Five Off Beat Places to Eat at in Bombay
‘Beautiful things don’t ask for attention’.
This quote from ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’ is an apt description of some unassuming restaurants in Mumbai. Snuck in quiet corners of the city, these are genuinely one of a kind experiences in a world of much hyped theme restaurants serving specialty cuisines at exorbitant rates. I’ve listed my favourites here and have tried to rate their Uniqueness Quotient (UQ) on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being most unique) –
1. Gallops, Mahalaxmi Race Course.
UQ: 4
Gallops, Mahalaxmi Race Course,
Located at the Mahalaxmi Race Course, Gallops has the most picturesque view that the city can offer. The green vines on the walls, the white flowers in the lush green garden and the rule that makes it compulsory to switch off your mobile phone while the race is on (yup.. that’s right!!), are just some of the few things that sets the restaurant apart.
The place isn’t as expensive as it looks, in fact it’s pretty reasonable when compared to some of the other restaurants located in the same area.
2. Samovar Cafe, Fort
UQ: 5
Located in Bombay’s Art district
Kala Ghoda, this 40 year old cafe has seen many restaurants in the neighborhood come and go. The cafe is inside Jehangir Art Gallery and overlooks the garden of
Prince of Wales Museum. Cutting chai, bread pakodas, mutton samosas, and chilled beer for the tired soul, Samovar makes you feel at home and doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket. The place is a big hit with writers, musicians, artists, researchers and tourists.
Samovar shuts at 7 pm and they are not open on Sundays. (I like places that respect Sundays).
3. Bayview, Colaba
UQ: 4
Pic via GoIndia.about.com – http://goindia.about.com/od/wheretoeatdrink/tp/mumbai-tourist-bars.htm
For those who want the same view as the Taj at one twentieth the cost, this open air restaurant perched on the rooftop of
Strand Hotel is a good no-frills option. With a spectacular view of the Gateway of India against the backdrop of flickering lights and the fishing boats in the Arabian sea, it’s probably the only roof top restaurant in Bombay that doesn’t cost a bomb, is absolutely laid back and in-tune with Bombay’s chilled out attitude.
It amazes me that in spite of Bombay being a coastal city, there are barely any restaurants that allow you to enjoy the sea-breeze. When compared to the likes of
Aer and
Dome located on the roof tops of snazzy 5 stars hotels, Bayview wins hand down for its simplicity, practicality and affordability.
4. Gostana, Bandra
UQ: 4.5
Gostana is a pet-friendly, burger / salad cafe that aims to turn fast food into a healthy meal. Yup, you read that right! The place serves a good range of veg / non-veg ‘health burgers’ in addition to soups, salads and the likes. Their wholesome burgers are made of whole wheat bread with baked / steamed patties served with salad on the side.
What sets this place aside more than anything else is Apple – the friendly Labrador who often assumes the role of the CEO. She loves the company of fellow dogs and humans and is absolutely huggable! And oh, did I mention, they also serve healthy pet meals. 🙂
UQ: 3
Large French windows, quirky food doodles, menu written in chalk on a wall that doubles up as a black board and a kitchen that serves fresh, organic food – Bird Song Cafe is a delightful, quaint cafe in the narrow lanes of Bandra. The unfinished look, roomy interiors and a very healthy food menu is hard to find in the city.
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I hope you enjoyed the post. What are your favourite joints in Bombay? Anything that you’d like to add to the list?
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If you are new to Bombay or are visiting the city and need help with deciding what places to see, things to do, etc, feel free to give me a shout. My contact details are
here.
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Great post! Check out “Art Loft” café in Bandra not far from “BirdSong” – great food, chilled out atmosphere that reminds one of Goa.
I have always seen Art Loft from outside but never actually gone in to check it out. It does look pretty interesting.. and now that you’ve recommended, will definitely go check it out soon.
You should & hope you enjoy!
Check out a small Sushi eatery in Bandra called Aoi, Cafe at NCPA at Nariman Point and Moshes in Colaba have delicious, mouth watering food.
Loved the post!
I have been to four of them except Gallops, which now I will Thanks to you!
