8 new cafes to explore in Mumbai
By Zara Flavia Dmello
In a metropolis that thrives on its rich food scene, cafes hold a special place, reflecting the dynamic spirit of Mumbai. This guide is tailored for those with an adventurous palate and a penchant for exploring the latest in Mumbai’s ever-evolving cafe landscape.
Join us as we dive into the distinct stories, mouthwatering offerings, and unique atmospheres that characterise each of these cafes, offering a fresh perspective for both seasoned food enthusiasts and those seeking novel culinary experiences in the heart of this bustling city.
The Nest
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In the heart of Bandra, Mumbai, The Nest, a recently opened café, offers a warm and inviting atmosphere curated by Khushal and Priyanka Kotak. Blending natural elements with modern aesthetics, the café features bamboo work, jute mats, and earthy tones, creating a serene ambiance. The menu boasts curated coffees and comfort food, including signature dishes like toasties, handmade pasta, and a unique dessert, ‘Kunafa Nest’ with Gulab Jamun.
More than just a dining spot, The Nest aims to be a ‘second home’ for guests, with cozy reading nooks, a faux fireplace, and board games. It welcomes diverse uses of its space, whether for work, a date, or daily hangouts. The cafe stands out with its distinct interiors, small plantlets, and a library offering a varied book collection.
Sukoon
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Culinary maestro Suren Joshi unveils Sukoon, a masterpiece blending gastronomy with serenity. More than a restaurant, it’s a haven for vegetarians, vegans, and satvik enthusiasts seeking tranquillity amidst lush greenery. The menu, adorned in elegant Kansa and copper crockery, features soulful breakfasts, sumptuous mains like Wild Mushroom Congee, and delightful desserts like Jigarthanda Falooda.
Crafted by Chef Tanvi Shah, Sukoon’s dishes are a journey to the past, using organic ingredients. Smoothie bowls like Namkeen Berry and Ashwagandha & Spirulina offer wholesome treats. The dessert menu boasts Miso & Buckwheat pancakes and Desi Ferrero Chocolate.
Beyond its food, Sukoon beckons as a sanctuary for early risers, opening at 6:00 am for intimate dining experiences. Yoga and meditation sessions are offered, complemented by soft music and the rustle of leaves. The ambiance, adorned with potted plants, creates a harmonious retreat. A unique offering includes a 15% discount for phone-free tables, encouraging guests to disconnect and immerse in Sukoon’s serene atmosphere.
AMADEO by Oberoi
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AMADEO By Oberoi at Jio World Centre, sets the stage for extraordinary dining experiences with its innovative culinary philosophy, The Counter Collection. Going beyond the conventional multi-cuisine concept, this independent restaurant by The Oberoi Group seamlessly integrates micro-concepts inspired by Japanese, Chinese, Italian, and Indian cuisines.
Spanning 14,600 square feet and overlooking Dhirubhai Ambani Square’s Fountain of Joy, AMADEO promises elevated service and authentic cuisines crafted by Chef Kayzad Sadri. The unique Counter Collection invites diners into an interactive experience, with sections dedicated to Japanese, Chinese, Italian, and Indian culinary dynamism.
Immersive dining is ensured through subtly divided sections and interactive counters, allowing patrons to engage with chefs from different cuisines.
Affogato
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Affogato, a charming café on Khar’s 17th Road, embodies the essence of its namesake, the Italian coffee dessert, throughout its space. Restaurateur Suren Joshi and gelato expert Shalini Rattan join forces to create a menu highlighting their affogato al caffe. Signature treats include a salted caramel affogato and a gelato selection featuring Madagascar vanilla and Sicilian pistachios.
The café offers a diverse coffee program and a unique bakery menu crafted by Chef Jasirah Dalvi and Faryaz Engineer. Affogato’s interiors, designed by Kasturi Wagh and Vineet Hingorani, exude warmth with a minimalist aesthetic, reminiscent of an art gallery.
Simplicity is key at Affogato, with a focus on the harmonious pairing of gelato and coffee. This unpretentious haven invites patrons to indulge in comforting delights without unnecessary embellishments. For those seeking unadorned pleasures, Affogato promises the best of both worlds in a cozy, welcoming space.
