*Mug:**:

Mughlai and Tandoori cuisine

Copper Chimney, Kala Ghoda, Colaba, tel # 2041661; Malad, tel # 8821666; Andheri, tel # 8225607, 8221420; Juhu-Vile Parle Scheme, tel # 6203291, Andheri (East): Fair food. The decor is not uniform at all the restaurants Alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted. The Worli CC is at the moment closed following a court dispute.
Khyber, 145 MG Road, Kala Ghoda, tel # 2673227/28/29: Booking a must. Good food, but can tax the digestive system with its rich content. The decor is a good reason to visit this swanky restaurant. Tastefully done with striking frescos by Anjolie Ela Menon, one of India's leading painters, and a Mughal touch. Alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted.
Indian Summer, 80, Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate, tel # 2835445, 2835495: Reservations advised, especially for dinner. The fare is very Indian and luscious. Decor is a bit over the top; dramatic. Alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted.
Jewel of India, Nehru Centre, Worli, tel # 4949204, 4938834: Located in the imposing Nehru Centre, this fancy restaurant offers an interesting menu with something to offer both veggies and carnivores. Alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted.
Nebula, Shivaji Park (bookings advised): Good vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare served. Alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted.
Palkhi, 15, Walton Road, Colaba, tel # 2840053, 2840080: Booking is advised, but tables are available by chance. It offers cuisine from the North West Frontier, in addition to Mughal and Tandoori fare. The food may be a trifle too rich. Heavier to digest is the decor which looks like something out of a Meat Loaf video. Alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted.
Pindh Da Dabha, 3rd Road, Next to Khar railway station (West), Khar, tel # 6462768, 6496806: Good food. Ethnic decor. The restaurant is built to imitate a Punjabi village. Not that expensive.
Prithvi Cafe, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu: Great kababs. The South Indian Chettinad dishes and the Irish Coffee are also recommended. An open air restaurant attached to the Prithvi Theatre, it is usually full of stage actors and patrons of drama. No credit cards.
Rewind, near Sterling Cinema, opposite Fashion Bistro, Fort. Phone: 022-2075427, 2076779: Rewind, located in Fort, offers continental, Mexican, Chinese and Thai cuisine. For the non-vegetarians the menu offers chicken stroganoff, chicken steak peppernota, roast tenderloin and fish and chips. For the vegetarians, there is pastas, cottage cheese and dry fruit and nuts steak, lasagne Florentine and rosti pizza. The desserts include Death by Chocolate, tiramisu and Sicilian ricotta. The restaurant offers fixed meals that includes a soup, salad, main course and dessert and is priced at Rs 265, per head, including taxes. The restaurant also has a bar, offering cocktails, mocktails and the regular alcoholic drinks, priced at Rs 200 onwards. The restaurant has 10 tables. It has an old Hollywood look, with pictures of Hollywood stars, old cameras, antiques and old Hollywood melodies. Lunch will be served from 1200 hours to 1500 hours and dinner will be served from 1800 hours to midnight.
Sunset Room, Sun and Sand Hotel, Juhu Beach, tel # 6201811: Good Indian food. Continental too. Don't try the Chinese. Expensive. Alcohol not served. Credit cards accepted.
Venue,Vilas Centre, SV Road, Near Santa Cruz bus depot, tel # 6115842: Good Mughlai food. Calls itself a "boutique restaurant". Spacious and expensive. Alcohol served. Most credit cards accepted.

*Gujarati:**:

Gujarati and Marwari Food

Chetana, 34 Rampart Row, Kala Ghoda, tel # 2844968 (no need to book). They offer a thali --a plate full of various curries, chutney, pickle, culinary knick-knacks, papad, puris and rice -- for both lunch and dinner. You can take as many helpings of the main course as you like -- at no extra charge. Ask about the two thali choices; there are two types of thalis, Rajasthani and Gujarati available. Very rich vegetarian food and difficult to digest. However the menu offers a 'light' thali too. They do thali take-aways too. Alcohol served. No credit cards.

Shri Kalpana Club, 5/7 New Satta Galli, behind Cotton Exchange, Zaveri Bazaar, tel # 2081327: A light, delicately spiced, vegetarian Gujarati thali is available for lunch and dinner at this tiny restaurant. Good food. Decor? Rickety tables and chairs and not much else. An eat-all-you-can-eat deal, the waiters are particularly attentive. Rs 50 per thali. A branch of the original Thackers Club that has closed down. The cooks use less ghee and oil, which makes the food much easier to digest. The food is served out swiftly in the typical Gujarati bhojan sammelan style from 1100 to 1500 hours and from 1900 to 2200 hours. Farsan, dals, curry, hot roti, undhiya, , a variety of vegetables, bhakri, chaas, raita, yogurt, a sweet and rice. No alcohol. Credit cards not acceptable. No reservation required but the restaurant is small and one often has to wait for a table.

