5 Old-time favourites in Mumbai that you must visit
Take a walk down memory lane as you dine at these restaurants
26 Sep, 2019 by Mini Ribeiro
(Photo Credit: Gallops, Mahalaxmi, South Mumbai)
New restaurants and eateries mushroom every second day in Mumbai and while some of these are crowd-pullers owing to the food they serve and their décor and ambience, some of the old-time places are still sought after as these spell familiarity, comfort and good food. Step into these and you can go down memory lane in a minute. One’s favourite table, comfort dishes and even the serving staff at times, make the visit memorable. While most of these places have naturally made new additions to their menus, the highlights are still the popular dishes of yore. My top 5 picks:
Gallops, Mahalaxmi, South Mumbai
This popular restaurant which celebrates 33 years this year, continues to delight patrons with its global and Indian food, along with the warm and regal ambience. Set amidst the lush green Race Course, offering a spectacular view, enjoy your experience as you relish the Roast Chicken, Fish Bonne Femme, A La Kiev, Au Gratin, Kababs and more.
Mahesh Lunch Home, Fort, South Mumbai
Think Mangalorean seafood and this place comes to mind. The décor here is simple, but the food is the mainstay and that has been the focus, ever since its inception in 1977. Fresh and the best quality seafood in myriad preparation, is what you can hope to enjoy here. One cannot leave this place without trying the Fish Tawa Fry, Crabs or Lobsters in Butter Pepper Garlic and the Mutton Hyderabadi Biryani.
Gaylord, Churchgate, South Mumbai
60 years young, this restaurant continues to attract crowds and serves delectable food in an ambience replete with old-world charm. Chicken Hawai, Murg Makhani, Baked Alaska, still wow many a palate, although there are some exciting new additions to the offerings as well.
Ling's Pavilion, Colaba, South Mumbai
If authentic and simple Cantonese food is on your mind, head to this place which boasts of a rich legacy of over 70 years, ever since the original Nanking metamorphosed into Ling’s Pavilion. Baba Ling is the face of this restaurant and guides you with what to order with recommendations apart from the dishes on the menu. Mandarin Chicken, Stewed Pork and Steamed Pomfret, are irresistible.
Alfredo's, Juhu, Western Suburbs
One of Mumbai’s iconic bistro café, Alfredo's is back with a 2.0 version in the 25th year of its existence. The menu still has all your favourite dishes that you have always eaten here. But what takes it a notch up is the new additions, with a combination of a lot more salads, small plates, different kind of Pastas and Pizzas. Quinoa with Fresh Fennel Salad, Turkish Lamb Kebab Sandwich and Sweet Potato Gnocchi are some of the highlights. The dessert counter – Noir, outside by Chef Manish Khanna is an added attraction.
Written By
Food critic, features writer and columnist, Mini Ribeiro is a qualified Journalist, from IIMC New Delhi. She specialises in the Food & Beverage and Hospitality space. As an established food & beverage writer, Mini currently contributes to several leading English publications across the country – Asian Age, Hindustan Times, Sunday Financial Express, Hotelier India, Go Getter and Vistara inflight magazines and Rediff.com. She also has her own You Tube channel called Mini’s Food Fundas. Fond of cooking, Mini enjoys experimenting in the kitchen with various cuisines, with Indian regional food, being her favourite. She has recently started, a platform for home talent, called 'Flavours from Home', an initiative which aims to make women who are passionate about cooking, entrepreneurs.
