Best places for breakfast in Mumbai

There’s something for everyone at these popular breakfast spots.

Cafe Madras, Matunga
Established in 1940, this is a popular spot for authentic and delicious South Indian fare as evidenced by the long waiting line anytime you go there. Opt for steaming butter idlis, fluffy upma, piping hot dosas…pretty much anything on the menu and you won’t be disappointed. Wrap it all up with some sheera and filter coffee and you’re good to go.
Opens at: 7 am; closed on Mondays
Photograph: things2doinmumbai / Instagram

Candies, Bandra
This legendary eatery is a pocket friendly option that offers a lot of choice. There are multiple outlets around Bandra, pick any one, they’re all good. Try the croissants, eggs (made many different ways, including akuri), baked beans, and sausages for an English style breakfast or opt for a healthy juice and a fruit bowl.
Opens at: 8.30 am
Photograph: dr.rinkle / Instagram

Kitchen Garden by Suzette, multiple outlets
With their organic and fresh salads, sandwiches, and cold pressed juices, this eatery is a hit among millennials and vegans, who also love their smoothie bowls and gluten-free pancakes. The restaurant has three outlets in the city, one each at BKC, Bandra, and Juhu.
Opens at: 8.30 am
Photograph: kitchengardenbysuzette / Instagram

The Pantry, Kala Ghoda
This beautifully designed eatery is a gem tucked away in the bylanes of Kala Ghoda. It offers a wide range of all day breakfast items, including pancakes, fruit bowls, ghee roast chicken croissants, artisanal sandwiches, kefir milk smoothies, and vegan milkshakes. Those looking for a variety of gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free items will not be disappointed.
Opens at: 8.30 am
Photograph: thepantrymumbai / Instagram

Aaswad, Dadar
If you’re looking for an authentic Maharashtrian breakfast, it can’t get any better than Aaswad. Look beyond the tempting vada pav, and go for the spicy, crunch missal pav, kothimbir vadi, and thaalipeeth with white butter to get a taste of the city’s true flavour.
Opens at: 10 am
Photograph: krishnuzz / Instagram

Guru Kripa, Sion
Head here if you’re craving hot and crispy samosas, chole, tikkis, dal pakwan, and chole bhature. This iconic Mumbai eatery is perpetually filled with Mumbaikars looking to get their fix, so be prepared to elbow your way to the counter.
Opens at: 8 am
Photograph: foodofmumbai / Instagram

The Nutcracker, multiple outlets
This cozy café has recently expanded and now has three outposts in Mumbai—Kala Ghoda, Bandra, Lower Parel. The all-day breakfast menu features an interesting variety of egg dishes, including Turkish eggs, salli eggs, eggs Kejriwal, and truffle oil scrambled Eggs. We also recommend their French toast and buttermilk pancakes, washed down with one of their refreshing lemonades.
Opens at: 8.30 am (Tuesday – Sunday)
Photograph: Thenutcrackermumbai / Instagram

Kyani & Co, Marine Lines
When in Mumbai, having breakfast at an Irani café is a must, and it doesn’t get more iconic that Kyani & Co. Started way back in 1904, Kyani has been feeding the city bun maska, kheema pav, chicken puffs, mawa cakes, and Irani chai for over a century.
Opens at: 7 am
Photograph: pallonjis / Instagram

Salt Water Café, Bandra
This restaurant is a take on European cafes and offers quite an extensive breakfast menu from 9 am to 11.59 am. If you’re looking for a heavy breakfast, then you won’t be disappointed here. Don’t miss the eggs Benedict, fried chorizo, 4 cheese omelette, bacon pancakes, and smoked salmon sandwich.
Opens at: 9 am
Photograph: saltwatercafe/ Instagram

Le Pain Quotidien, Powai
This French restaurant chain is popular for its breakfast and brunch menu. You can choose between their three set breakfast options, or try out their green shakshuka, kale and feta scrambled egg, and fluffy breakfast pastries. Wrap it all up with the Belgian hot chocolate and you’re starting the day off on the right note.
Opens at: 8 AM
Photograph: lepainquotidienin / Instagram