Icy Spicy
Panchvati Gaurav, near Bombay Hospital, Metro: Panchvati's vegetarian thali is tasty. The cuisine is a mix of Marwari and Gujarati food. The typical Rajasthani ghee-doused dal-baati is available. The decor is simple. They supply take-away thalis too. Very reasonable at Rs 95 per head.
Purohit, Veer Nariman road, Churchgate, tel # 2046241: Purohit at Churchgate in Bombay has a new avatar. One of Bombay's oldest Gujarati and first vegetarian restaurants, it opened in 1928 at Bori Bunder. It shifted to Churchgate in 1939 opposite Brabourne stadium and was frequented by cricket fans after matches. On the menu are a variety of Punjabi dishes and an authentic Gujarati thali priced at Rs 105. Lunch is served from 1200 hours to 1500 hours and dinner from 1930 hours to 2300 hours.
Rajdhani, 361, Sheikh Memon Street, Opposite Mangaldas Market, Lohar Chawl, Crawford Market, tel # 3426919: (you may need to wait a while at lunch hour ). Cramped. The decor is functional. Rich vegetarian food, served thali style, for lunch or dinner. You can take as many helpings of the main course as you like, at no extra cost. Watch out for how the waiters signal what you want to the kitchen. No alcohol served. No credit cards accepted.
Samrat, Prem Court, J Tata Road, Churchgate (bookings advised) tel # 2820942, 2843997: Though this upstairs-downstairs restaurant serves varied vegetarian fare, the Gujarati thali is much sought after. Beer served. Major credit cards accepted.
Shagun, M61, Shivlal Motilal Mansion, D B road, Bombay Central, tel # 3084444, 3071816, 3091515: Located near Marathi Mandir, Shagun offers Gujarati thalis at Rs 75 per head. On Sundays this thali restaurant offers a special thali for Rs 100. On Thursdays the specialty is puran poli. On Saturday it is dahi wada and on Monday it is dahi pakoda.
Swati Snacks, Opposite Bhatia Hospital, Tardeo, tel # 4920994 (no bookings accepted, but you may have to wait for a table): Good vegetarian food. Try the rice pancakes panki-chutney or the dal dhokli. Lovely homemade ice cream. Functional decor. No alcohol served. No credit cards accepted.
Thackers, 116/118 First Marine Street, Opposite Good Housekeeping, off Karve road, near Metro cinema, tel # 2053623: Good vegetarian food. Thali style. No alcohol served. Credit cards not accepted.
Golden Star Thali, 330 Raja Ram Mohan Road, opposite Charni Road station, tel # 3631983 (no bookings required): Simple, neat decor. Gujarati/ Rajasthani thali is above average. Good farsans and desserts. Rs 125 per head on weekdays. Rs 145 per head on Sundays. You can take as many helpings of the main course as you like, at no extra charge. Thalis are served from 1100 hours to 1500 hours and from 1900 hours to 2230 hours. No alcohol served. Credit cards accepted.

*Maharashtrian:**:

Maharashtrian Vegetarian

Aswad, Lady Jamshetji Road, opposite Shiv Sena Bhavan, Dadar: A handkerchief-size restaurant offering typical Maharashtrian snacks. Recommended: kothimbir vadi and the chaklis. And the kharwas, a special sweet. Economical. No alcohol served. Credit cards not accepted.
The stall near Chabildas School, near Tilak Bridge, Dadar: Famous for miles around for its piping hot vada pavs and pungent garlic chutney. Very popular.
Dattatraya, north Gokhale road, Dadar: Great place to have an asli Maharashtrian veg thali.
Mamakane, Dadar station: Another reputed vada pav stall. Try their misal too.
Panshikar's, near Dadar West railway station: The tops for Maharashtrian sweets. Their pedhas, shrikhand, puranpoli and telpolis go like hot cakes. The few tables located in the restaurant attached serve up tasty snacks like sabudana wada and piyush. Economical. No alcohol served. Credit cards not accepted.
Tripti, near Shivaji Mandir: Serves up all sorts of tasty Maharashtrian snacks and thalis at mealtimes. Don't miss trying the kothimbir vadi. Popular. Economical. No alcohol served. Credit cards not accepted.

