There are very few cuisines in India that have crossed the food aspect & have gone further to deliver a unique experience. One such cuisine is Irani cuisine. More than the aroma of the Irani food, It is the iconic classic & rusty ambiance that draws us to these heritage restaurants. High ceilings, glass-topped tables, bentwood chairs constituents the old & elegant looks that soak us into the environment.
Sadly, these character-filled & heritage Irani cafes are very rapidly disappearing from Mumbai. There were 350 Irani cafés in the 1950s which, decreased to just 25 in 2005, says an Indian Express report.
Irani cafes were & should be an integral part of Mumbai’s food culture. That’s why our team of Mumbaikar food enthusiasts have hand-picked a comprehensive list of the best Irani cafes in Mumbai.
Yazdani Restaurant & Bakery, Fort
Established in 1950, Yazdani Restaurant & Bakery serves different varieties of Irani-styled puffs & cakes. The place is known for delicious Irani chai, bun maska & mawa cakes. They make fresh & pretty awesome apple pie after 3 pm that is also highly recommended.
The restaurant has a rusty & basic ambiance. The prices are slightly high. Do visit here nearby Christmas week to try their plum cake which is a treat to taste buds.
Address: 11A, Cawasji Patel Rd, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Cafe Excelsior, Fort
Located at walking distance from the busy CSMT station, Lies a hidden gem of Parsi cuisine – Café Excelsior. Believe us that one visit will not be sufficient to cover the different delicacies that Cafe Excelsior offers. The restaurant menu has a wide variety of authentic Parsi dishes ranging from Dhansak to Patra Ni Macchi.
For more than 100 years, the restaurant has fulfilled the expectations of the customers. With the lip-smacking taste & large portions, the place offers the best value for money. Do carry cash to pay the bills as they don’t accept credit & debit cards.
Address: 23, AK Nayak Marg, Opp. Excelsior Cinema, Azad Maidan, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Ideal Corner, Fort
Ideal Corner is one of the few restaurants in Mumbai where you can enjoy authentic Parsi meals. The restaurant has a limited seating capacity but, the variety that the menu offers is quite remarkable. Located near Khadi Bhandar, Ideal Corner provides a pleasant ambiance & offers quick service. People working in fort & nearby areas can also opt for delivery.
Address: Hornby View Building, 12/F/G, Rustom Sidhwa Marg, Near Fort, Borabazar Precinct, Ballard Estate, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Cafe Military, Fort
If you want to witness the old charm of Irani restaurants, Cafe Military is the place to go. For more than 100 years, the restaurant is serving authentic Irani food. The menu has limited options but, each dish is a treat to the taste buds. Lip-smacking taste, pocket-friendly rates & quick service are some USPs of this place.
The classic Irani cafe-style ambiance & a chilled beer are enough to take up you on a nostalgic trip. When visiting, don’t forget to carry cash as they only accept cards.
Address: Alli Chambers, Nagindas Master Rd, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Jimmy Boy, Fort
Jimmy Boy is one of the most popular places for Parsi cuisine in Mumbai. Located near Horniman Circle, Jimmy Boy specializes in authentic Parsi cuisine. To enjoy the Parsi delicacies fully, Do try Veg or Non-Veg Lagan Nu Bhonu which, is the Parsi Thali served traditionally on banana leaves. Berry Pulav is also a recommended dish to try here.
The restaurant has vintage decor & ample seating capacity. The prices are moderately high. The staff is very polite & service is prompt.
Address: 11, Vikas Building, Bank Street, Near Horniman Circle, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Britannia & Co. Restaurant, Fort
Located in Ballard Estate, Britannia & Co. Restaurant is one of the iconic Parsi restaurants in Mumbai. Started in 1923, the restaurant is serving mouth-watering Parsi cuisine. The checkered tablecloths, old wooden chairs, high ceilings, vintage decors are enough to take up you on a nostalgic trip. Berry Pulao is the most recommended dish at Britannia & Co. Restaurant. The staff is courteous & attentive.
Negatives are the higher prices. Only cash payments are accepted here. Do remember that the restaurant is closed on Sundays and only open at the lunchtimes on other days.
Address: Wakefield House, 16, 11, Sport Rd, opp. New Custom House, Ballard Estate, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400038
Cafe Universal, Fort
Are you looking for a modern age Irani restaurant? Cafe Universal is the place to go. Started in 1931, The restaurant has old-style classic decor & wooden furniture. Dhansak is the most recommended Parsi dish to try here. Additional to authentic Parsi specialties, The restaurant offers lip-smacking snacks, savory Chinese & delicious sizzlers.
