Amba Bhavan Coffee Club — Restaurant in Mumbai

Probably one of the most underrated place and an unearthed gem of sorts. Do not get fooled by the humble looks and décor of this place. The food here is as good as it can get. Simple, homely and unique in flavor.

Matunga which is known to have is fair share of south-Indian restaurants, owned mainly by the Goud Saraswat Bhramin community, have food that tastes unique, especially with a sugar-less Sambhar and some places where chutneys have coriander.

One such place is Amba Bhavan Coffee Club. In my opinion this restaurant is not as famous as others because it closes well before the time some of the other crowded ones get packed.-Yes it closes at 8 pm sharp, just when most of our appetites are barely waking up.

So what to eat here. Do not miss these dishes -

Wada Sambhar - the sambhar is a distinct flavor of roasted coriander seeds and its not sweet. This blends well with the piping hot wadas.

Idlis - with chutney or dipped in Sambhar. Simple, tasty and reasonably light.

Dosas - especially in Ghee. One of those few places where one Dosa doesn't seem to filling - yes you may end up eating two Dosa along with some starter such as Idli or Wadas. Its light, its got that special tang which comes from a well fermented batter and yet its very light. Ask for a crispy one and it will be more fun.

Dal Wada or as its originally called 'Parippu Wada' (also pronounced as 'parappa' by some) with its green chutney. One of the few restaurants that serve this in Mumbai. If you are lucky to go at the time these have been just fried, this can end up being one of your favorite dishes here.

Kadhi Wada - the Kadhi here is cooked in curd and is lightly tempered in less spices. Again very few places serve this - a traditional dish.

Rava Idli - finishes soon and available only in early evening. Nicely spiced and flavorful. One of the few places that serves this and does it well.

Tomato Upma - served only in early evenings - finishes fast. Its grainy yet melts in mouth. Has a lovely roast flavor of 'rawa'.

Kela Bhaji - yes you heard this right. Done in small batches.

Bonda or Mysore Bonda - Don't confuse this to be a medu wada shaped differently, the recipes are totally different. The Bonda uses maida and is flavored in different spices.

Coffee - Yes true to its name - the Coffee here is one of the finest and one can start a fan club for it. They do not put any sugar in coffee decoction so if you want you can enjoy the raw taste of a good roasted Coffee also.

Tea - Yes! One of the few places that does the tea right. I think that just like their coffee, the tea decoction is brewed just perfectly well and the cooks know the proportion of the tea and milk well for that tannin to hit your tongue and satiate that 'Chai' craving and yet not make you feel the bitterness.

Bonus - this place is open on Mondays when most other south-Indian restaurants are closed in this area. It stays closed on Thursdays.

Yes I wish this place stayed open till late and we could enjoy the yummy-ness a little longer but seems the owners are happy with what they do so who are we to complain?

So come here and enjoy the humble establishment serving good homely food at a pocket...

If you're looking for a taste of authentic South Indian filter coffee and a trip back in time, Amba Bhavan Coffee House in Matunga is an absolute must-visit. This place is a true gem, a testament to what makes a classic coffee house special. From the moment you step inside, you're transported. The vintage-styled interior is a beautiful throwback—simple, elegant, and filled with a timeless charm that you just don't find anymore. It’s clean, well-maintained, and feels like a place where time has stood still in the best way possible. But the real star of the show is the food. The authenticity here is unparalleled. Every dish, from the fluffy idlis to the crispy dosas and the piping hot medu vadas, tastes just right. And of course, the filter coffee is perfection—strong, aromatic, and served in a way that feels like a ritual. It's the kind of place where you can taste the tradition and care in every bite. What truly elevates the experience is the staff. They are incredibly nice, efficient, and welcoming. Despite the constant rush, they handle everything with a calm and friendly demeanor, making you feel right at home. It's their warmth that makes the place more than just a restaurant; it feels like a community hub. Amba Bhavan is more than just a meal; it's an experience. It's a place where you can enjoy fantastic, authentic food in a clean, nostalgic setting, served by people who genuinely care. This is a five-star spot in every sense...

Amba Bhavan belongs to an era when tall ceilings, lot of emphasis on wood-work, open mezzanine floors, checkered black and white / gray flooring, good quality and inexpensive food was the order of the day. Internet was not introduced in India; the only way of knowing where good food was provided was word-of-mouth publicity. Amba Bhavan has stayed in that time zone ever since its inception.

Amba Bhavan & Sharada Bhavan are owned and managed by the same family and hence there is similarity in the taste, the interiors even the attire of the waiters. Interesting part of the menu at the both the places is that it is displayed like a board on the wall. If any particular item / dish is not available to be ordered or has the raw material has exhausted, then the that particular dish is pulled half out of its slot indicating its unavailability.

They offer some unique dishes which you will not find in most restaurants; Goli Bhaji, Kadhi Wada, Ullundu Dosa & Dal Wada to name a few. Their sambar is a bit sharp on the taste and is devoid of any jiggery. The chutney is decently thick and largely made of a blend of coconut shavings and fresh coriander.

The 2nd part of the name has been largely missed out while listing the place; “COFFEE CLUB”. This part of the title of this place is equally important & has some significance as well. They serve a pretty strong coffee which packs a nice punch.

This place is a legend in its own right, deems a...