Best Cafes in Bandra, Mumbai
/Bandra cafes have my heart. If you know me, you know I’m a total cafe girly! When I’m not working from a cafe, you can catch me there sipping chai or matcha and people watching. I especially love cafe culture in Mumbai because most cafes are quite late into the evening, perfect for someone like me who works NYC hours or just for a casual hang with friends. If you’re in Bandra and looking for the perfect spot to unwind, work, or just indulge in some delicious food and coffee, I got you! From cozy corners with intricate decor to trendy spots serving the most instagrammable lattes, Bandra has an abundance of cafes that will leave you feeling both nourished and inspired. Here’s my guide to the best cafes in Bandra.
Mokai – Cozy Vibes Meet Asian Flavors
Mokai is probably one of Mumbai’s trendiest cafes right now, and for VERY good reason. Their selection of coffees, teas and matchas is amazing, but the food really steals the spotlight here. The menu features a mix of comforting Asian-influenced dishes inspired by the founder’s travels across China, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan and beyond. I’ve tried almost half their menu over the last few months, and not a single one has disappointed! My favorite dishes are the: veggie dimsum in broth (great for rainy days or when you want to eat healthy), their special “Not So Turkish Eggs,” the tornado eggs with the Hong Kong style chili rice, the scallion chili cheese croissant, matcha mizu, and the okonomiyaki. If you’re new to Bombay or just visiting, Mokai is also a great way to check out Bandra’s iconic gulls. Take a quick stroll through the alleyways of Bandra and get some pictures with the famous graffiti walls!
Vanilla Miel – Pâtisserie Perfection in Pali Village
This charming café in Pali Village is known for its exquisite pastries and warm ambiance. Nestled in the heart of Pali Village (another quintessential Bandra neighborhood) in a restored bungalow, Vanilla Miel is known for its delightful selection of desserts inspired by art, but don’t sleep on their brunch menu! I’m pretty sure their 3 cheese kimchi toastie on haikkado bread permanently altered my brain chemistry. My menu favorites are: the kimchi cheese toastie, the mango coconut smoothie bowl, soy scallion eggs, green egg scramble, and their pistachio matcha latte.
Blondie – A Chic Café by Shilpa Shetty
Blondie, owned by Shilpa Shetty along with Bastian, offers a modern café experience with a focus on quality coffee and innovative dishes. The ambience and aesthetic definitely set them apart from other cafes in Bandra, and the modern take on classic Indian dishes are a hit in my book! (although I’ve heard some mixed reviews) My menu favorites at Blondie include that avocado masala benne dosa, akuri eggs, the sweet potato benne dosa, and the vanilla mango cake. Their indoor seating is limited, so if you’re sensitive to heat, I recommend waiting until the cooler months to visit.
Mag St. – Aesthetic Vibes with Global Comfort Food
Mag St. brings a touch of '90s nostalgia with its cozy interiors and a menu that combines global comfort food with craft cocktails. In addition to offering a great aesthetic, the comfort food is always a hit with everyone with all types of dietary restrictions and taste palettes. What I order really depends on my mood, but I’m a huge fan of their iced vietnamese coffee, the korean pull apart bread, their dimsum and pho! You also can’t go wrong with their flatbreads or pasta.
Shelter by Javaphile – A Homely Café Experience
Shelter offers a comforting and homely dining experience with elegant interiors and delicious food. It's known for its welcoming ambiance, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal. I also love working from here because it’s aesthetic, spacious, not too loud, and almost every table has an outlet near it! The entire menu is absolutely delicious, but some of my favorites include: their pasta (both the penne pomodoro and the pesto spaghetti), the bambai burger which is basically a pav bhaji burger, the egg sando, the paneer thecha bowl, and the big egg burger.
Boojee – Bombay’s Favorite Cafe
Boojee is without a doubt one of Mumbai’s favorite cafes, and you’ll definitely hear people mention it several times while you’re in the Bombay. I personally find it to be a tad overhyped, but I do see the allure. My favorite part about Boojee is that it has its own in-house hot sauce which is absolutely delicious! They also have an assortment of stuffed hash browns that are unique and definitely worth trying. It’s not the typical hash browns we’re used to though, think more of a crepe or omelette made with shredded potato stuffed with your choice of filling. Also, there’s a good chance you’ll run into your favorite influencer at Boojee so keep an eye out! ;)
Pause — A Plant Forward & Pet Friendly
Pause is newer addition to the Bandra cafe scene, but it’s already gaining quite a cult following. It’s a fully plant-based menu, but I still think the menu has something for everyone to enjoy! I love that the menu takes your favorite comfort foods and makes them healthier, like making quesadillas with ragi tortillas or making peri peri tofu sticks instead of fries! I love the idea of not sacrificing flavor, and just substituting ingredients instead — and that’s exactly how I cook at home. It’s also pet friendly, and my favorite part is that the owner often greets you with a beetroot and ginger shot when you enter. It has this health-focused, but cozy vibe that makes you feel right at home. My menu favorites are the quesadillas, the rose thai iced tea, and the kimchi pancakes, and there are a few menu items I’ve been waiting to try!
Subko – Specialty Coffee Roasters & Craft Bakehouse
Subko is a specialty coffee roaster and craft bakehouse known for its quality brews and baked goods, and one of the OGs of the Bombay cafe scene. It's a great place for coffee enthusiasts to enjoy a meticulously crafted cup of coffee. The Bandra location is in a restored bungalow, and the Khar location is the smallest cafe in Asia! So each location gives you something different with the same great coffee.
Taj Mahal Tea House – A Tranquil Tea Experience
If you want to explore the different chais and teas India has to offer, then Taj Mahal Tea House is the place for you. It’s a great place for high tea, or to get some work done, or both. I love the gulkhand paan chai and the kashmir saffron, but you really can’t go wrong with any of the options on their menu!
Yoga House – Ayurvedic Treehouse Cafe
Yoga House is the embodiment of what you’d expect cafes in India to be like. With a yoga studio on the first floor, that leads to two stories of beautiful cafe seating, including an outdoor area that makes you feel like you’re in a treehouse — Yoga House is the perfect place for a post yoga-sesh tea. It has an amazing menu full of Satvik food rooted in Ayurvedic principles. The menu at Yoga House cafe prioritizes fresh, whole, and naturally sourced foods that are believed to promote a calm, balanced mind and body.
Bokka Coffee – Where Breakfast Meets Specialty Brews
The menu at Bokka Coffee is breakfast-centric, featuring a variety of delectable options such as eggs, dosas (and egg dosas!), waffles, pancakes, wraps, smoothies, juices, and teas. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty meal or a light snack, there's something to satisfy every craving. My menu favorites are the breakfast wrap, the eggs kejriwal dosa, turkish croquettes, and their protein pancakes.
Whether you’re in the mood for a serene coffee date, a laid-back brunch, or a flavorful dish to brighten up your day, Bandra’s café scene has got you covered. Each spot has its own unique charm, offering everything from specialty coffee and Instagrammable vibes to comforting food and cozy corners. So next time you’re in Bandra, take a little time to explore these cafés – because every great day in Bandra deserves a great café to match.