*South:**:

South Indian

Dosa Diner, Link Palace, next to Kamat's Club, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri. Phone: 022-6351078. And at Dosa Diner, Turner road, opposite Popley Plaza, Bandra. Phone: 022-6404488: The menu includes vegetarian, chicken, prawns and chinese filling with the dosas. Masala dosa, Mysore dosa, sada dosa, rava dosa, neer dosa, paper dosa, idlis and upma are also available. The dosas are priced at Rs 25 and the fillings are priced at Rs 35 onwards. A 12 per cent tax is also charged. The menu also includes fish thali, crab thali and chicken thali, priced at Rs 120. The Bandra restaurant has 40 tables and the Andheri outlet 22. The Bandra DD is open from 1130 hours to midnight. The Andheri Dosa Diner is open from 1130 hours to 2330 hours.
The Andheri outlet offers, along with the regular dosas, a buffet of vegetarian and non-vegetarian salads, priced at Rs 75, a bowl, inclusive of taxes.
Dwarka, Dalal Street, near the Bombay Stock Exchange (will have to wait for a table): Great idlis, dosas; the mini-meals are tasty.
Icy Spicy, Windsor Chambers, 7, Cawasji Patel Street, tel # 2870975: This is not strictly a South Indian restaurant and the place offers a variety of Gujarati food (dhoklas, khandvi, muthiya, khichdi-karhi, dal-dokhli) and North Indian specials like some great stuffed parathas, pakoras and pulaus. But their idlis, upmas and vadas are exceptional; especially the Mangalore idlis. The food is all vegetarian and rather unusual and tasty. The selection is immense; in fact the menu contains 370 items.
Kamats, Maker Arcade, Maker Tower, Cuffe Parade (you may have to wait for a while at lunchtime): Authentic south Indian fare served before you can say Jack Robinson. Economical.
MATUNGA: There are several restaurants in this area, often dubbed mini-Madras, where one can have a good South Indian meal. Try Ram Nayak's Udipi Shri Krishna Boarding or Southern Concerns. Or Shree Sunders for their vast choice of dosas. Eat as much as you can, the meal is very economical. No alcohol. No credit cards.
Shivsagar, Juhu Beach: Udipi food is top of the line. Crowded, but service is quick. Very economical.
Suvidha, D N Road, Near Victoria Terminus, tel # 2042131 (you may have to wait for a table at lunch): Excellent authentic Udipi dishes. Try the rawa idlis. Economical.
Tanjore, Taj Mahal Hotel, Apollo Bunder, tel # 2023366 (booking advised): South Indian thalis are served at this upmarket restaurant. Classical dance performances every evening. Cuisines - thalis - from other parts of India are also available. Good ambience.
Woodlands, Juhu-Vile Parle scheme, tel # 6119119 (bookings advised; else, you may have to wait for about an hour for a table in the evenings or on the weekend): Authentic south Indian cuisine. Udipi snacks, southy thalis, bisi beli huleFunctional decor. Economical.
Woodside Inn, Opposite the Regal cinema (no bookings required): Vegetarian. Ask that the dosa or idli be served with the powder chutney or mulgapodee.

*Goan:**:

Coastal cuisine

Ananthashram, Kotachiwadi, Girgaum: Even the Spartans would find this seafood restaurant spartan, but let that not distract you from the food which has a flavour all its own. The faithful clientele includes some of Bombay's most illustrious figures, but members of the management, who double up as waiters in their vests and pyjamas, remain untouched by the glitter.
Ankur, Meadows House, Meadows Street, opposite Ali Chambers on Tamarind Lane, tel # 2654194, 2630393, reservations advised: A new seafood eatery of south Bombay. Very pleasant ambience; the accent is on wood. The restaurant offers Managalorean seafood served up in a traditional. Prawn curries and fish curries are served with the fluffy, toddy-enriched saana or with the typical Mangalore rice dosas, neer tala. Recommended: the fried prawns. The fact that a few Mughlai, Chinese dishes and veg dishes have been included on the menu, for those who do not like seafood, sets Ankur apart from other popular seafood places. Expensive. Alcohol served. Credit cards accepted.
Apoorva, SA Brelvi Road, off PM Road, tel # 2870335: Like Mahesh, it serves decent seafood, Mangalorean style. Avoid the chicken neer dosa and chicken roti. Alcohol served, Major credit cards accepted.
Bay of Bombay, next to Edward Theatre, near Metro Cinema. Phones: 022-2056173, 2058397: Offers seafood prepared in a variety of sauces. Starters: Crevete basket which includes king prawns served with lemon tartar sauce and home fries, raw oysters, Bali satey which is chicken served with peanut sauce.
Menu specials: You can choose from prawns, salmon, lobster, oyster, crab and squid with either garlic butter sauce, lemon butter sauce, oriental with hot and spicy sauce, poached wheat buerre blanc sauce and steamed sweet and sour sauce. For the vegetarians, there is vegetable pasta, whole-wheat crepes with mushrooms and vegetable gassi.
Desserts: Byculla souffl�, duo of chocolate mousse, fresh fruit sabayon, peach gateau and triple sundaes.
The starters are priced between Rs 95 and Rs 165. A main course dish is priced between Rs 195 and Rs 750. Deserts are priced between Rs 95 to Rs 115. The restaurant has two floors, catering to many people at a time. Major credit cards will be accepted. Alcohol served. Lunch is served from 1230 hours to 1500 hours and dinner from 1900 hours to 2330 hours.
Excellensea, Hotel Bharat, Ballard Estate, (Bookings advised for Excellensea), tel # 2618991: Patronised by the city's upwardly mobile while the rest eat downstairs at the functional Bharat. Good seafood, Mangalorean style.Try the crabs, fish, koliwada prawns, prawn gassi with idli. Reasonable. Does home deliveries. Alcohol served. Mastercard, Visa cards accepted.
City Kitchen, Ballard Estate (it could get crowded at lunch-time): Established by Sacru Menezes, a former Indian hockey goal-keeper, this spartan restaurant serves some of the best Goan food in town, at excellent prices. The chicken, fish and pork dishes are good, but spicy. No alcohol. No credit cards.
Gajalee, Hanuman Road, Vile Parle (East), tel # 8388093. Seafood, served Maharashtrian-style. No alcohol. Major credit cards accepted.
Goa Portuguesa, Milli Building, Dhananjay Keer Chowk, off Cadell Road, Near Hinduja Hospital, Mahim (booking advised), tel # 4440202: Good Goan food. Try the pork sorpotel or the prawns xacuti. And the bibinca for dessert. Alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted.
Highway Gomantak, 44/2179, Gandhi Nagar, behind Apna Bazaar, Bandra, tel # 6409692, 6432472: Simple restaurant. Great seafood, Gomantak style as its name suggests. The clams, crab, surmai fry, oysters, mackerel dishes are justifiably well known in these parts. Thali lunches and seafood available from 1130 hours till 1500 hours and from 1900 hours to 2200 hours.
Janardan, Khar-Danda village, tel # 6460910: A tiny shack, but the seafood is good. If you don't want a takeway, sit at one of the three tables and try the prawn cutlets, tiger prawn, steamed fish. Call ahead for specific preferences. Beer served. No credit cards please!
Koliwada, next to Sunville hall, Dr Annie Besant road. Phones: 022-4969076, 4900738, 4900737: Koliwada, located at Worli, offers seafood prepared in whichever manner you choose -- Chinese, Thai, Mangalorean, Punjabi, tandoori. Menu specials -- prawn gassi, prawn dum biryani, tandoori crab, tandoori prawns, garlic butter crab, neer dosa, veg korma. Desserts: ice cream, fresh mangoes. Standard Punjabi, tandoori and vegetarian dishes are available as well. A main course dish is priced between Rs 75 and Rs 100. The focus of the decor at Koliwada is a giant picture window created from a fish tank. The restaurant offers 14 tables. Credit cards will be accepted shortly (April 15). Alcohol served. Lunch is served from 1130 hours to 1600 hours and dinner from 1800 hours to 2330 hours.
