Irani Cafes
- Aj
- Feb 25
- 10 min read
Top Irani Cafes
Kyani & Co.
Established in 1904, Kyani & Co. was founded by an Iranian family who brought their cultural and culinary traditions from Persia to Mumbai. This place is more than just a café. If you find yourself in the busy Marine Lines area and a stone's throw away from the Metro Cinema, it makes it a convenient stop for those seeking a hearty meal or a refreshing cup of tea amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. This café will take you back to its golden era of being famous amongst many popular celebrities who would often catch up and hang out here while taking bites of Keema Pav, featuring flavorful minced meat served with soft bread, which is a crowd favourite. The vintage decor, especially wooden furniture, and a plethora of photographs, each showcasing the tale of a bygone era. The buzz of conversation mingles with the clinking of cups and the aroma of freshly baked goods, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages patrons to linger. Complete with checkered tablecloths, wooden furniture, and walls adorned with nostalgic photographs, Kyani & Co. has become a beloved gathering spot for generations of Mumbaikars and travellers alike. Over the years, the café has retained its authenticity while adapting to the changing times.
From students looking for an affordable meal to business professionals seeking a quick bite, Kyani & Co. caters to everyone. The café's reputation has been bolstered by its friendly service, with staff members who have become familiar faces, welcoming regulars with warm smiles and a genuine passion for hospitality. The ambience is what draws people to Kyani & Co.
At Kyani & Co., the menu is a delightful blend of traditional Irani and Parsi cuisine, featuring an array of dishes that highlight the rich flavours of the region. One cannot visit without indulging in their famous Brun Maska — a buttery, flaky bread roll that is best enjoyed with a generous spread of fresh butter. The café's Irani Chai is another must-try; its strong, milky flavour, served in quaint cups, perfectly complements the café's offerings. If you know what Chai is to the locals, then you must try the café's Irani Chai; being stronger than usual, milky, and served in aesthetic glass cups, it is perfect for sipping whenever you want, unlike in Italy, where cappuccino is a big no once it's past 12 PM. Akuri, the café's personal favourite brekkie option, is a spiced scrambled egg dish that is often served with a crispy bread roll or pav. Another standout is their Chicken Pattice, a crispy pastry filled with spiced chicken.
Address: 657, JSS Road, Opposite Metro Cinema, Marine Lines, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400002, India.
Price for Two: ₹300 to ₹500 (approximately $4 to $6).
Operational Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Daily).
Military Cafe
Tucked away in the bustling lanes of Mumbai, Military Café is a culinary gem that pays homage to the city’s rich Parsi and Irani heritage. Established in 1940, this iconic eatery has become a beloved institution among locals and tourists alike. With its unpretentious charm, Military Café serves up an authentic experience that transports diners back in time, inviting them to savour hearty meals steeped in tradition.
Military Café was founded by the Irani community, known for its unique blend of Persian and Indian cuisines. The name itself reflects the café's historical roots, drawing inspiration from the many military personnel who frequented the establishment. Over the decades, it has evolved into a cherished meeting spot for families, friends, and food enthusiasts looking for a taste of home-cooked goodness.
The café’s nostalgic ambience is marked by wooden benches, checkered tablecloths, and walls adorned with vintage photographs, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The friendly staff adds to the charm, treating every guest like a part of the family and ensuring a dining experience filled with warmth and hospitality.
Military Café is famous for its robust menu, featuring a delightful array of dishes that reflect the rich culinary heritage of the Parsi and Irani communities. A must-try is their Mutton Dhansak, a flavorful dish made with tender mutton cooked slowly with lentils and spices and served with caramelised rice. This classic is a testament to the café’s commitment to preserving traditional recipes that have stood the test of time.
Another crowd favourite is the Berry Pulao, a fragrant rice dish adorned with Parsi berries that add a delightful sweetness, perfectly complementing the spiced meat. The Sali Boti, a dish of succulent meat garnished with crispy potato sticks, is also a highlight that has customers coming back for more.
For those craving seafood, the Fish Koliwada is a standout dish featuring marinated fish fried to perfection, offering a crispy texture and a burst of flavours. The café also serves an array of scrumptious snacks, including Prawn Koliwada and Chicken Samosas, which are perfect for sharing over a cup of their famous Irani Chai.
The ambience of Military Café is casual yet charming, with a no-frills décor that invites guests to sit back, relax, and enjoy their meal. The chatter of satisfied diners and the aroma of freshly prepared food create a lively atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for both quick bites and leisurely meals. The café’s commitment to maintaining its traditional roots is evident in its service, with staff members who are not only knowledgeable about the menu but also genuinely passionate about providing a memorable experience.
Address: 119, 1st Floor, Military Road, Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400059, India.
