Konkani cafe — Restaurant in Mumbai

Konkani Café is a Small, but Aesthetically Well Designed Restaurant that specializes in Authentic Malvani and Goan Cuisines and is renowned for their Seafood Specialties. It was opened about 2 years back by 3 Entrepreneurs who also personally manage all its activities, thereby ensuring Quality, Consistency and Good Service as well. It is located in Hanuman Cross Road, just off the main Hanuman Road in Vile Parle East, a very short distance away from the Iconic Gajalee Restaurant, so it is very easy to locate, particularly if you are using Google Maps which will guide you correctly. There is no Valet Parking Facility, but being in a Lane off the main road, Street Parking is generally available, though you may need to park a little away from the Restaurant and walk back. There is no Main Entrance Door, but there are Vertical Plastic Flaps that cover the entrance, which you have to walk through to enter. As you enter, this area is actually an extension of the Main Restaurant, but has been enclosed to accommodate Tables & Chairs for adequate seating. There is also a Wash Basin area here, but no Wash Room. Beyond this is the Main Restaurant and Kitchen, which is small, but is well designed and quite comfortable too. Both areas are Air-conditioned, so even without a proper Main Door, it is quite Comfortable. Being Small and Very Popular, you may have to wait a while to get a table, but you can always call and pre-reserve a table in advance to avoid waiting. This was our first visit, so we had not made a reservation and it was a Sunday Afternoon, so we had to wait for around 20 minutes to get a table, but the wait was surely worth it. There is no waiting area outside and thankfully it was not raining, or else it would have been a real challenge. The Owners themselves are always present and interact with all guests, thereby ensuring proper service and attention to all, which also adds a nice personal touch. The Menu is quite extensive and the owners will guide you on what to order if you so desire, based on your tastes and what is available and recommended by them. We tried out their Surmai Thali with Rice Bhakri and Tisrya (Clams) Thali with Vade & Steamed Rice accompanied by Chutney Bharlela Bombil on the side. As the Kitchen is small, all tables were occupied and everything is freshly prepared and served, it takes a little while for the food to be served, but that is not really an issue. When the food arrives, it is very well plated over Banana Leaves and looked Very Appetizing too. All the Fish is Amazingly Fresh, so they really must have a very good Fish Vendor, which is a Major Plus Point. The Portion Sizes are quite Large as well, with a Large Surmai Pan Fry Slice in the Surmai Thali and a Bowl Full of Tisrea Masala with Large, Well Cooked Clams in a Very Tasty Masala. Apart from this, in both the Fish Thalis, there was also a Very Tasty Mackerel Curry with a Tail Piece of Mackerel and a Plain Prawn Curry (with no Prawns), Dry Prawns Kismur/Sukat and Solkadi as well. All the preparations were Very Good and the Food was served Fire Hot and Absolutely Finger Licking Good too. We did however feel that the Surmai Fry needed to be cooked a wee bit more and did suggest this to one of the owners as well. The Solkadi was not the best we’ve had, but everything including the Fish Curries, Rice Bhakris and Vades were Really Excellent. The Prices are also Very Reasonable, providing Excellent Value for Money. To sum up, this is indeed a Hidden Gem that every Seafood Lover (particularly those who love Malvani-Goan Cuisine) would surely enjoy and would want to patronize as often as they can. A Must Visit place and Highly...

Our quest for authentic Maharashtrian cuisine initially led us to Gajalee in Vile Parle. However, being a Sunday and right after Navratri, the restaurant was packed, and the wait time exceeded an hour. Unwilling to wait that long, we decided to explore nearby alternatives and stumbled upon Konkani Café—a true hidden gem offering Maharashtrian and Goan cuisine.

Konkani Café is a small, cozy restaurant with 4 tables inside and 8 outside, both sections air-conditioned for comfort. Despite its modest size, the ambiance was inviting, and we were quickly seated. Without wasting any time, we placed our orders.

For starters, we tried the Chicken Ghee Roast and Chutney Barla Bombil (Bombay Duck stuffed with chutney). Both dishes were outstanding in their own way. The Chicken Ghee Roast featured succulent, juicy pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked in a mild, Konkani-style gravy with ghee that balanced richness with flavor. The Chutney Barla Bombil was equally impressive—tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection, with a chutney stuffing that melted in your mouth.

For the main course, we opted for their thali options: Surmai Thali, Chicken Thali, and Bombil Thali. The Bombil Thali included two fried pieces of Bombay Duck, served with Goan-style prawns gravy, Mangalorean-style curry, bhakri (a traditional flatbread), and rice. The Surmai Thali followed the same format but featured a large, perfectly fried piece of Surmai fish. The Chicken Thali offered Goan-style chicken curry, egg curry, and chicken kheema. The chicken kheema and gravy were both rich in flavor, making the thali a standout.

The bhakri, soft and delicious, was a highlight and something we highly recommend. The only minor disappointment was that they served regular rice instead of Indrayani rice with sajuk tup (traditional clarified butter), which would have added an extra layer of authenticity. However, their Kokum Sarbat was a refreshing delight, perfectly balanced and flavorful.

Do note that you’ll need to wait about 15-20 minutes for your food, as everything is freshly prepared. But the wait is worth it for the quality and authenticity of the dishes served.

In conclusion, Konkani Café is a hidden treasure for those seeking flavorful Maharashtrian and Goan cuisine. If you’re in the area, it’s well...

Konkani Cafe is an absolute gem for seafood lovers, offering an unforgettable culinary experience steeped in authentic coastal flavors. From the moment you walk in, the welcoming ambiance sets the tone for a memorable meal.

The food here is nothing short of spectacular! The Squid Batter Fry🦑 is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside, with flavors that will keep you coming back for more. The Bangda Fry🦈 is an absolute must-try, with its aromatic spices and impeccable preparation. And if you're looking for a hearty meal, the Pomfret Thali 🐠is the star of the menu — a well-balanced plate that showcases the richness of Konkani cuisine.

What truly sets Konkani Cafe apart is the owner.🥹 They are incredibly humble and genuinely care about their customers. Their warm hospitality makes you feel right at home and adds a personal touch to the dining experience. The service was flawless, with attentive staff ensuring every detail was taken care of.🌻💯

I had one of the best days after indulging in this delightful feast! If you're craving authentic coastal flavors paired with exceptional service, Konkani Cafe is the place to be. Highly...