Konkan Cafe, President hotel, 90, Cuffe Parade, tel # 2150808: Coastal food has gone hip. The Cafe is rather tony place to eat the humble bhangda frys and gassis that have become so popular in simple joints across Bombay. Though the Manglorean ambience is very pleasant, the Konkan food here is not as good as it is in the simple places. Try the vegetable curries. Recommended; the steamed fish. Open daily. Lunch served from 1230 hours to 1445 hours. Dinner served in two sittings at 1900 hours and at 1030 hours. Alcohol served. All major credit cards accepted.
Mahesh Lunch Home, 8 BC Patel St, off PM Road, tel # 2870938: Good seafood, Mangalorean style. Try the grilled pomfret and tandoori crab. Of late the the standards have dropped a bit and the prices have shot up. Alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted.
Mermaid, 12, Bhiwandiwalla building, Worli Naka, tel # 4984884: Goan, Mangalorean and Bengali style prawns, crabs, and fish offered. Try the pomfret ricardo , crabs stuffed with red masala, jumbo prawns peri peri, lobster peri peri, fried lisha , paneer mattar gassi, vegetable xacuti, vegetable korma, sana, neer dosa. Medium expensive. No alcohol is served. Visa, Diners and Master Card accepted.
Only Fish, next to Rosewood Hotel, opposite Tardeo AC Market, Tardeo, tel # 4963114: Bengali food and other coastal cuisines available. Typical Bengali fish -- hilsa, rohu and katla -- are served up in a traditional style. Prawn and crab dishes like malaikari are also available. Very tasty. Expensive. Credit cards accepted. Liquor served.
Pisces, ground floor, Golden Crown, near Nana Chowk, tel # 3805247, 3806482: Offers Gomantak, Bengali, north Indian and south Indian food. Immense range of seafood. Pleasant decor. Some of the specials: Goan fish curry (Rs 100), fish Manchurian (Rs 150), fish Kolhapuri (Rs 150), prawns malai gravy (Rs 120). Some of the vegetarian dishes offered are veg Kolhapuri (Rs 100), veg kadai (Rs 100). No alcohol is served. All major credit cards accepted.
Prakash, Gokhale road, Dadar (North), and a branch at Kotachiwadi, Girgaum: Traditional Maharashtrian cusine available. Decor: no frills. Very economical.
Sayba, SV Road, opposite the Bandra mosque, Bandra (no bookings and you may have to wait an eternity at peak hour for a table): Excellent fare, typical of the Maharashtra coast. Try the prawn vindaloo.
Sheetal, Khar and Sheetal Samudra, Unity Compound, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu, tel # 6126218, 6182872 (Bookings not essential). Good seafood. The lobster -- which you can choose from a tank -- is recommended, but do remember to ask the price before placing your order. Else, the bill could be cause for dyspepsia. Also try the fish steak and masala crab. Alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted.
Soul Fry, Silver Croft, Pali Mala road, opposite Pali Market, Bandra West, tel # 022-6046892: A cousin of Soul Kadi. Try a chicken fish or mutton thali for lunch (Rs 80). Or dig into squid fry (Rs 60), stuffed tandoori aloo, masala baingan(Rs 40), mushroom peri-peri (Rs 70), sungta Maria (Rs 100), chicken jeere meere RS 80), chapta fry chicken (Rs 110), prawn peri-peri (Rs 150), tandoori crab (Rs 100), stuffed tangdi kebab (Rs 120) or chicken in buttermilk sauce (Rs 120). Finish up with the dessert of the day (Rs 50) . Decor: Cheerful. There's a plant lined patio where it is possible to have dinner al fresco (with 10 per cent discounts). The restaurant has quite literally drop down menus (they come down on a pulley) and games to play while you wait for your entrees (scrabble, snakes and ladders, noughts and crosses). Lunch served from 1200 hours to 1500 hours and dinner from 1930 hours to 2400 hours. Alcohol served. Visa and Mastercard accepted.
Soul Kadi, Phoenix Mills Compound, Lower Parel, tel # 4953484: Offers lunches of 'old Ratnagiri style food', that is Gomantak and Malwani food. Some of the restaurant specialities: stuffed bangra fry, mix shaguti, prawn bakshim curry, stuffed pomfret. They offer thalis too -- the chicken thali (Rs 45), the shaguti thali (Rs 48), the kundiwalla thali (Rs 60), etc. Nice, simple traditional decor. Lunch is served between 1200 hours and 1530 hours everyday. And dinner from 2000 hours to 2330 hours. Long queues; better to lunch early. Empty at dinner time. No alcohol is served. No smoking

