10 Best Irani Cafes in Mumbai

Located in the busy bylanes near Flora Fountain, Yazdani Bakery has been a beloved institution for about 100 years. This iconic bakery is known for its Irani snacks like keema-pav and is the ideal place for an afternoon chai. You won’t find better ginger biscuits and plum cakes than Yazdani’s. The cafe is very budget-friendly and is popular among foreigners and locals alike.

Location - Flora Fountain, Fort.

If you have never heard of or tried the iconic Berry Pulao, Ideal Corner should be your next stop. Ideal Corner is renowned for its authentic Parsi cuisine and the global popularity of its Berry Pulav. The cafe was started during the pre-independence era and is now run by the third generation of the Kohinoor family. Apart from the Parsi dishes like chicken farcha & mutton salli boti, the cafe also serves delicious desserts like caramel custard & chocolate mousse.

Location - Ballard Estate, Fort.

Started in 1933 by Khodaram B. Golabi, an Iranian who moved to India, Cafe Military is a local favorite, known for its fast food and meat dishes. The mutton keema and dhansak are among the best in the city. When here, do not forget to sip their iconic raspberry sodas which you won’t find anywhere else. The cafe was once a canteen for the armed forces and now is turned into a small, rustic restaurant.

Location - Alli Chambers, Fort.

No list of Irani cafes or Parsi delicacies can be complete without mentioning the iconic Jimmy Boy. Established in 1925, it is still among the best Irani Cafes in Mumbai. Originally called Cafe India, it changed its name to Jimmy Boy in 1999. The cafe is located in a cozy corner of a heritage building with red and white checkered tablecloths, bentwood chairs, and chandelier decor. The best thing to order here, apart from the keema and omelets, is the Lagan nu Bhonu, or Wedding Thali, showcasing the best of Parsi cuisine.

Location - Horniman Circle, Fort.

One of the most recognizable names in Mumbai, the B. Merwan has been in business since 1914. The cafe in Grant Road serves delicious mawa cakes, pudding, and other baked goods. The old-world charm with rustic decor, antique cutlery, and cups and saucers make it stand out among the modern-day restaurants of the city. Some unique dishes like Mawa puffs and Mawa samosa cannot be missed when visiting B. Merwan. The cafe is very popular among students due to its affordable prices.

Location - Grant Road East.

Britannia & Co. is one of Mumbai's oldest and most iconic Irani cafes, known for its historical ambiance and Parsi cuisine. Popular Parsi dishes like Berry Pulav, Fish Patra, and Salli Boti are the best-sellers at Britannia. It combines Indian and Parsi flavors to curate a unique menu that suits all tastes. The service here is top-notch. Situated in the Wakefield Estate of Fort, the rustic charm of the cafe in British architecture makes it a picturesque sight. 

Location - Ballard Estate, Fort.

Coming out of the bylanes of Fort to the bustling streets of Dadar-Matunga, Koolar & Co. is a quaint old Irani cafe, serving since 1932. The restaurant believes in keeping things simple. It offers a classic Irani menu with bun-maska, chai, and keema pav being the specialties. The cafe has a classic Irani cafe feel with basic seating and a no-frills environment. It has also been a popular shooting place for many Bollywood movies.

Location - Ambedkar Marg, Matunga East.

A significant landmark in Mumbai’s rich culinary history, Leopold Cafe has been the city's favorite for over 150 years! Focusing on the quality of the food, the cafe serves lip-smacking global cuisine and Parsi delicacies. It is the best place for a chill vibe after a long day with beer towers, amazing burgers, salads, and keema on the menu. This multi-storeyed cafe is perfect for a hangout with friends or a quick lunch break after shopping near Colaba. 

Location - Colaba Causeway, Colaba.

A popular hotspot for Iranian and Mughlai food, the Gulshan-e-Iran cafe at Crawford Market has been among the best Irani cafes in Mumbai since 1958. The menu is very extensive and covers everything from keema roti and seekh kebabs to shahi tukda and other traditional desserts. Located near the Md. Ali Road, the restaurant offers a vibrant dining experience, often bustling with activity, especially during festive seasons. If you want an authentic Irani restaurant experience in the heart of the city, Gulshan-e-Iran is a must–visit, especially with large groups.

Location - Crawford Market, CSMT.

One of the best restaurants in Mumbai for Parsi, Lebanese, and Iranian food, Piccadilly is a modern, all-day diner in Colaba. Like other old-school Parsi cafes, the ambience is very old-school and minimal, with a small seating area and courteous staff. Piccadilly is famous for introducing Shawarma to the city, and one can find the best hummus and pita here. Despite being a small establishment, the menu is vast with a good mix of Indian/ Parsi, Chinese, and Continental dishes. Do not miss the different varieties of authentic Irani kebabs like Chello Kebab or Jujeh Kebab here.

Location - Apollo Bunder, Colaba.

Conclusion

Irani cafes in Mumbai are more than just diners; they are living monuments representing a rich part of the city’s culture and history. They still offer everybody a taste of nostalgia and community.  Bun-maska, kebabs, keema-pav, etc., are still the local favorites even after more than a hundred years. Most of these cafes have remained loyal to their roots and serve an irreplaceable cultural experience through food. If you are wandering around the streets of South Mumbai and come across one of these Irani Cafes, you are in for a treat! Savour the rich and flavorful dishes in an old-school ambiance that will take you back in time. Or hop in for a sip of refreshing Iranian chai, if in a rush. These ten best Iranian cafes in Mumbai will surely exceed your expectations!