1. Cafe Madras, Matunga
Pleasing people for 77 years straight! Cafe Madras is home to the panpoli – a dessert made with jaggery and banana and it’s absolutely delicious. The Rasam Vada was introduced to the menu in 1960 and it’s still served today – delicious and with a hint of nostalgia.
Address: 38 B, Circle House, King’s Circle Near Maheshwari Udyan, Matunga East
Approx cost for two: ₹250
2. Banana Leaf, Thane
Banana Leaf is a vegetarian amalgamation of South India. The restaurant proudly serves dishes from Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu on its menu. Sure they have the regulars like dosas and uttapams but what makes this place better is their quirky dishes like the oatmeal uttapam, potato medu vada and the ragi dosa. Delicious!
Address: 3rd Floor, Korum Mall, Near Cadbury Compound, Khopat, Thane West
Approx cost for two: ₹600
3. Arya Bhavan, Matunga
If you want to get in here on the weekend, you better wake up early because this place is always packed and with good reason. Arya Bhavan has simple seating where you squeeze in to fit. All you need is a large appetite because everything is good here. The service, the food and the place – all soul-warming.
Address: Opposite Matunga Railway Station, Matunga East
Approx cost for two: ₹400
4. Hotel Ramashray, Matunga
This one is my personal favourite. I love this joint. From the pineapple sheera to the lassi in a bottle, there is nothing here that can disappoint you. A special ode should be written about the masala dosa and the tamarind rice. The service is absolutely phenomenal with the servers working there since over a decade.
Address: Bhandarkar Road, Matunga East, Mumbai
Approx cost for two: ₹200
5. Dakshinayan, Malabar Hill
Ever heard of a Mulagapudi Idli? You get it here. Another thing to try is the pepper dosa. If you’re looking for a relaxed meal, then Dakshinayan is not the place for you. This place is eternally crowded and the waiters don’t give you a chance to dilly-dally around your very tasty meal.
Address: Bhandarkar Road, Matunga East, Mumbai
Approx cost for two: ₹600
6. Simbly South, Andheri East
There’s nothing like a plate of gunpowder idli and filter coffee and you get it here. Simbly South may not have the legacy of its competition, but it is just as good.
Address: 1, Rosewood Park Society, Sher-e-Punjab Andheri East
Approx cost for two: ₹300
7. Cafe Mysore, Matunga
If you’re looking to eat a home-cooked South Indian meal, Cafe Mysore is the place to be. Simplicity is the name of the game at this no frills restaurant. The neer dosa and the idli gadbad are highly recommended.
Address: 461, Nishant Building (Formerly Durlabh Nivas), Bhaudaji Road, Opposite King’s Circle Garden, Matunga East
Approx cost for two: ₹250
8. Mani’s Lunch Home, Matunga
If you’re a student or an ex-student of Ruia’s College then you don’t need to read any further. Mani’s Lunch Home is just what it says it is – a home. Head to this place for the lunch thaali. Remember that avial I was talking about? Try some of it here!
Address: 153 C, Mahskar Building, Near Ruia College, Matunga East
Approx cost for two: ₹200
9. South Of Vindhyas – The Orchid, Vile Parle East
If you like a bit of spice in your meal, then you’ll adore this restaurant. They have a set menu which is absolutely delicious. Plus, it’s great to not worry about the ordering and have the restaurant serve one delicious preperation after another! The music and the food perfectly compliment each other and you’ll leave the restaurant with a satiated heart and a full tummy.
10. A. Ramanayak, Matunga
We admit it. We’ve left the legend for the end. You didn’t think we’d leave A, Ramanayak out, do you?A Ramanayak is steeped in history and serves the most delicious
South-Indian meals you will ever eat. You can read all about the
patron saint of Udipi restaurants here –
An Ode To Udipi Restaurants – A. Ramanayak in Matunga
Address: 2/461 A, Ram Niwas, King Circle, Matunga East
Approx cost for two: ₹350
11. Vrindavan Cafe
Vrindavan serves three different cuisines – South Indian, North Indian and Chinese. But I must tell you that their South Indian breakfast dishes are spot on! You must try their Masala Dosa, Idli Sambar, Idli Vada and Paneer 65. Some of the popular dishes here are Pav Bhaji and Id you like Maharashtrian Food Shrikhand Puri is also one of the options you should try. Filter Coffee will always be on my list favourites.
Address: Vrindavan Cafe, Cosmos Commerical Centre, 3rd Road, Near Railway Station, KharWest, Khar, Mumbai
12. Sharda Bhavan
By now, you must have noticed that all the amazing South Indian restaurants are in Matunga. I like to call in the smaller version of Pondicherry. Don’t be amazed if you find two or three South Indian restaurants in one small lane. Sharada Bhavan is also one of those little Udippi restaurants. It serves delicious idli and vada which are a perfect way to start your day!
13. Dakshinayan
This place in Malabar Hills is the place in town to eat some amazing and crispy dosas and Idlis. They have Mulagapudi Idli which is served alongside dry chutney and the combination just fits right. Their range of Pepper Dosa, Rava Sada Dosa and Pond Masala Dosai are a must-try! I personally recommend you tasting their filter coffee and Falooda.
Address: 183, Teen Batti Road, Walkeshwar, Malabar Hill, Mumbai