Sindhudurg, Near Sena Bhavan, Shivaji Park (No bookings, but you may have to wait your turn for a table at dinner-time): Though mutton and chicken thalis are served, choose the fish thali. Always interesting fare. No alcohol. Mastercard, Visa cards accepted.
Trishna, 7, Rope Walk Lane, Near Commerce House, Kala Ghoda, (bookings advised on the weekend. You may have to wait for a table even on a weekday), tel # 2672176: Good seafood, Mangalorean style. Try the ladyfish and crab. Functional decor, but a bit cramped.
Viva Paschim, City Mansion, near City Bakery, Worli Naka, tel # 4937059, 4931851: As its name suggests, Viva Paschim promises to provide diners with the food of Western India. Maharashtrian (Kolhapuri as well as Konkani), Gujarati and Goan food available. Charming decor. Warli art decorates the walls. Do try the Kolhapuri pandhra rassa, clam and crab janjira . Veggies can opt for the alu kaju phatphate. Alcohol served. Credit cards accepted. About Rs 400 per head.
Wall Street, Hamam street, opposite the stock exchange, tel # 022-2650020: Offers a variety of South Indian seafood from the southern states. Piping hot idiappams, appams, neer dosa served with chicken curry (Rs 120), fish curry (Rs 120), shell fish curry (Rs 120) is the back bone of the menu. However standard Chinese and Punjabi dishes are also available. Dessert: ice creams, chocolate mousse, caramel custard. Decor: Spacious. 46 tables. Lunch is served from 1200 hours to 1530 hours. Dinner is served from 1800 hours to 2400 hours. On Sundays dinner is served from 1830 hours to 2400 hours. Alcohol is served. Credit cards are accepted.