Price for Two: ₹600 to ₹1,000 (approximately $7 to $12).
Operational Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Daily).
Britannia & co.
Nestled in the heart of Mumbai, Britannia & Co. is a legendary restaurant that has been serving delectable Parsi and Irani cuisine since 1923. With its rich history and charming ambience, this iconic eatery has become a beloved institution for both locals and tourists seeking a taste of authentic culinary heritage. From its humble beginnings, Britannia & Co. has grown into a cherished dining destination known for its warm hospitality and unforgettable flavours.
Founded by the late Zorastrian S. F. S. J. R. Khambata, Britannia & Co. began as a small establishment catering to the needs of the bustling Bombay port area. Over the years, it has transformed into a cultural landmark frequented by politicians, celebrities, and food enthusiasts alike. The restaurant's walls are adorned with nostalgic photographs and memorabilia, creating an ambience that resonates with the essence of old Bombay.
The name "Britannia" reflects the British influence on the city's culinary landscape during the colonial era. This fusion is evident in the menu, which seamlessly blends traditional Parsi dishes with British flavours, making it a unique dining experience.
At Britannia & Co., the menu is a celebration of Parsi and Irani cuisine, featuring a delightful array of dishes that cater to every palate. One of the restaurant’s signature dishes is the Berry Pulao, a fragrant rice dish made with succulent pieces of meat and topped with tangy berries that add a delightful contrast of flavours. This dish, along with the accompanying Dhansak, showcases the Parsi community's knack for combining spices and ingredients in a way that tantalizes the taste buds.
Another must-try is the Sali Boti, which consists of tender meat cooked in a rich gravy garnished with crispy potato sticks. The café also serves an array of seafood dishes, with the Pomfret Fish being a standout choice. Marinated in a blend of spices, this dish is grilled to perfection, offering a delightful explosion of flavours with each bite.
Vegetarians will be pleased to find options like the Patra, a steamed dish made with colocasia leaves and a spiced gram flour mixture, and the Vegetable Dhansak, which retains the classic flavours of the original while catering to non-meat eaters. Don't forget to indulge in their famous Lemonade, a refreshing beverage that perfectly complements the spices in the food.
Britannia & Co. boasts a charming, old-world atmosphere that invites diners to sit back and relish their meal. The interior features wooden furniture, vintage decor, and checkered tablecloths, creating a cosy and welcoming environment. The restaurant has retained its rustic charm over the years, making it a nostalgic experience for those who visit. The friendly staff is always ready to share recommendations and stories about the restaurant's rich history, adding to the overall dining experience.
Address: 8, 1st Floor, Tardeo, Near Parsi Colony, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400007, India.
Price for Two: ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 (approximately $12 to $18).
Operational Hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Daily).
Cafe Mondegar
Nestled in the vibrant neighbourhood of Colaba, Café Mondegar is one of Mumbai's oldest and most beloved Irani cafés. Since its inception in the early 1930s, Mondegar, or "Mondy's" as it is affectionately called, has evolved into a cultural hub where locals, ex-pats, and tourists gather to experience the lively atmosphere, quirky decor, and a delicious menu that merges classic Irani café fare with global favourites. Steeped in history, Café Mondegar is more than just a place to grab a bite—it's a window into Mumbai's thriving café culture.
Founded by an Irani family, Café Mondegar started as a simple restaurant catering to the bustling port area of Colaba. It quickly became a favourite among artists, intellectuals, and students, who found solace in its casual, relaxed vibe. Over the decades, the café has remained true to its roots, preserving the old-world charm that defines Mumbai's iconic Irani cafés.
The café gained worldwide fame thanks to the famous Indian cartoonist Mario Miranda, whose murals adorn the walls of the café. These lively, humorous cartoons depict scenes from everyday life in Mumbai, with caricatures of people enjoying the city’s hustle and bustle. Mario Miranda's artwork has become synonymous with Café Mondegar, making it not just a café but an art gallery that immerses guests in Mumbai’s vibrant spirit.
Café Mondegar’s menu is an eclectic mix of continental favourites, comfort food, and Irani café classics. It’s the perfect place to relax with a cup of their famous Piping Hot Irani Chai or dig into a hearty meal while soaking in the bustling energy of Colaba.
For seafood lovers, the Prawn Cocktail and Fish & Chips are must-tries. The prawns are fresh and succulent, served with a tangy cocktail sauce, while the fish is perfectly battered and fried to a crisp, reminiscent of traditional English pub fare. Another popular option is their Grilled Chicken, which is marinated in a blend of spices and herbs and served with a side of mashed potatoes and sautéed vegetables.
No visit to Mondegar is complete without indulging in their All-Day Breakfast, which includes fluffy Masala Omelettes, crispy Toast, and Sausages. The café’s take on the Club Sandwich is also a crowd favourite, with layers of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a dash of mayo, all held together by perfectly toasted bread.
