Cafe Mondegar — Restaurant in Mumbai

Overview:

Café Mondegar, located in the vibrant Colaba neighborhood of Mumbai, is a renowned and iconic establishment that attracts both locals and tourists. Situated conveniently next to the Gateway of India and Marine Drive, this café combines a lively atmosphere with a varied menu, making it a popular choice for dining and socializing.

Vibe and Atmosphere:

Café Mondegar is celebrated for its bustling and energetic vibe. The café has a retro-chic ambiance, characterized by its colorful murals, lively decor, and an ever-present buzz of conversation. The atmosphere is both casual and dynamic, with a mix of patrons enjoying a relaxed meal, friends catching up, and tourists soaking in the local flavor. The café’s open layout and prominent location contribute to its vibrant and somewhat frenetic energy.

Food and Drink Variety:

Food: The menu at Café Mondegar offers a diverse selection of dishes, ranging from hearty comfort food to lighter fare. You can find everything from classic sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas to Indian dishes and continental options. The café is known for its quality food, with ingredients that are fresh and flavors that are well-balanced.

Drinks: The drink menu is equally varied, featuring an assortment of cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages. The bar offers a good selection of spirits and mixers, making it a great spot for enjoying a drink with your meal. The cocktails are crafted with skill, and the beverage options cater to a wide range of tastes.

Music and Service:

Music: The café has a reputation for good music, with a playlist that complements its lively environment. The tunes range from classic rock to contemporary hits, adding to the overall enjoyable ambiance of the place. The music is well-chosen, enhancing the café's vibrant atmosphere without overwhelming conversation.

Service: The service at Café Mondegar is generally efficient and friendly. The staff are attentive and professional, handling the busy environment with a commendable level of service. They are knowledgeable about the menu and quick to address any requests, contributing positively to the overall dining experience.

Location:

Proximity to Landmarks: The café's location is highly advantageous, situated right next to the Gateway of India and Marine Drive. This prime spot makes it a convenient and appealing choice for visitors exploring these iconic landmarks. The location adds to the café’s charm, offering a picturesque backdrop and easy access for those sightseeing in the area.

Pricing and Seating:

Pricing: Café Mondegar is known for its premium pricing. While the food and drinks are of good quality, the prices are on the higher side, reflecting the café's prime location and its status as a popular destination. The premium on pricing is something to consider if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option.

Seating: One of the notable drawbacks of Café Mondegar is its seating arrangement. The space can be extremely cramped, with little to no privacy. Tables are closely packed together, which can make for an uncomfortable experience if you’re seeking a more intimate or relaxed dining setting. The crowded seating contributes to the bustling atmosphere but may detract from the overall comfort of the experience.

Conclusion:

Café Mondegar in Colaba is a lively and iconic spot that offers a blend of good food, vibrant ambiance, and a prime location next to the Gateway of India and Marine Drive. The café’s happening vibe, good music, and excellent service make it a popular choice for both locals and tourists. However, the premium on pricing and the cramped seating can be drawbacks. Despite these, the café’s dynamic atmosphere and quality offerings provide a memorable experience for those willing to embrace the hustle and bustle of this well-loved Mumbai...

Lively atmosphere. Happy people. Bottles of beer. Tumblers gulped down. Music playing. Loud and clear. Noise of people clattering and chatting loud. Couples and group of friends. Oh no no no, we’re Muslims and stay away from these intoxicating drinks. And anyways, I fail to understand why people drink when that happiness is so short lived? Anyways, to each their own, of course. I’m here to write a review on this cafe. Not to give a sermon, hahaha.

So for starters, just to build an appetite and to get going, we ordered The Cheesy Garlic Bread. Which arrived with the main course!!!

My dear husband ordered Fish and Chips, which came with some sautéed vegetables too. Good enough. When we asked the waiter if it was coated in beer batter, he did mention NO.

My son ordered a Pollo Mexicana, which is Chicken in Mexican style paprika tomatoes sauce. This was served over some rice and fries and some veggies too. We did request the attendant to ensure that there was no wine or any form of liquor mixed in it. Tasted good, but a little too tangy for me because of all the tomatoes.

And for myself, I ordered a Fillet of Fish de Mexicana. Same tomatoes paprika sauce as was with Chicken, but this did not have rice along with it. Worked well for me as I wanted to stay away from eating rice in the night. Fries and vegetables tagged along.

I’m most happy and comfortable eating vegetarian food or seafood if available at such restaurants where they serve pork too. And hence I did not taste the chicken Mexicana.

Food was moderately good. Portion was good. One dish per person would be enough unless someone was VERY hungry.

They offer a wide range of eatables. The menu is long. Indian. Continental. Tandoori. Chinese. American. Burgers and pizzas, et al.

This cafe is very close to Regal cinema house at Colaba. And Colaba is a shopper’s paradise. A haven. The main street and by lanes have many many shops of artefacts and artificial jewellery and clothes and footwear. It’s an experience I must say. I used to visit colaba very often back in my college days when money was limited and fashion was at galore. Oh those old days.

Please do visit this restaurant if you like to share some happy moments with friends and a bottle of beer. For me, it’s very unlikely that I’ll visit this...

Café Mondegar – A Mumbai Icon That Lives Up to the Hype

Few places in Mumbai are as legendary as Café Mondegar. Established in 1932 by Parsi settlers as an Irani café, it has since evolved into a bustling bar and restaurant while still holding on to its old-world charm. Known as the first café in Mumbai to introduce a jukebox, it sits in Metro House on Colaba Causeway, a short stroll from Gateway of India and Leopold Café—yet it remains in a league of its own.

We arrived in the late afternoon, expecting a bit of a wait, and sure enough, there was a queue outside despite it being just 4 PM. Ten minutes later, we were in—and the place was electric. Every corner was filled with animated conversations, clinking glasses, and the unmistakable hum of laughter and music. The walls, adorned with Mario Miranda’s iconic murals, only add to the charm.

Thirsty beyond belief, we immediately ordered two glasses of ice-cold Hoegaarden beer and a small bottle of Sula Rosé wine. The beer arrived with a slice of orange, enhancing its citrusy notes, and we downed it like it was water on a scorching day—crisp, refreshing, and exactly what we needed.

Then came the star of the show—a plate of Rosto Pork Sausages, grilled in a sweet and spicy garlic sauce. One bite in, and we knew we had struck gold. The juicy sausages, coated in a sticky, garlicky glaze, were simply phenomenal—the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami richness. We couldn’t resist ordering another plate, along with three more glasses of beer each to wash it all down.

For some balance, we got the Greek Nicoise Salad, loaded with tuna, eggs, lettuce, gherkins, and cucumbers in a zesty French dressing. It was fresh, light, and well-dressed, a great contrast to the indulgence of the sausages.

The energy and nostalgia of Café Mondegar are truly unmatched. With its jukebox tunes, retro vibes, and ever-lively crowd, it reminded me of Bob’s Bar in Bengaluru—but with an irresistible Bombay charm.

If you’re in Mumbai, Café Mondegar isn’t just a place to eat and drink—it’s an experience. Whether you're here for a quick beer, a full-blown feast, or just to soak in its legendary atmosphere, you’ll leave buzzing with good vibes and already planning your next visit.

Would I return? In...