Address: 299, Shahid Bhagat Singh Rd, opp. Geo Chem Laboratories, Ballard Estate, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
B. Merwan and Co. (Bakers & Restaurant), Grand Road
B. Merwan & Co. ( Bakers & Restaurant ) is established in 1914 & situated just opposite Grant Road Railway Station East. The cafe is busiest in the morning so you may have to wait to get your table. Though, a fast-moving crowd & more seating capacity ensures less waiting time. Additional to their specialty Bun Maska and Irani chai, people also enjoy double Omelette, Burji, cakes & puddings.
The restaurant ambiance is rusty & gives a feel of a typical Irani cafe. The service is super quick & the menu is pocket-friendly too. They only accept cash so, plan your visit accordingly.
Address: Shop No. 1 Station East, 2, Alibhai Premji Rd, opposite Grant Road East, Bharat Nagar, Grant Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400036
Sassanian Restaurant, Dhobi Talao
Established in 1913, Sassanian Restaurant is one of the popular Irani cafes in Mumbai. For more than 100 years, the place is living up to its expectation of providing superior quality & mindblowing taste. Kheema Pav is a must-try here. The menu has a great variety. But the majority of people prefer authentic Irani delicacies such as Bun Maska, Irani Chai, Mawa Cakes & Dhansak. Remember to carry cash as they don’t accept cards.
Address: Metro, 98, Marine View, 1st Marine St, Cross Road, Dhobi Talao, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400002
Kyani & CO., Dhobi Talao
Established in 1904, Kyani & CO. is known as Mumbai’s oldest Irani Cafe. As you enter the restaurant, The red-checkered tablecloths, high ceilings, old rusty decors will take you up into a different era. Typically morning is the busiest time to visit here as college students & office commuters prefer this place for morning breakfast. Kheema Pav, Bun Maska, Irani Chai & Carmel Custard are the most recommended dishes to try here. The bakery items are also fresh & flavorsome.
Address: Jer Mahal Estate, 657, Jagannath Shankar Seth Rd, opp. Metro Inox Theatre, Dhobi Talao, Marine Lines, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400002
Cafe Colony, Dadar
Cafe Colony has been around for more than 80 years with the typical Irani-styled ambiance. Located near Dadar Circle, Cafe Colony is the local’s favourite spot to enjoy Irani snacks. Some of their specialties include Bun Maska with Chai, Kheema Pav, Mawa cakes, Omelette & Burji Pav, Chicken Curry & Biryani. The owners are friendly & the food is also inexpensive.
Address: Corner Of, Shrikant Lodge, Tilak Bridge, Dadar TT, Dadar East, Dadar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400014
Koolar & Co., Matunga
If you have been to Maheshwari Udhyan, Matunga then, you must have noticed this place. Established in 1932, Koolar & Co. is known for its vintage Irani-style ambiance. The restaurant is famous for different Omelette varieties, Kheema pav, Caramel custard, Irani chai & Bun Maska.
The restaurant doesn’t accept cards & digital money so, do carry cash for the payment.
Address: 541, Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd, Matunga, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400019
Cafe Gulshan, Matunga
A popular hangout place of students from Podar, Ruia & Welingkar colleges, Gulshan Cafe is a great place to enjoy Irani snack varieties like Bun Maska with Chai, Kheema Pav & Caramel Custard. The restaurant also offers Mughlai & Chinese cuisines.
Address: Balkrishna Niwas, 265, Lakhamsi Napoo Rd, next to Welingkar, Matunga, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400019
Cafe Irani Chaii, Mahim
Cafe Irani Chaii is the recent addition to the list of Irani restaurants, but the growth & popularity that it got in such a short span is very remarkable. The restaurant has become popular among the locals due to its delicious Parsi cuisine. The wooden table chairs, mirrored walls & checkered tablecloths combined provides a pleasant traditional Iranian cafe ambiance. Kheema pav, Bun Maska, Akuri, Dhansak are the most famous dishes to try here. The menu is moderately priced.
Address: Mia Mohammed, Rosary Building, Mia Mohd Chhotani Rd, Geeta Nagar, Mahim West, Mahim, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400016
SodaBottleOpenerWala, Lower Parel & BKC
SodaBottleOpenerWala is a modern-day Irani restaurant chain operating in multiple cities across India. Located at BKC & Lower Parel in Mumbai, the restaurant chain is on a mission of reviving the dying legacy of fast disappearing Irani cafes.
The restaurants have a pleasant retro ambiance which also showcases the rich heritage of Irani cafes. The menu contains a wide variety of traditional Parsi dishes. Due to the restaurants’ commercial locations, The food prices are on a higher side. They also levy a 10% service charge.
BKC Address: Ground The Capital Building, 02, G Block Rd, G Block BKC, Bandra East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400051
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Lower Parel Address: F&B 4, 2nd floor, North Skyzone, High Street Phoenix, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013
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