PAUL
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Mumbai now enjoys a slice of France with the debut of the renowned French bakery chain, Paul Depuis, at Phoenix Palladium Mall. Established in 1889 and already operating in Delhi and Haryana, this marks the vintage bakery’s first venture into the city.
Originating in Nord, France, Paul Depuis boasts over 130 years of history, evolving through five generations of the Holder family, renowned for their passion for bread. Acquired by Francis Holder in 1953, the bakery has become synonymous with French culinary excellence.
The extensive menu at Paul Depuis caters to breakfast, lunch, and beverages. Featuring a delightful array of pastries, cakes, croissants, sandwiches, quiches, tarts, crepes, eggs, and an impressive selection of over 140 bread varieties, it’s a culinary haven. The beverage offerings include tea, wine, soft drinks, and an array of coffee-based drinks. Transporting visitors to the charm of a Parisian Cafe, the bakery’s French-inspired decor and comfortable seating enhance the overall experience.
Ladurée
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Mumbai is now graced by the esteemed Ladurée, the iconic French luxury bakery and tearoom founded in 1862. Nestled in JIO World Plaza in BKC, the patisserie has become a sensation among city food enthusiasts.
Stepping into Ladurée Mumbai promises a transcendental journey to the heart of Paris. The decor seamlessly blends French opulence with Indian warmth, creating an ambiance that mirrors Ladurée’s dedication to uniting cultures through the sweet language of patisserie. Crystal chandeliers cast a gentle luminescence upon vibrant macarons, arranged like an art exhibition on shelves.
Every morsel at Ladurée is a celebration of skill and ardour. The macarons, with their crisp shells and sumptuous fillings, showcase the artistry that has propelled Ladurée to global renown. The pastries, adorned with meticulous details, transcend traditional desserts, serving as edible verses that narrate a legacy spanning centuries.
Known for its iconic macarons, Ladurée’s allure has even graced shows like Gossip Girl and films like Marie Antoinette. The captivating charm of Ladurée in BKC invites patrons to embrace a Parisian experience and savor the offerings that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Mag St.
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Mag St. has unveiled its third location in the vibrant neighborhood of Bandra, extending its culinary footprint from Colaba and Lower Parel. Visionaries Gauri Devidayal and Jay Yousuf bring their culinary prowess to the suburbs, aiming to fulfill Mumbai residents’ desires for a friendly, relaxed, and inviting dining experience. Renowned for her ownership of establishments like Mag St. and The Table, Devidayal has established Mag St. as the preferred eatery for individuals of all ages and backgrounds, embodying the principles of “Comfort, Conscious, Community.”
Mag St. Bandra boasts a diverse menu featuring signature dishes such as Lobster Rolls, Wasabi Prawns, Half-and-half pizzas, and an array of flavorful curries. The culinary offerings are further enhanced with hand-cut truffle fries, elevating the dining experience. The laid-back ambiance invites patrons to linger, whether for a morning coffee, a leisurely lunch, a traditional cocktail hour, a memorable date, or a delightful dessert experience. Mag St. Bandra not only caters to diverse occasions but also introduces Mag St. Bread Co. products for takeout and dining in, providing an additional layer of culinary delight and convenience for its patrons.
Shelter
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In Versova, Shelter by Javaphile stands out as a unique community cafe, transcending traditional norms. Conceived by Suren Joshi and Ms Alsha Imran Shaikh, this three-storey haven becomes a sacred space for diverse souls, offering fresh food and extraordinary coffee. Head Chef Soumojit Sinha and Head Pastry Chef Ameek Kaur curate an innovative menu with all-day breakfast, wood-fired pizzas, and delightful desserts, ensuring freshness with each bite.
Notable dishes like Beetroot Thecha Toast and Miso Salmon Bowl showcase the commitment to on-the-spot preparation, and an eco-conscious approach minimizes waste, reflecting Shelter’s dedication to both exquisite taste and responsible practices.
Designed by Lila Sarin under the guidance of renowned interior designer Ashiesh Shah, Shelter exudes warmth and community spirit. The ground floor boasts a live pizza counter and bakery station, while the Library Cafe on the second floor offers a serene reading corner. The rooftop transforms into a versatile venue for entertainment, hosting movie screenings, stand-up comedy, and artist showcases. A private dining space beneath the open skies completes Shelter’s commitment to a holistic and inviting experience.