After conducting a detailed exploration of the streets of South Mumbai we bring coffee connoisseurs the ultimate guide to the best places for a great cup of coffee this side of the city. No matter what you’re in the mood for our round up has factored it in. From a quiet little Paris-inspired café in Bandra to a quaint little hidden gem well-known in the Juhu theater circuit to a hip bustling burger joint with a Labrador for company we bring to you some of the coolest most exciting places high on ambiance and energy that are sure to satisfy your daily caffeine fix and so much more. And if you are from the opposite side of the city do not fret, we have also scouted the streets of South Mumbai with equal gusto in order to zero in on some of the trendiest coffee haunts at a corner near you.
Concept: An animal friendly homely café Gostana, has long been a Mumbai favorite. Complete with floor cushions, quirky posters of indie musicians and a playlist stuck in the 90s, the eclectic neighborhood eatery is a perfect spot for lounging with your friends over endless cups of coffee.
What to order: The popular café is most famous for serving some of the most interesting and innovative burgers in town. Try the juicy lamb burger (Rs. 290) or Gostana chicken burger (Rs. 280) for a delicious mouthful. The espresso (Rs. 70) is strong while the Irish coffee (Rs.100) is memorable however, the milky cappuccino (Rs.80) and chilled chocolate coffee(Rs.110) really steal the show.
Why you’ll be back: Play with the adorable Labrador Apple or go back to your school days by playing a board game with your friends. The classic retro vibe of the eatery and the combination of a mouthwatering burger and perfect coffee is a one of its kind in the city.
Address: Shop No. 2, The Den, 24th Road, Khar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400052
Concept: Aromas is a hip young coffee bar with an uber laidback vibe. The contemporary café, done up in delicate shades of brown and cream is the place to be if you want to sink into a large soft leather couch and indulge in a delicious cup of gourmet coffee while burying your nose into your favorite book.
What to order: The food at the café can be summed up as refined deli fare. Try out the spicy Szechwan fries (Rs. 145) for a quick bite and opt for the succulent and flavorful honey mustard grilled fish for something a bit more filling. Also at the café is an all day breakfast menu which includes fluffy pancakes (Rs. 180) and delicious Spanish omelet (Rs. 230). Of course, the piece de resistance however of the trendy café is its extensive and detailed menu of gourmet coffees. Whether you choose a piping hot cup of Vienna (Rs. 120), perfectly sweetened banana toffee nut (Rs. 145) or a cold cinnamon cappuccino (Rs. 160) the flavor and aroma of the coffees are right on point.
Why you’ll be back: Comfortable seating, relaxed ambiance and a great menu, makes the chilled-out coffee shop a home away from home.
Address: G6, Ventura Building, Central Avenue Road, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai , Mumbai.
Concept: Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood in Bandra is the delightful Birdsong Café. With its large French windows, high ceilings, exposed brick walls and light pretty upholstery the chic café simply exudes an old world Parisian charm.
What to order: The health-conscious café is best known for its organic food. Despite its limitations the unique café offers up a mean Blondie (Rs.90) and perfectly sweetened and moist banana walnut bread (Rs.80) which make for ideal accompaniments to its fresh organically-sourced coffee from Coorg. Also a must try at the eatery is their light and flavorful tomato and olive bruschetta (Rs.200) and hearty mutton stew served with brown rice (Rs350).
Why you’ll be back: The lovely romantic atmosphere of the café coupled with free WiFi and its fresh organic fare will keep you coming back for more.
Address: Waroda Road, behind American Express Bakery, Near Jude Bakery, Bandra (West), Mumbai.
Concept: Light, bright, wooden and chic would be an accurate description of the stunning Salt Water Café in Bandra. Both, the décor and food at the café is famous for being simple, sophisticated and unpretentious. The subtly romantic setting also makes the café the perfect venue for a casual coffee date.
What to order: Everything on the extensive menu is quality-oriented and painstakingly created. Breakfast options are never-ending with the salmon Eggs Benedict (Rs.480) being a favorite, while the succulent seared basa (Rs. 480) and spinach and cheddar risotto (Rs.440) make for scrumptious mains. The desserts live up to the high standards set by the preceding courses and the pain au chocolate (Rs.65) is an excellent accompaniment to the coffee. The fresh French-pressed coffee alone makes for a satisfying course. The cappuccino (Rs.110) in particular is creamy and strong yet perfectly foamy and is served interestingly in brandy snifters of sorts. The café mocha (Rs.110) too is worth a mention.
Why you’ll be back: Salt Water Café is nothing if not consistent. Whisk your date here for the perennially good food, pretty atmosphere and friendly helpful staff.
