Mumbai
in Western India

Aaswad Upahar & Mithai Gruh is a staple and a beloved culinary institution known for its authentic take on Maharashtrian home cooking. This hidden gem is rich in flavour and tradition, and offers standout dishes like the spicy misal pav and the heart-warming sabudana khichdi—both perfect for a late lunch filling meal after wandering around the city. For dessert: try their iconic puran poli and shrikhand. Whether you're a loyal local or a tourist, this spot is a must-visit for a true taste of Maharashtra’s vegetarian cuisine.

Few prioritise Italian grub on a trip to Bombay but, when it comes to Kala Ghoda’s trendy Americano, they’d be missing out. Chef Alex Sanchez makes magic here, particularly for vegetarians. Get a few dishes – including the lasagne – and leave
room for seconds; you’ll want them. For some, the dessert is the star: go for the torta tenarina – a fudgy chocolate cake –
or the tiramisu. Or both.

Nestled amidst the busy streets of Dadar, Bastian - At the Top offers an extraordinary escape. Perched on the 48th floor of Kohinoor Square, this upscale restaurant boasts an unparalleled 360-degree view of Mumbai’s skyline. The interior design is bold and captivating, with a sophisticated vibe that transforms the space into a sanctuary from the city below. The restaurant’s international cuisine is complemented by a stellar cocktail menu.  On weekdays, you'll find cosmopolitan diners enjoying a refined, quintessential dining experience. Come the weekend, this iconic spot turns into a vibrant, high-energy hub, attracting partygoers who flock to Mumbai's exclusive supper club scene for a liberating night out.

If this tiny Bandra-based store looks like a trinket box, it’s because it is; Beg Borrow Steal is one of the best places to find vintage jewellery in the city. While all the big-name designers are here, the coolest pieces are often unbranded.

If you’ve more than a week to spare, this Kala Ghoda company makes excellent custom shirts – whether formal or casual – no matter your gender. For the time-poor, there’s also an excellent off-the-rack range, including colourful crochet and retro-style bowling shirts, as well as soft bamboo loungewear.

Honestly, one of the most beautiful places – and buildings – in the city. The museum is wonderful. Go with anyone who is interested in archaeology and natural history – plus, the jewellery and textiles are next level.  Take some time to spend time strolling the palm-fringed grounds, too; some of the best art is outside.

At Mumbai's iconic Ekaa, Chef Prateek Sadhu reinvents Indian cuisine with a modern, refined twist. The tasting menu is a journey through regional flavours, showcasing seasonal, local ingredients cooked innovatively. Don’t miss out on their slow-cooked meats and the smoked yoghurt kachumber salad—both are standout reinventions of classic Indian fare. The intimate ambience is perfect for celebrating a special occasion and indulging in the city's best fine dining spot. 

This UNESCO "city" of intricately carved Hindu and Buddhist caves, largely dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located on Elephanta Island (a small islet near Mumbai, accessible in 60 minutes via public ferry).  It can get prohibitively busy, though – both on the ferry and on the tram at Elephanta. To avoid some of the crowds, hire a private speedboat and guide.

G5A is a vibrant cultural hub in Mumbai that hosts contemporary art and creative expression. This creative venue brings together artists, performers, and audiences in a dynamic, collaborative space. From cutting-edge dance performances to thought-provoking film screenings and workshops, G5A offers a platform for new, experimental works that push boundaries. This is an exquisite immersive experience for those seeking to engage and explore the city's avant-garde culture and art-driven locals. 

Whether you come to pick up the souvenir of the trip or come in looking for a special gift, Induri Saree Centre is the ideal place to buy a superb, local saree. Perfect to elevate a day to day outfit. 

In this city even Bollywood actresses rock the off-duty aesthetic – so there are tons of cool, home-grown labels around. If you want to earn brownie points with hard-toplease teenagers, though, do not miss this
Bombay brand’s Kala Ghoda store. Their stuff’s mostly unisex and the baggy decal tees are no-brainers.

