Timeless Tastes: The Oldest Restaurants Still Running in Mumbai
Mumbai isn’t just a city that never sleeps—it’s a city that never stops eating. Over the decades, it has seen empires rise and fall, skylines shift, and cultures blend, yet certain eateries have remained deliciously constant. These are the cafés and restaurants that served chai before your grandparents fell in love, flipped omelets during world wars, and plated biryanis before Bombay became Mumbai.
For travelers and locals alike, these institutions offer more than food—they serve history on a plate. Here’s your guide to the oldest restaurants still running in Mumbai, where generations of Mumbaikars and visitors alike have tasted the city’s soul.
Britannia & Co. – A Parsi Legacy (Ballard Estate, est. 1923)
Step into Britannia & Co., and you’re entering a living Parsi heritage café. Founded by the legendary Boman Kohinoor, this spot is as famous for its charm as for its food. The iconic Berry Pulao, adorned with imported Iranian berries, and the rich, meaty Salli Boti are must-tries. The checkered tablecloths, bustling waitstaff, and warm interiors complete the vintage Bombay experience.
Cuisine: Parsi, Irani
Instagram: @britannia_co
Approx. cost for two: ₹800
Pro tip: Arrive early—seating fills fast, especially on weekends.
Leopold Café – Stories, Beer, and Resilience (Colaba, est. 1871)
Leopold Café is more than a café; it’s a legend. Known for surviving the 26/11 attacks, this café-bar still tells stories through its walls, bullet marks, and the loyal patrons who return year after year. Whether you’re here for Chicken Stroganoff, Chilli Chicken, or a cold beer, Leopold blends history with every bite.
Cuisine: Multi-cuisine (Continental & Indian)
Instagram: @leopoldcafemumbai
Approx. cost for two: ₹1,500
Pro tip: Take a moment to soak in the murals and memorabilia—they’re part of the experience.
Olympia Coffee House – Mughlai Comfort Food (Colaba, est. 1918)
For a no-frills, soul-satisfying Mughlai meal, Olympia Coffee House is a local favorite. Their Mutton Korma and Chicken Biryani are hearty, unpretentious, and utterly addictive. The ambience is simple—think small tables and the aroma of slow-cooked spices—but it’s exactly what makes this hidden gem feel authentic.
Cuisine: Mughlai
Approx. cost for two: ₹500
Pro tip: Go hungry and savor every morsel—the portions are generous!
Bade Miya – Nightlife and Kebabs (Colaba, est. 1946)
If late-night cravings strike, Bade Miya is legendary for its smoky Seekh Kebabs and Chicken Baida Roti. Starting as a humble stall behind the Taj Mahal Palace, it’s now a pilgrimage spot for foodies. This is where Mumbai’s street food culture meets classic North Indian flavors.
Cuisine: North Indian, Mughlai
Instagram: @bademiya_kebabs
Approx. cost for two: ₹800
Pro tip: Visit after dinner hours for the freshest kebabs right off the grill.
Café Mondegar – Retro Vibes and Mario Miranda Murals (Colaba, est. 1932)
Café Mondegar is a feast for the senses. Its jukebox, Mario Miranda murals, and retro décor transport you back in time. Try a breakfast platter or club sandwich with a cold beer and watch as history meets contemporary Mumbai. This café is not just a meal—it’s a memory in motion.
Cuisine: Continental, Indian
Instagram: @cafemondegar
Approx. cost for two: ₹1,200
Pro tip: Snap a photo under the murals—they’re Instagram-famous for a reason.
Sassanian Boulangerie – Irani Bakery Charm (Marine Lines, est. 1913)
Walk into Sassanian Boulangerie, and you’ll be greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread and strong Irani chai. Their Mawa Cake, Bun Maska, and traditional chai are classics that locals swear by. This bakery is a rare remnant of old Bombay, preserving flavors that have barely changed in over a century.
Cuisine: Bakery, Parsi, Irani
Approx. cost for two: ₹300
Pro tip: Perfect for a morning treat or mid-afternoon chai stop.
Kyani & Co. – Time Travel in Red-Checkered Tables (Marine Lines, est. 1904)
Kyani & Co. is a living time capsule. Red-checkered tables, vintage mirrors, and the aroma of chai and biscuits evoke nostalgia for old Bombay. Must-tries include Maska Pav, Mawa Cake, and a cup of classic Irani Chai. Locals and travelers alike still flock here, making it an essential stop on any heritage food trail.
Cuisine: Irani, Parsi, Bakery
Instagram: @kyaniandco_official
Approx. cost for two: ₹300
Pro tip: Pair your chai with a slice of Mawa Cake—the ultimate old-school combo.
Why These Heritage Eateries Matter
These restaurants aren’t just places to eat—they’re institutions. Their walls hold the smell of old Bombay, their recipes have been perfected over decades, and dining here is like flipping through a sepia-toned photo album of the city’s culinary history. Whether you’re hunting for the best Parsi food in Mumbai or seeking old-school culinary landmarks, this trail offers a feast for both the stomach and the soul.
And with Mony, paying at these historic eateries is effortless. One tap, no cash needed—so you can focus on tasting history instead of counting change.
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