*Muslim:**:

Muslim

Bacchu ki Wadi, situated in the lane adjacent to Nagpada: Bacchu ki Wadi is located in the seemier side of town very close to Shuklaji street, one of the biggest grey markets in Bombay and adjacent to the red light area. Its location has contributed to its popularity as a great take-away spot. The finest seekh kababs, along with rich parathas, spicy coriander chutney and a touch of mint leaves. Very reasonable.

Sarvi, Nagpada, located bang opposite Nagpada police station, tel # 3088873: Famous not only for its seekh kababs but also for the paya or trotters curry, bheja fry and delicious biryani. Don't miss their special pani kum chai after the meals. They have a separate air conditioned as well. A clean and cheap place for a delicious meal. By the way Sarvi is open right from 0900 hours till midnight. Very reasonable.

Noor Mohammedi, Vazir building, Bhendi Bazaar en route to Mohammed Ali road, tel # 3711008: The finest nalli-nihari this side of Delhi can be had at Noor Mohammedi restaurant. Nalli-nihari, eaten with naan, makes for a great breakfast. Also recommended: gurda-kaleji. Photographs of filmstars and other celebrities adorn the walls of this II-grade restaurant.

Bara Handi, 261, Nagdevi street, opposite Masjid: Bori Mohalla is the home of the famous Bara Handi Hotel (restaurant), which is located right across from the tomb of the late Bohra leader, Syedna Tahir Saifuddin Saheb. Bara handi or 12 different handis or cauldrons of beef or mutton salans and kormas -- ranging from chote ka paya mutton trotters curry to pichota or tail curry and bade ka paya or beef trotters curry)-- are available. Very oily. Moderately spicy. Delectable.

Janata Chicken 65, situated in Memon Mohalla or Minara Masjid lane: This is the most well-known eating joint in the vicinity. Janata Chicken 65 Stall is a great place to eat khiri-kaleji or crispy masala fried udders and heart, gurda fry, kidney and liver dry fry with red or green masala, chicken fry, masala dry fry bater or quails, bheja fry or masala brain.

Taj Mahal Cold Drink House, 36/40, Sayed Abu Mohammed road, Bhendi Bazaar, Saifee Ambulance lalne, tel # 3461257: This tiny shop's USP is its homemade fresh ice creams made from seasonal fruit called sancha ice cream. But equally good are its biryanis. Sample the Chinese Muslim food too, a variety of Chinese food that defies explanation. This like most of its neighbours that we have mentioned earlier is 110 years old. Very reasonable.
For more information on checking out Bombay's Muslim eating places -- especially during Ramzan -- check out Rediff Travel feature -- Daawat-e-Iftaar.

*Parsi:**:

Parsi

Bastani, Aldun Building, Dhobi Talao, tel # 2014474: Renowned for its buns and cakes, Bastani does offer typical Parsi cutlets and patties. This Irani restaurant offers a glimpse into an ethos that is almost extinct in Bombay. Look out for the Dos and Don'ts board as you enter! Beer served. No credit cards please.
Britannia, Ballard Estate, tel # 2615264: Berry pulao, sali boti, patra ni machli, dhansak, curry-rice... the choice of Parsi food at Britannia is wide and the food is exceptionally good. Ambience: Laidback and simple. Reasonable. Beer served. Credit cards not accepted.
Jimmy Boy Cafe, Vikas building, 11 Bank street, Fort, near Horniman Circle, tel # 022-2662503, 2700880: One of Bombay's rare and newest upmarket Parsi restaurants. Hop over here for some traditional Parsi cuisine -- kid ghost (Rs 75), patra ni machi , prawn curry, dhansak (Rs 100), kheema pao (Rs 45), marghi na farcha, sali botee. The menu changes daily and at least one Parsi special is on the lunch menu. A three course banana leaf lagan-nu-bhonu is available daily for dinner for Rs 200 (non-vegetarian) and Rs 150 (vegetarian). An a la carte lunch and brunch is also served which includes pizzas, pastas and sandwiches too. Dessert: custard, mousee, their special brownies, lagan-nu-custard. Decor: A modern Irani style. Jimmy Boy Cafe was once Cafe India and is still under the same Parsi management. Open 1100 hours to 2300 hours. No alcohol served. No smoking. Credit cards not accepted. The restaurant also delivers to offices and homes nearby.
Ideal Corner, 12F/G Hornby View, Gunbow street, tel # 2621930: This nanee Parsi haunt offers a daily 'fixed' menu of Parsi food and a la carte, less tasty Chinese dishes. Dhansak and mutton cutlets are particularly good. Also try the sali boti and the lagan nu custard. Decor: plastic chairs and melamine plates. Very reasonable. Alcohol not served. Credit cards not accepted.
Paradise, Sindh Chambers, Colaba Causeway, tel # 2832874: Jimmy's sem-continental dishes (probably more Anglo-Indian) and Parsi favourites are legendary in these parts. The Scotch broth soup, sali marghi, the Saturday chicken dhansak, sizzlers, pasta khichdis are recommended. No credit cards or alcohol. Reasonable.
Picollo, Bansilal building, Homi Modi street, Fort, tel # 2654537: RTI run, this tiny eatery -- nine tables -- is located across the street from Bombay House, the headquarters of the Tata group. The menu is simple -- chicken dhansak, mutton dhansak, burgers, lacy cutlets, pasta, sali botis, chicken rolls and daily specials. Picollo opens early (0800 hours) and is a nice place to have a morning cuppa. Closes by 1900 hours. Reasonable. Alcohol not served. No credit cards.
Strand Coffee House, opposite the old Strand cinema, Colaba market, Colaba, tel # 2833418: A new eatery that offers the entire range of Parsi khana. The food is slightly oily but evidently popular with the Parsis who are its main patrons. And quite asli, almost homemade. Try the vasanu, mutton cutlets and the mutton/chicken/fish curry and rice. They even serve patra-ni machhi and dhansak on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays aand dhansak on certain days of the week. Desserts: lagan nu custard, puddings, chocolate mousse Pleasant quiet ambience. No credit cards. Alcohol not served.
Sunshine Snacks, Hampton Court, Wodehouse road, Colaba, near Colaba bus station, tel # 2150787, 2150646: This small shop is famous for miles around for its frankies. Parsi owned, they do excellent dhansak, sali kheema, dabba ghost takeway too
Wayside Inn, Rampart Row, Kala Ghoda, tel # 2044324: Anglo-Parsi dishes and a few traditional Parsi specialities make up the menu at Wayside Inn. Mutton cutlets, fish and chips, steak, strawberries and cream (seasonal) , the Tuesday chicken dhansak, the Thursday chicken pulao are worth a try. The ambience at Wayside is unbelievable... the restaurant probably looks today just the way it did 70 years ago. By the way Tuesday is the day for Indian food at WI. Fairly reasonable. Beer served. No credit cards.

