab on a Colaba footpath at 1 am.
5. Yazdani Bakery, Fort – Old-School Charm, Fresh Buns
If Mumbai cafés had a grandparents’ club, Yazdani Bakery would be president. This Irani bakery is all charm—tiled floors, vintage vibes, and ovens that smell like heaven. Their bun maska is a warm hug, and their Irani chai can cure stresses you didn’t know you had.
This is one of the best dining places in Mumbai when you want something simple, classic, and drenched in history. Plus, the apple pie and khari biscuits? Absolutely dangerous. In the best way.
Stop by in the morning—it’s peak cozy hours.
6. Leopold Café, Colaba – The OG Icon
Is it possible to talk about the best dining places in Mumbai without mentioning Leopold? Absolutely not. Leo’s is loud, fun, crowd-y, historic, and just chaotic enough to feel incredibly Mumbai.
The café has been around since 1871, and walking in feels like stepping into a living, breathing story. The food ranges from Indian to Continental, but honestly, the energy is the real show-stealer. It’s the kind of place where you go for lunch and somehow leave two hours later after swapping travel stories with strangers.
If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Bombay that also double as vibe-y hangout spots, this one’s a winner.
7. Trishna, Fort – Luxe Seafood That Deserves Its Hype
If you’re in the mood to level up, maybe a date night, a celebration, or a “because I deserve nice things” kind of night, Trishna is your go-to. Known for its coastal seafood, the restaurant serves dishes that are beautifully spiced, aromatic, and quietly luxurious.
Their butter garlic crab is legendary, and the prawns are so good they’ll ruin other prawns for you. It’s one of the best dining places in Mumbai for people who enjoy meals that feel indulgent but comforting.
You don’t just eat here. You experience it.
Also Read: Places to Visit at Night in Mumbai
So, Which One Should You Visit First?
Honestly? All of them. But if you’re on a tight schedule, think of it like a Mumbai mood map:
- Need something quick, iconic, and local? Ashok Vada Pav
- Craving indulgent comfort? Sardar Pav Bhaji
- Want tangy chaos? Elco
- Midnight cravings? Bademiya
- Looking for heritage charm? Yazdani Bakery
- Want a vibe-y, historic hangout? Leopold Café
- Craving luxe seafood? Trishna
Whichever you choose, you’re in safe (and very delicious) hands.
Final Bite
Mumbai is one of those magical cities where food isn’t just food—it’s culture, nostalgia, comfort, excitement, and a little bit of everyday drama. Whether you’re exploring by foot or decide to rent a car in Mumbai for a cross-city food adventure, these spots will give you a real taste of what makes the city unforgettable.
From street snacks that cost pocket change to luxurious dinners that make your heart (and wallet) flutter, these seven picks truly represent the best places to eat in Mumbai and some of the most good eating places in Mumbai you’ll be glad you discovered.
If you’d like, I can also craft a 24-hour foodie itinerary—street eats to sundowners to dessert. Just say the word!