For those looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, Mondegar’s Apple Pie and Chocolate Mousse are divine. Pair your dessert with a tall glass of chilled Beer, one of the reasons why Mondy’s is a favourite watering hole in the city.
Café Mondegar’s retro vibe is what makes it a standout. The café is always alive with chatter, laughter, and music playing from the retro jukebox—a rare sight in today’s café culture. The Mario Miranda murals add a whimsical touch to the place, making the café feel like a nostalgic walk down Mumbai’s memory lane. The café is spacious yet cosy, with wooden furniture, checkered floors, and warm lighting, creating a relaxed atmosphere that invites guests to linger and soak in the ambience.
One of the unique aspects of Café Mondegar is its Jukebox, which allows patrons to select music tracks, filling the café with tunes that range from classic rock to contemporary hits. It adds to the lively and laid-back vibe, drawing people in not just for the food but for the entire experience.
Address: Metro House, 5A, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Colaba Causeway, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India.
Price for Two: ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 or approximately USD $18 to $24
Operational Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Daily).
Leopold & Co.
In the heart of Colaba, Mumbai's vibrant shopping and tourist district, lies one of the city’s most iconic landmarks—Leopold Café. Established in 1871, this beloved café has evolved from a small establishment into a bustling meeting point for locals, travellers, and ex-pats. With a history that spans more than a century, Leopold Café is not just a place to eat but a symbol of Mumbai's resilience, culture, and cosmopolitan spirit.
Leopold Café was originally opened by a pair of Iranian brothers as a wholesale oil store and soda fountain. Over the decades, the café expanded into a restaurant and bar, quickly becoming a favourite spot for British officers, traders, and journalists during the British Raj. Its name, Leopold, is thought to be inspired by the Belgian King Leopold II, reflecting the European influence that was prevalent in Mumbai at the time.
As the decades passed, Leopold Café became a hub for writers, artists, and intellectuals who were drawn to its relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. Today, it remains a vital part of Mumbai's social fabric, attracting a diverse crowd from all walks of life—tourists, Bollywood stars, backpackers, and locals alike. Despite being one of the targets during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Leopold Café reopened within days, standing as a testament to Mumbai’s indomitable spirit.
Leopold Café offers a hearty mix of global favourites and traditional Indian dishes, catering to the eclectic tastes of its international patrons. Whether you're looking for a cold pint of beer, a lavish meal, or a quick bite, the café’s extensive menu has something for everyone.
One of the highlights of the café is its Seafood Platter, which features fresh prawns, fish filets, and calamari, all grilled to perfection and served with a side of tangy lemon butter sauce. Another seafood favourite is the Butter Garlic Prawns, a decadent dish where succulent prawns are bathed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, making it an absolute must-try for seafood lovers.
The café also excels in continental cuisine. The Chicken Stroganoff and Beef Steak are perennial favourites, offering tender cuts of meat in flavorful sauces, served with mashed potatoes and sautéed vegetables. For those in the mood for something more traditionally Indian, the Tandoori Chicken and Paneer Tikka are packed with aromatic spices and grilled to perfection in a traditional clay oven.
Leopold Café is also famous for its Jumbo King-Size Beer Mugs, which have become an iconic part of the café experience. Whether you're enjoying a cold beer or sipping on one of their signature cocktails, like the Long Island Iced Tea or the Margarita, you’ll find that the drinks at Leopold are as robust and enjoyable as the food.
What sets Leopold Café apart is its vibrant, electric atmosphere. The café has a distinct old-world charm, with its wooden furniture, vintage mirrors, and high ceilings. The walls are adorned with memorabilia from its storied past—photographs, newspaper clippings, and even bullet marks from the 2008 terror attacks, which serve as a stark reminder of the city’s resilience. The bullet-ridden walls are not hidden; instead, they are preserved as a tribute to the strength and spirit of Mumbai.
The ambience is laid-back, making it a perfect spot for people-watching, especially with its prime location on Colaba Causeway. The café's open-plan layout and large windows allow plenty of light, and its outdoor seating area offers a great vantage point to watch the hustle and bustle of Colaba’s vibrant street life.
The vibe at Leopold is always lively, whether it’s early morning or late at night. The café is filled with tourists swapping travel stories, locals chatting over cold drinks, and backpackers planning their next adventure. There’s an infectious energy in the air, and it’s not uncommon to hear multiple languages being spoken at the surrounding tables.
Address: S.B. Singh Road, Colaba Causeway, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400039, India.
Price for Two: ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 (approximately $24 to $30).
Operational Hours: 7:30 AM – 12:00 AM (Daily).
