The best of brunch in Bombay, worth hot-footing it out of bed for. Because, on Sundays we brunch.
Cecconi’s, Soho House, Juhu
The Sunday Feast at Cecconi’s is an effortlessly breezy affair, soundtracked in equal measure by the soulful jazz melodies of a live band, as by the soothing sounds of the waves gently crashing over Juhu Beach. There’s a cocktail cart in rotation and all your favourite Italian dishes and desserts to choose from, served up with Cecconi’s characteristic charm. Of course a parade of people-watching isn’t amiss either, given the see-and-be-seen quality of this haute hangout!
Cecconi’s Mumbai, Soho House Mumbai, 16, Juhu Tara Rd, Chandrabai Nagar, Santacruz West, Mumbai,
Bastian, Bandra
The predominant seafood-based focus has never deterred this staunch vegetarian from schlepping across the Sea Link to Bastian. Helmed by the Godfather of Bombay Brunches, Chef Kelvin Cheung, this easy-going Bandra bolthole serves up some of the best pancakes we’ve ever had. Tall statement, I know. The chocolate-chip variety is *always* a good idea, as are the seasonal specials, such as Kel’s fluffy take on a strawberry cheesecake more recently… Full review, here.
B/1, New Kamal Building, Linking Road, Next to Burger King, Opposite National College, (W), Mumbai
The Table, Colaba
Speaking of a creative rendering of brunch-time staples, the tiramisu pancakes at the Table never disappoint either. The Californian-inspired menu at this Colaba cornerstone majors in the likes of black truffle-scrambled eggs on sourdough toast, alongside all manners of moreish pastries from sibling bakery, Mag Street Kitchen. Full review, here.
Ground Floor, Kalapesi Trust Building, Opposite Dhanraj Mahal, Below Hotel Suba Palace, Apollo Bunder Marg, Colaba, Mumbai
Miss T, Colaba
A few lanes away, Miss T (sister restaurant to The Table, coincidentally) is hosting a liquid brunch fuelled by bottomless cocktails to boot. Expect a Sunday spin to bao and gyoza, alongside a South East Asian rendition of eggs and your weekend staples. Miso glazed salmon benedict and peanut butter pancakes anyone? With sun-kissed natural light balancing moody interiors embellished with bold hues, the scene set is decidedly chic and particularly primed for an intimate afternoon!
4, Mandlik Rd, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai
Qualia, Lower Parel
Every day is brunch day at Qualia, Rahul Akerkar’s comeback restaurant.
The ingredient-led offerings at dinner are anchored by Akerkar’s fascination with fermentation, rendering a sweet and sour profile to a pertinacious parade of plates, emblazoned with an almost artistic touch. To translate: the nuanced textures might render mixed opinions, with the experience not to everyone’s palate.
However, in keeping with the universal language of brunch, there’s plenty to garner unanimous gratification on the all-day brunch menu, featuring the likes of huevos bendict packing in a corn waffle loaded with guacamole, poached egg, mole and queso!
World Crest, Ground Floor, Lodha, 402, Tulsi Pipe Rd, Mumbai
Kala Ghoda Cafe, Kala Ghoda
If you know, you know the dark chocolate waffles at the Kala Ghoda Café, an institution of sorts in the ever-so-charming neighbourhood from which it draws its name.
The old-world setting is matched by carb-laden comfort (the chilli cheese toast is one of the best in town!), although there’s plenty to whet your appetite if you’re treading on a healthier track too, particularly with their organic and gluten-free desi-style waffles – made with whole-grains (amaranth, millet and brown rice flour), and served with fresh fruits, honey & granola!
Bharthania Building A Block, 10, Ropewalk Lane, Opp Trishna Restaurant, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai
Konkan Cafe, Cuffe Parade
Of course, Sundays in Bombay for many households means one thing and one thing only – a lavish South Indian spread, constellating on the usual suspects, dosas and idlis.
If you’re looking to broaden those horizons, there’s no place more inviting than Konkan Cafe, with its elegant Nallu Kettu-inspired interiors reminiscent of single courtyard homes typical of Kerala. Tucked away within The President hotel, this old-world restaurant is the perfect portal for a culinary tour of Coastal India, trailing from Mumbai to Goa, Mangalore to Kerala.
The signature thaalis are always the way to go here. Changing almost daily, they offer a generous taste of all the key elements of Konkani cuisine – coconut, fish, curries and rice with heaps of pillowy appams and crisp – yet wonderfully flaky – Malabar parathas to mop it up with! Full review, here.
Vivanta by Taj, President 90, Mumbai
Mysore Cafe, Matunga
The lazy pace of life on a Sunday morning also sets the perfect tone for venturing out to Matunga. Otherwise known as the Mylapore of Mumbai, the reputation of this district’s South Indian establishments certainly precedes it!
Famously churning out as many as 60 fluffy idlis in 8 minutes flat, Cafe Mysore is my top pick of where to eat here. We always go for the full works – from devilishly deep-fried medu vadas to paper-thin dosas and more, finishing off with a round of filter kaapi – traditional golden-coffee, balancing an intensely-rich sweetness with more nuanced nutty undertones! It’s inevitably back home and under the covers afterwards.
Shop No. 1/461-C, Durlabh Niwas, Bhaudaji Road, Matunga East, Mumbai
For your weekend agenda, curating the best of what to do, see and eat in Bombay (updated weekly), have a browse here.