Address: Salt Water Café, Rose Minar Annexe, 87 Chapel Road, Bandra West, Mumbai.
Concept: The O22 at the Trident BKC, takes the coffee drinking experience to a whole new level. Soothing cream colored interiors, soft lighting, well-informed friendly staff and the fact that it is open 24/7 makes the gigantic coffee shop an ideal place for satisfying a sudden midnight cappuccino craving.
What to order: The interesting coffee menu boasts of delicious authentic coffees from around the globe. Unwind in the lap of luxury with a strong Colombian Costa Rica rainforest (Rs. 400) or a pungent cup of Sumatra Mandheling (Rs. 400). The Jamaican Blue Mountain (Rs.400) too promises to be a treat for the senses with its divine aroma. Dig into the delicious and filling Mezze platter (Rs.675) for a satisfying snack and don’t miss out on the sublime caramel almond soufflé (Rs. 470) whose delicate sweetness balances out the bitterness of the coffee perfectly.
Why you’ll be back: Ambiance ambiance ambiance. If the tranquil luxuriousness of the charming eatery doesn’t bowl you over, the exquisite single origin coffees and outstanding fare surely well.
Address: Trident Hotel, C 56, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai.
Concept: Warm wooden interiors, a delightful aroma of coffee and fresh bread, and a quintessentially European menu consisting of splendid food make the charming café a lovely little spot for a relaxed cappuccino.
What to order: Organic and expertly-made coffee is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the charming café. We wish the options for coffee on the menu weren’t so limited however, the standard variations which were available were absolutely sublime, the Café Latte (Rs. 140) in particular. The food at the eatery is fresh and flavorful, the delicious quiche Lorraine (Rs.450) and warm pulled pork tartine (Rs. 450) are great for a quick bite whereas the melt-in-the-mouth John Dory (Rs. 850) is ideal for something a bit more filling. Don’t forget to leave room for the sinfully sweet rich Belgian chocolate cream cake (Rs. 195).
Why you’ll be back: The beautiful, brightly-lit Belgian café nestled away in Bandra is one of only places in the city to offer both outstanding coffee as well as well world-class fare. The eatery is perfect for lazy weekday coffees and hearty weekend brunches.
Address: G2, 3 North Avenue, Maker Maxity,, BKC Rd, Bandra East, Mumbai.
Concept: An inseparable extension of Mumbai’s thriving theater scene, the serene Prithvi Café is an ideal place for a quiet cappuccino (Rs. 60) served with a generous dose of nostalgia. The café –an institution in the city has for many years now been a popular haunt with young college-going students and theater aspirants alike.
What to order: The menu at the café consists of a vibrant mix of Mumbai’s favorite foods. From spicy Noor Mohammedi kebabs to Sharma’s delicious chaat (tangy dahi batata puri Rs.30) and pav bhaji as well as mouthwatering mawacakes from Merwan’s, the menu at the lovely little café is an interesting representation of Mumbai’s varied culinary landscape. The coffee at the café is also much-appreciated, especially its signature to -die-for Irish coffee ( Rs.110) which will keep you coming back for more until you are well and truly addicted to the flavorful beverage. Tea lovers will return for the outstanding Suleman Chai (Rs.20).
Why you’ll be back: The charming open air café with its beautiful Palm trees and soft lighting offers Mumbaikars a rare opportunity to escape from the regular hustle and bustle of the city.
Address: Prithvi Theatre, 20 Janki Kutir Juhu Church Road, Mumbai.
Concept: Frequented by the crème de la crème of Juhu’s glitterati The Bombay Baking Co. is a charming gourmet food shop cum deli cum bakery at the JW Marriott. The subtle ambiance and heavenly desserts makes the sprawling 1700 square foot eatery a perfect place for a cute and quiet after date coffee.
What to order: The creamy Cappuccino at the café pairs best with a ‘make your own sandwich’ from the ‘live’ sandwich counter which allows you to choose from a wide array of excellent breads, cured meats and gourmet cheeses to customize a sandwich just right for your palette. The Latte Espresso is perfectly made while the chilled Chocolate Coffee is the right amount of decadent. The Iced Macha Green Tea Soya is light and refreshing and makes for the ultimate pick-me-up. In the dessert section the rich marshmallow chocolate mousse cake steals the show as does the Arabica coffee flavored French toast drenched in maple syrup.
Why you’ll be back: A divine aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods fills every inch of the stylish and elegant eatery which also houses a quaint little bookstore. Also perennially stocked at the store are Leonidas Chocolates, Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream and the likes. Need we say more?
Address: JW Marriott, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu, Mumbai.
