Top 10 Historic Restaurants in Mumbai

This charming cafe-bar captures the bohemian spirit of Mumbai's art district, attracting gallery-hoppers, students, and creative professionals to its vintage-meets-industrial interiors. The extensive menu covers everything from all-day breakfast to craft cocktails, but locals swear by their Eggs Kejriwal—a spicy twist on eggs benedict that's become a Mumbai brunch staple. The outdoor seating on Rope Walk Lane offers prime people-watching opportunities during art walks and weekend bazaars. Perfect for solo laptop work sessions, casual dates, or post-gallery discussions over beer and shared plates.

Part of the Phoenix Mills redevelopment, Hornby's Pavilion pays homage to Mumbai's textile mill heritage while offering contemporary all-day dining in a light-filled, colonial-inspired space. The menu hopscotches continents with equal confidence, though their wood-fired pizzas and progressive Indian dishes stand out as crowd favorites. Weekend brunches here have become social events, complete with live music and bottomless mimosas that draw Parel's new-money residents. Best for leisurely weekend meals with friends or Instagram-worthy business brunches that don't feel stuffy.

This North-West Frontier institution from 1958 transformed a former garage into Mumbai's most atmospheric Indian restaurant, with rough-hewn stone walls adorned by MF Husain's original murals. The dramatic interiors lit by lanterns create an almost medieval cave-like ambiance that perfectly complements the robust tandoori preparations and rich gravies. Their raan-e-khyber (slow-roasted leg of lamb) is a showstopper that requires advance ordering, while the dal bukhara has converted countless skeptics into lentil lovers. Ideal for impressing out-of-town guests or anyone who believes dining is theater.

Housed in a beautifully restored heritage building in Ballard Estate, Native Bombay is a modern tribute to the street foods and regional cuisines that built Mumbai's culinary identity. The menu reads like a love letter to Maharashtra, Gujarat, and coastal communities, featuring forgotten recipes and traditional preparations with subtle contemporary tweaks. Their pav bhaji and Kolhapuri mutton curry hit that sweet spot between authentic and refined, while the curated regional thalis let you explore multiple flavors. Perfect for food enthusiasts seeking authentic local flavors in a thoughtfully designed space that honors Mumbai's architectural past.

Since 1977, Trishna has been Mumbai's undisputed seafood royalty, turning butter-pepper-garlic crab into an art form that's inspired countless imitators across India. The cramped, no-frills dining room with fluorescent lighting proves that stellar food needs no fancy ambiance, as evidenced by the nightly queue of loyal patrons and visiting celebrities. Beyond the legendary crab, their koliwada prawns and tandoori pomfret showcase coastal Maharashtra's bounty with expert precision. Come with a group to share multiple dishes, and don't wear white—this meal gets gloriously messy.

Operating since the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel opened in 1903, Shamiana represents the pinnacle of heritage dining with its breathtaking crystal chandeliers and Florentine arches. The all-day dining restaurant showcases live cooking stations where chefs prepare everything from traditional Indian curries to Mediterranean grills with theatrical flair. Their Alphonso mango desserts during summer are worth planning a trip around, while the power lunch buffet attracts Mumbai's business elite. This is where you come to celebrate milestones in absolute grandeur, though the impeccable service makes even casual diners feel like royalty.

This Art Deco gem from 1956 pioneered multi-cuisine dining in Mumbai, introducing North Indian and Continental fare to a city dominated by Irani cafes and Udupi restaurants. The retro red-leather booths, mirrored walls, and old-world service style evoke the golden era of Bollywood, when film stars would stop by for the famous chicken stroganoff after late-night shoots. Their berry pulao remains a cult favorite, offering the perfect balance of sweet and savory that's impossible to replicate. Best suited for families and couples seeking nostalgic charm without the stuffiness of five-star establishments.

Nestled inside the historic Mahalaxmi Racecourse since 1935, Gallops offers the unique experience of fine dining with panoramic views of the racing tracks and the Arabian Sea beyond. The elegant colonial architecture and manicured lawns create a sophisticated setting that's remained largely unchanged for decades, attracting Mumbai's elite and racing enthusiasts. Their Sunday brunch is the stuff of legends, featuring live stations and unlimited champagne, while the Eggs Benedict draws regulars who've been coming here for generations. Ideal for special occasions, business lunches, or anyone seeking refined elegance away from Mumbai's chaos.

Since 1871, Leopold's has been the beating heart of Colaba, surviving everything from British Raj to the 2008 terror attacks (bullet holes still visible on the walls). This bustling cafe-bar serves continental classics and cold beers to a mixed crowd of backpackers, locals, and curious tourists seeking the authentic Bombay experience chronicled in Gregory David Roberts' 'Shantaram'. The chicken tikka and ice-cold Kingfisher combo is legendary, though the real draw is the electric atmosphere and people-watching opportunities from the street-side tables. Perfect for groups looking to soak in old Bombay's cosmopolitan spirit, day or night.

This legendary Irani cafe has been serving strong chai and buttery brun maska since 1904, making it one of Mumbai's oldest surviving establishments. The time-worn interiors with marble-top tables and bentwood chairs transport you to British-era Bombay, while the aroma of fresh-baked breads and caramelized puddings fills the air. Order the iconic bun maska with Irani chai for breakfast, or indulge in their caramel custard that's been made to the same recipe for over a century. Best for solo visits or quiet conversations, though the communal seating means you might make new friends over your morning cuppa.