For the longest time, a Sunday brunch meal meant it would be an all you can eat buffet spread at an all-inclusive price point. It was great when it started and seemed like the perfect value for money meal ( still is ) but what ended up happening is that almost every offering is identical to the other. Most restaurants seem to replicate the same dishes and there is hardly any creativity in their menus.
A few restaurants have managed to crack their weekend brunch with stellar menus that do not buffet-style but a la carte like a regular meal. They have also got dishes that have diners vying for more and nearly every weekend is sold out. Here are our top picks for the best brunch in Mumbai.
This delightful Mexican themed restaurant puts on quite a show at their Saturday and Sunday Brunch. The menu features a host of Mexican favourites, Huevos Rancheros, Chilaquiles, Quesadillas, Tacos, Salads, Desserts and a host of other dishes. They have got their famous tableside Guacamole that is made fresh in front of you served with salsa and nacho chips but the real winner is their tortilla and egg dishes. If you have still got space then their Tres Leches and the Churros and Champurrado are the way to end your meal.
Brunch menus are usually full of eggs, waffles and on some occasions sushi but you hardly find any Indian cuisine based brunch options. Ziya is one of the finest restaurants in the city and all credit goes to twice Michelin Starred 'Chef Vineet Bhatia'. Apart from their regular menu which is Chef Vineet's beautiful interpretation of evolved Indian cuisine the restaurant offers a delightful 4 - 5-course menu curated for Sunday Brunch which they cheekily call the Zzz..unday menu. It is an elegant way to spend your Sunday afternoon meal with a stunning view of the Arabian Sea and not to mention a very different menu from any other Sunday brunch.
This sophisticated fine dining restaurant is not the first choice that comes to mind while planning a brunch but it should be. With 'Chef Hemant Oberoi' at the helm, you can be assured a tasteful and delicious meal. There are some parts to the brunch that are laid out buffet style that include Cheese Platters, Cold Meat Platters, some salads and appetizers. The rest of the brunch is served at the table. The cuisine is Modern European fare with Chef Oberoi's signature tweaks to make each plate unique. The entire setting is sophisticated and is ideal if you want a celebratory meal.
This Goan Portuguese themed restaurant is such a delight to dine at that one visit is never enough. It has got that perfect laid-back Goan vibe and the food is a wonderful ode to the cuisine found in our sunshine state. While they do not have a dedicated brunch menu, this makes for an excellent lazy lunch/brunch spot and the real treat here is their special Sunday Suckling Pig. It is only available on Sunday and is a Smoked Roast Suckling Pig with Caramalised Onions and Apples, Baby Bakhri, Baby Poee ( Goan Bread ), Pickled Onion and a selection of Sauces. The sauces include Chimichurri, O Pedro Hot Sauce, Vindaloo and Apple Jus.
The location might throw you off at first, it is in a rather unobtrusive lane in Ballard Estate but this pretty restaurant ( especially, if you get a window side table with either sunlight streaming in or the rain lashing down ) is worth-a-visit. The menu ranges from egg options, salads, smoothies, flat breads to regular large plates and is a mix of cuisines or what is popularly referred to as global cuisine which is a little bit of everything. The Chocolate and Avocado Milkshake is almost dessert in a glass, the Chili Con Carne ( Tenderloin ) served on a waffle with a fried egg is a hearty choice for a meal but it is the Prawn Tacos and the Cajun-spiced Prawns with Polenta and vegetables that are the real treasure on this menu.
Better known as the Tiny Taster, Roxanne is an internationally respected blogger and expert on the Mumbai food scene. She has hosted many events, including the Upper Crust Food & Wine Show and travels the world, sharing her knowledge and gaining more experience.