This modern Colaba gallery is one of the country’s best. Curated by two sisters, against a majestic backdrop of the Gateway of India, Jhaveri promotes original artists (no matter their nationality, gender or generation) whose work is guided by South Asian culture or tradition. Expect some luminary talent – they produced, for example, Anish Kapoor’s very first public exhibition in India, back in 2010 – as well as a future-facing approach to Indian art.

A stone’s throw from the Taj Mahal Palace, Kala Ghoda is the kind of place it's easy to spend a day in. With everything from
galleries and boutique shops to its famed fort, Mumbai’s art district is creatively nourishing. For actual sustenance, though,
Kala Ghoda Café (KGC) is a satisfying – and almost entirely organic – bet. Stop for fairtrade coffee and a wedge of wheat-free ginger cake.

Kitab Khana is a lovely, independent bookstore known for its curated collection of books across a variety of genres. This store stands out as a haven for book lovers who appreciate contemporary literature, and timeless classics and a close community of aficionados that host workshops, clubs and reading clubs.

Among foodies, Gauri Devidayal is a modern Bombay legend; her Colaba restaurant, The Table, was an instant hit among bread and pastry obsessives – and has since stayed booked and busy – especially for dinner. Sister café, the more informal Mag St, is the place to go for comfort food and catch-ups; everything from sandwiches and hefty salads to burgers and pasta. 

If brunch is your thing, Mag St. Kitchen is a good spot. It does all the classics, think avo toast, soft scramble, yoghurt bowls. But if you like to mix up your breakfast game, we love it for its homemade noodles and raw papaya salad. 

While India isn’t short of progressive fine dining restaurants – Indian Accent, in NMACC Mumbai, being a pioneer – Masque
feels the most relevant. Its 10-course tasting menu is one of the best out there for vegetarians, while the drink experience
is just as considered. Choose from a menu of Ayurvedic cocktails, or infuse your own gin from herbs and flowers grown in its
Ori-Gin lab.

Moonray is India's first contemporary brand focusing on advanced design and conscious craftsmanship. Offering ready-to-wear collections and made-to-measure pieces, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and preserving artisan traditions for the future. A must-visit for those fashion-driven in search of new staple pieces. 

From stage productions, operas to exhibition spaces and jazz evenings. The NMACC is a cultural centre that satiates our artistic appetite whilst uniting global communities. 

This buzzy Goan spot deserves its plaudits: both its bar and restaurant made it onto the 50 Best list. Make no mistake, though, a meal here won’t break the bank – and certainly not at lunchtime, when its most famous dishes are part of a set-price South Indian thali. Sit at the counter – where the bartenders sling moreish coconut washed cocktails – or grab a high-table to eavesdrop on nearby office gossip.

Ogaan is a premium Indian fashion retailer that curates a refined selection of high-end, contemporary clothing for men, women and occasionally, kids. The brand carries a bold sophisticated and modern look, featuring a blend of traditional Indian craftsmanship and international design trends. 
Whether it's a well-tailored suit, a silky Kaftan, a handwoven Kurta, or a gold ear cuff, Ogaan is a great place to look for a stylish, comfortable and high-quality new item to dress up any monotone wardrobe.  

Payal Khandwala is a high-end fashion label that celebrates timeless, hand-crafted Indian design with creative and contemporary twists. The brand is known for its commitment to sustainability and the meticulous use of rich, local, artisanal fabrics. The brand's collections offer unique silhouettes, vibrant colours and intricate patterns (from Indian textiles) that blend tradition and heritage with modernity. The label also sells interior decor that as the clothing line, is elegant, thoughtful and unique. 

Combining strength training with traditional barre workouts, a trip to Physique 57 has us feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, toned and just that little bit exhausted. A great start to the week if you ask us!

For high-end saris and fabrics, as well as a contemporary take on Indian wear, look no further than Raw Mango. The brand’s Colaba outpost also sells beautiful semi-precious jewellery.