Mumbai isn’t just a city that never sleeps—it’s a city that never stops eating. Over the decades, it has seen empires fall, skylines rise, and cultures blend, but certain eateries have remained deliciously constant. These are places that have served chai before your grandparents fell in love, flipped omelets through world wars, and plated biryanis before Bombay became Mumbai.
So if you’re in the city and want to eat your way through living history, here are the oldest restaurants still running in Mumbai—places that have been feeding generations and still draw locals and travelers alike.
1. Britannia & Co. (Est. 1923), Ballard Estate
Cuisine: Parsi, Irani
Must-Try: Berry Pulao, Salli Boti
Instagram: @britanniaandco
Approx. Cost for Two: ₹800
This heritage Parsi café was started by the late Boman Kohinoor, whose legendary charm matched the flavor of his dishes. The Iran-imported berries in the Berry Pulao are as iconic as the checkered tablecloths.
2. Leopold Café (Est. 1871), Colaba
Cuisine: Multi-cuisine, Continental, Indian
Must-Try: Chicken Stroganoff, Chilli Chicken, Beer
Instagram: @leopoldcafeandbar
Approx. Cost for Two: ₹1,500
A symbol of resilience post-26/11, this café-bar is packed with stories, bullet holes, and travelers. Whether you’re here for the vibe or the beer, Leopold is history served hot.
3. Olympia Coffee House (Est. 1918), Colaba
Cuisine: Mughlai
Must-Try: Mutton Korma, Chicken Biryani
Instagram: Not available
Approx. Cost for Two: ₹500
A local favorite for biryani that doesn’t try to be fancy. It just wins hearts with solid Mughlai flavors and meat that falls off the bone. No frills—just soul food.
4. Bade Miya (Est. 1946), Colaba
Cuisine: North Indian, Mughlai
Must-Try: Seekh Kebabs, Chicken Baida Roti
Instagram: @theoriginalbademiyan
Approx. Cost for Two: ₹800
Started as a small stall behind the Taj Hotel, Bade Miya is now a legend. Late-night cravings? This is the spot for meaty rolls and smoky kebabs straight off the grill.
5. Café Mondegar (Est. 1932), Colaba
Cuisine: Continental, Indian
Must-Try: Breakfast Platters, Beer, Club Sandwich
Instagram: @cafemondegar
Approx. Cost for Two: ₹1,200
Famous for its jukebox and Mario Miranda murals, Café Mondegar offers nostalgia with your eggs and toast. It’s one of the few places where the retro vibe is not just decor—it’s DNA.
6. Sassanian Boulangerie (Est. 1913), Marine Lines
Cuisine: Bakery, Parsi, Irani
Must-Try: Mawa Cake, Bun Maska, Irani Chai
Instagram: Not available
Approx. Cost for Two: ₹300
One of the last-standing Irani bakeries, this family-run gem still churns out buttery bakes and strong chai that locals swear by. Walk in for a slice of cake and a slice of time.
7. Kyani & Co. (Est. 1904), Marine Lines
Cuisine: Irani, Parsi, Bakery
Must-Try: Maska Pav, Mawa Cake, Irani Chai
Instagram: @kyanico
Approx. Cost for Two: ₹300
Step inside and you’ll feel like time stopped a few decades ago. Red-checkered tables, vintage mirrors, and the comforting aroma of chai and biscuits—Kyani is an old-school Bombay dream still brewing strong.
Why Visit These Heritage Eateries?
These aren’t just places to eat—they’re institutions. Their walls hold the smell of old Bombay, and their menus haven’t changed much for a reason. Dining here is like flipping through a sepia-toned photo album—rich with flavor and full of stories.
Whether you’re hunting for the best Parsi food in Mumbai or just love discovering old-school culinary landmarks, this trail of time-tested restaurants is your ultimate map.