Tucked away in the bustling streets of Byculla, Gloria Sea Food is an underrated treasure for seafood enthusiasts. While not the fanciest or most advertised spot, the authenticity and quality of their dishes make it worth every visit. As someone who grew up in the neighborhood, I've had the pleasure of eating here multiple times, and I can say that this place has a unique character that you won’t find in more commercialized seafood restaurants around the city.
Ambiance: At first glance, Gloria might not impress you with a modern, Instagram-worthy interior, but what it lacks in décor, it makes up for with a homey, old-school vibe. The seating is simple, often filled with regulars and locals who come for the food, not the frills. It feels more like a traditional coastal eatery, where the focus is on delivering fresh, delicious seafood rather than providing a polished fine-dining experience.
Food Quality: The real star of Gloria is, without a doubt, the seafood. Freshness is the mantra here – you can taste it in every dish. From the delicate flavor of their prawns to the perfectly spiced fish curry, the seafood is never frozen and always cooked to order. My personal recommendation would be the Bombil Fry (Bombay duck). It’s fried to perfection – crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside.
Their Prawn Masala is another standout. It's prepared in a thick, spicy gravy that captures the essence of traditional coastal cooking. They also offer a Surmai Fry, which has the right balance of tangy and spicy – a true delight for those who love robust flavors.
Service: Service at Gloria is friendly but unhurried. The owners and staff are often around to check on customers, giving it that familiar, local feel. However, be prepared for a bit of a wait during peak hours, as every dish is prepared fresh. That said, the wait is worth it once you dig into your plate. The staff may not be overly chatty, but they're attentive and accommodating to requests, especially if you’re particular about how you want your seafood prepared.
Value for Money: One of Gloria’s most attractive features is its affordability. Given the quality and freshness of the seafood, the prices are incredibly reasonable. A meal for two could cost around ₹800–₹1000, which is excellent for seafood in Mumbai. This makes it accessible to a wide range of customers, from college students to families.
The Local Advantage: Many regulars will tell you that Gloria Sea Food is best enjoyed with a group of friends or family. It’s one of those places where you can sit for hours, enjoying course after course of seafood while chatting over a bottle of soda. It's not fancy, but it's authentic, unpretentious, and incredibly satisfying. And if you’re not sure what to order, just ask the staff – they’re more than willing to recommend dishes based on what’s fresh that day.
What You Won’t Find Online: One thing that makes Gloria special, and is rarely mentioned online, is the fact that their recipes have been passed down through generations. There's a personal touch in every dish that only a family-owned restaurant like this can offer. Additionally, while Byculla is known for its non-vegetarian food, this specific spot manages to keep a low profile despite the incredible flavors they deliver. It’s definitely not a place you would stumble upon unless you were looking for it, but once you do, you’ll keep coming back.
Final Thoughts: If you're looking for an authentic seafood experience in the heart of Mumbai, Gloria Sea Food in Byculla should be on your list. It’s not just about the food – it’s about the atmosphere, the tradition, and the feeling of discovering a hidden gem in your own city. Perfect for anyone who appreciates no-nonsense, quality seafood at...
Read moreGloria restaurant reminds us of the bygone British old world charm. It is run by a Muslim family. It is an old restaurant and is over 75 years old. It has old teak wood furniture on it's walls and has old time mirrors. The mirrors are hand painted with beautiful and intricate designs, paintings or sketches of a bygone Bombay old world charm or era and there are nostalgic to look at. It's open till 1am almost and so it is a late night eatery or dining restaurant in South Mumbai. It is bang opposite Byculla East railway station. Amazingly beautiful. It is well kept and well maintained. It is food is served hot in round plates and the place is clean on the whole. You can get cheap and good food here for the prices it is given for. It's situated exactly bang opposite Gloria Church in Byculla and hence it is named as Gloria Restaurant. Staff is really kind, polite, nice, good in service. This eatery and restaurant was recently painted, renovated and restored to it's former glory. The timings are suitable for Late night birds means people who like to eat dinner or food till late at night. Menu card is given here to see and choose the items accordingly. It serves fresh produce and is a Non Vegetarian or Non Veg eatery or restaurant. Must...
Read moreGloria’s Seafood isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a time capsule of delicious memories. As a former Byculla local who frequented this spot 3 times a week years ago, revisiting it felt like coming home. The roasted chicken is still gloriously tender and spiced to perfection, and their Mughlai dishes remain unbeatable comfort fare.
✨ Timeless taste – Seven years later, every bite is just as I remembered. ✨ Hygienic & humble – Basic, no-frills ambience but sparkling clean, even when packed to the brim. ✨ Heartwarming service – They offer free drinking water to anyone in need, a rare, kind gesture in today’s world.
Yes, it’s always jam-packed, but the efficient staff and quick turnover mean you’ll never wait too long. The crowd? Proof that good food never goes out of style.
If you’re craving hearty, flavorful Mughlai classics served with a side of old-school Bombay warmth, Gloria’s is a must-visit. Here’s to another decade of crispy rotis, rich gravies, and that...
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