The Bombay Canteen

"Anyone who comes to this casual, always busy Lower Parel spot in a central Mumbai office complex falls unfailingly in love with it. Blame it on their playful riffs on traditional Indian dishes that amp up familiar flavors and textures. Flying off the pass are the cheese bombs known as the Eggs Kejriwal, the flaky, fragrant Guava Tan-Ta-Tan (a post-school street snack meets tarte tatin), and the Chettinad prawns Ali-Yolio, an intense study in umami thanks to the pool of prawn head oil at the bottom of the bowl. The lively dining room, which evokes a high-ceilinged Mumbai bungalow with marble mosaic tables and Art Deco flourishes, guarantees a grand time. First-timers should go for The Canteen Experience: eight courses (₹2,950, or ₹2,650 for vegetarian) that take you through the menu’s best, while regulars should order the always worthwhile recent menu additions marked with a highlighter. Adding to the fun are cheeky cocktails, like a bright mini gin martini with housemade chili marmalade. And thanks to the friendliest bartenders in the city, dining solo at the bar is never a bad idea. " - roshni bajaj sanghvi

"In the heart of Lower Parel, Bombay Canteen resides in Kamla Mills, an old mill that’s been converted to office spaces and eateries. The hustle outside always keeps one on their feet but entering The Bombay Canteen gives you a sense of nostalgia (If you grew up in here). The decor recreates old Bombay, with it’s patina mirrors, an enclosure of beautiful stained glass Art Deco windows . Retro Hindi Music and Bollywood visuals pasted everywhere really makes this place a ‘filmy’ vibe. Eating here makes you feel like you’re part of a large family celebration. The design is most definitely rooted in Bombay, the dishes are an explosion of different regions around India. We recommend ordering the Kejriwal, the simple bheja fry and the jowar salad." - Thought Over Design

"Anyone who comes to this casual, always busy Lower Parel spot in a central Mumbai office complex falls unfailingly in love with it. Blame it on their playful riffs on traditional Indian dishes that amp up familiar flavors and textures. Flying off the pass are the cheese bombs known as the Eggs Kejriwal, the flaky, fragrant Guava Tan-Ta-Tan (a post-school street snack meets tarte tatin), and the Chettinad prawns Ali-Yolio, an intense study in umami thanks to the pool of prawn head oil at the bottom of the bowl. The lively dining room, which evokes a high-ceilinged Mumbai bungalow with marble mosaic tables and Art Deco flourishes, guarantees a grand time. First-timers should go for The Canteen Experience: eight courses (₹2,950, or ₹2,650 for vegetarian) that take you through the menu’s best, while regulars should order the always worthwhile recent menu additions marked with a highlighter. Adding to the fun are cheeky cocktails, like a bright mini gin martini with housemade chili marmalade. And thanks to the friendliest bartenders in the city, dining solo at the bar is never a bad idea." - Roshni Bajaj Sanghvi

"Over the past decade, the Bombay Canteen has been one of the most influential modern Indian restaurants in the country. The restaurant team visits remote parts of India for culinary research, incorporates modern techniques, and creates seasonal menus that concentrate on reimagined regional Indian specialities. While the restaurant is currently run by chef Hussain Shahzad (an alum of Eleven Madison Park), it has seen leadership from Thomas Zacharias and the late Floyd Cardoz, who both strongly shaped the culinary philosophy of the place. Enjoy classics like the eggs Kejriwal (a spicy fried egg dish born out of the Willingdon Sports Club), prawns ali-yolio, and seasonal specialities like sev puri topped with raw sea bass or pork belly thukpa. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends." - Sumedh Natu

"At the bustling Bombay Canteen, opened by the late chef Floyd Cardoz, we had perhaps our most exciting upscale meal."