I think some of the other additions in this list can be
1. Prithvi cafe
2. Silver beach cafe Juhu (Hidden beauty)
3. Leaping windows Versova (Best for spending a lazy saturday afternoon)
4. Roti Kapda Makkan Lower parel
5. Candies of course!
Hi Abhishek, thanks for the heads up on three new places I need to check out – Roti Kapada, leaping Windows and Silver Beach.
Candies has always been my first love but it’s already too popular. Prtithvi should go in the list for sure.. May be the next time. Thanks again. 🙂
Most welcome!
Nice list! Bayview is my haunt most weekends. Another great rooftop bar is Cloud 9 at the Godwin Hotel, Colaba (2 mins from Bayview). Its got beautiful white wrought iron furniture, twinkly fairy lights and a view that (almost) rivals Bayview’s.
Hey Kimaya,
Thanks for your comment! Now I can’t wait to go check out Cloud 9… I think I have heard of it but someone said it had shut down. Thanks for the heads up. 🙂
Loved the Blog. Have to visit Bird Song soon
Lovely list!
You should check out Town House Cafe in Fort..next to Sterling.
Has awesome food and is super chilled out.
Oh I have been to Town Hall Cafe and loved it. It’s got such a warm, cozy vibe.. I think I will have to do a ‘Part II’ of 5 off beat places to eat in Bombay. 🙂
Could anyone tell me exactly where in Colaba “Bayview” is?
Hi Jitin, it’s very close to Radio Club.. which is at the end of the Gateway of India road (Southward). It’s the building next to Sea Princess Hotel. Let me know if you manage to find it. Shouldn’t be tough to find.
Cheers,
B.
Thanks a lot.. I’ll try to find it, and definitely let you know..
I think one place that you guys have missed is “Food for Thought” inside Kitab Khana at Fort. The food is absolutely delicious and mouth watering and the ambience quiet and friendly. The menu is fresh and creative and I am sure will not disappoint a foodie.
Hi Piyush,
I am not sure if I have been to Kitab Khana but thanks for pointing it out. Will definitely check it out. I think am slightly partial to all the places in town. 😀
Cheers,
B
Nothing terribly offbeat about Gallops and Samovar
hi payal, there is a joint bang opposite toto’s – bandra that serves momos. check it out
Hi Guys, Any good place for momos??
Great list. I haven’t checked Bird Song out yet. Now I shall. Thank you!
Time to try them out one by one! Iv heard of the bird song cafe! I guess we need to make a proper section for places to eat in Mumbai!
I think you must include Kalaghoda Cafe as well, and lovely post! 🙂
A very beautiful post..
I am a mariner and bayview serves me like a home whenever I am on land…I am quite a regular visitor over der..nothing like spending a evening with ur friends , fresh breeze , a perfect Arabian sea view and some cold beers…for those who are planning to visit this place ,I would like to give u some ideas to make ur evening more perfect…
Be at bay view around 5-6 to feel the evening getting chilled out with beers and enjoy with snacks ..bayview is not a place to have dinner…enjoy ur beers 3+1 with starters ..leave around 10 and pick up some rolls from Bademaiyaan ,that will be a good fill up and have some sweet ” paan” from the “paan shop” near Delhi darbar and move on to marine drives where at the end just outside of charni road station u will find a road side restaurant ” bachelor’s” a perfect place for desserts ,fresh juices and fruit salad…have ur last taste over der for the day and take a walk on marine drive …that will make a perfect end for the day …
And one advice don’t drive for this evening as u will be losing up urself on beers…so take a cab and enjoy each and every moment freely…..
You said it! Exactly the way I like my Bayview evenings. 🙂
Cheers!
Bharti, u must hav heard of the place, probably visited it as well, but just making sure its not out of this list – Cafe Universal at fort
Hey Schnider, as a matter of fact I did consider putting Universal in the list. It’s definitely one of my most fave places in Bombay. Love those windows… and the cool quiet corners. Hmm… I think I need to make a part 2 of this list now. 🙂
Reblogged this on Samvit Kher and commented:
Nice Compilation
My family always say that I am killing my time here at net, but I know
I am getting know-how every day by reading such good articles or reviews.
Hahah… thank you. 🙂