*Italian:**:

Italian and Continental food

Al Fresco, Hotel Guestline, A B Nair road, near Sun 'n' Sand, Juhu, tel # 625222, 6705555, 6703334: Located on the terrace of this hotel-motel. Expensive. Good food. Alcohol served. Credit cards accepted.
Cafe Churchill, opposite Cusrow Baug, Colaba Causeway, Colaba, tel # 2844689: More like a bistro, this tiny restaurant (six tables) serves up excellent continental food. Their pastas, steaks, and sandwiches are very good. The chicken sandwiches are recommended. The gnocci too. The desserts are excellent. They do good breakfasts also. Reservations are not required, but you will probably have to wait for a table. Fairly resonable. No alcohol served. No credit cards.
The Fashion Bistro, Dhiraj Chambers, 16 Murzban road, Fort, tel #2077270. The restaurant serves trendy continental and international cuisine. Prices: steepish. Food: good. Starters run to: hummus, oysters, deep fried pasta.
Fiorella, The Leela, near Sahar airport, Andheri (E), tel # 8363636: Good Italian food. Classy decor. Plenty of vegetarian choices. Expensive. Alcohol served. Credit cards accepted.
Fountain 57 MG Road, Fountain, tel # 2675315, 2670920: Good pastas, steaks, starters and sizzlers. Nice desserts. Take an upstairs table. A bit smoky. Music can be loud. Simple decor. Fairly reasonable. Credit cards accepted.
Just Around the Corner Junction of 24th and 30th road, TPS III, Bandra, tel # 6413666: This cafeteria-style eatery seems to be a new stunt being attempted to attract 'avant garde' Bombay diners. Or whoever. A variety of light, healthy, continental foods are available. Tasty salads, soup, bread, pasta, sandwiches, desserts. Very Veggie sandwich (Rs 60), King Just Us Special sandwich (Rs 60), Cottage in the Woods burger (Rs 50), Hot Dogs (Rs 75) (An expensivce dog). Rs 100 per head for a salad lunch. As well as some standard Hindustani curry and rice too (Rs 125). Good breakfasts. Very very American decor and food; cooool ambience . Watch the price. JUTC's system of pricing is often difficult to fathom.
Kobe, 13, Sukh Sagar, Hughes Road, Off Chowpatty (booking advised), tel # 3632174; next to Punjabi Ghasitaram, near Navrang cinema, J P road, Andheri West, tel # 6282424, 6282414: Good sizzlers. Waiters can be requested to bring your choice of topping. Teeny-bopper, smoke-filled decor. No alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted. Bombay's famous sizzler restaurant, Kobe has opened a second outlet in Andheri. Now north Bombayites can have their satellite steaks, chicken shasliks, veg shasliks, garlic steak much closer to home. And Rs 30 cheaper per dish. This Kobe is a bit larger than the original, however it does not serve alcohol or accept credit cards yet
Little Italy, Hotel Atlantic, 18-B Juhu Tara Road, near Maneckji Cooper school, Juhu, tel # 6106569, 6173885, 6104781: Run by devotees of Osho Rajneesh. Good vegetarian food. Expensive.
Cafe Indigo, Mandalik road, near Cotton World, Colaba, tel # 022-2856316, 2023592: Serves Italian and French cuisine. Dig into pastas, fillet mignon, tuna, rawas fry, grilled vegetables, lobster bisque, carrot soup, orange soup, lamb, gnocchi, mushroom flan, raviolo, lobster salad. Desserts: Tiramisu, almond torte, sorbet, crepes. Decor: Very simple but elegant. Appetizers are priced at Rs 150 or so. Main courses are priced at Rs 260 or so.
New Yorker, 25, Chowpatty Seaface, Marine Drive, tel # 3643232, 3632923: Vegetarian Indo-continental food available here. Pizzas, Tex Mex and other continental fast food available. The Tex Mex is fairly tasty though not particularly authentic. A popular place and lunch queues often extend out the door. Open from 1130 hours to 2330 hours. No credit cards. Alcohol not served.
Not Just Jazz by the Bay, , Soona Mahal, 143 Marine Drive, near Churchgate, (booking advised, especially on the weekend), tel # 2851876, 2820957: This bistro offers soup and salad lunches. The choices are rather unusual. Ever tried bacon and apple soup. Their other continental dishes -- chicken, pastas, seafood -- are also fairly exciting.
The Palms, The Oberoi Towers, Nariman Point, (booking advised) tel # 2024343: An impressive Italian buffet is laid out on Thursdays. This pleasant-looking, spacious restaurant has other special food nights -- Mongolian on Saturdays, sizzlers on Fridays and special children's lunch on Sundays. Good food, plenty of choices. Yummy desserts. Alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted.
Pot Pourri 4 Carlton Court, near Hong Kong Bank, Turner road, Bandra West, tel # 6429193, 6406010: A tasty selection of pastas and sauces available. This small jazzy open air eatery also offers Mexican food and some Thai curries. Desserts are exceptional.
The Rotisserie, The Oberoi, Nariman Point, (booking advised), tel # 2025757: Inspite the name, good international continental food rather than French. Lovely decor. Expensive. Alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted.
Shatranj Napoli, 12, Pali Hill, tel # 6498457: Italian and Indian cuisine. The Italian stuff is interesting. Beer served. Major credit cards accepted.
Siciliana, the Italian Bistro, 8 & 9 Link Palace, 19 Swami Samarth Nagar, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri, tel # 63638899, 6348989: Offers a variety of Italian bites. For a start there's a whole selection of pizzas. Pizzas with shrimp, peppers and tuna (Rs 175). Chicken, sausage, ham and bacon topping on its Pizza de Carne (Rs 175). Lemon chicken on your pizza pie. Or just spinach (Rs 150) . Or sample its salads, pasta specials. Fusilli al pesto (Rs 175). Putanesca (Rs 150). Lasagne vegetariane (Rs 150). Or dessert. Alcohol is not served. Just Coke and mineral water. But it will be available shortly. Credit cards are accepted. Lunch is served from 1100 hours to 1500 hours and dinner from 1900 hours to 2400 hours. Home delivery too.
Society, Ambassador Hotel, Churchgate, (book ahead), tel # 2041464, 204-0531: Good continental food available alongside good Mughlai fare. Try the lasagne, the crepes Suzette or the saag mutton. Alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted.
Three Flights Up, Apollo Bunder, tel # 2852298, 2024280: This disco has introduced VFM and tasty continental buffet lunches from 1200 hours to 1530 hours. The buffet spread is priced at Rs 220 per person and includes taxes. The menu differs for each day of the week and varies each week. The buffet comprises of both vegetarian and non vegetarian. The spread includes two soups, three types of pastas, salads, raitas and some Indian dishes.
Trattoria, Hotel President, Cuffe Parade, Colaba, (bookings at meal-time is recommended), tel # 2150808: Good Italian food. Nice desserts. Alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted.

Zodiac Grill, Taj Mahal Hotel, Apollo Bunder (booking advised), tel # 2023366: Often cited as Bombay's finest restaurant. Good French food which can be eaten in a splendid setting (However the food is more international continental rather than French). Obviously expensive. Alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted.

*Mexican:**:

Mexican

Casa Mexicana, Oberoi Towers, Nariman Point, tel # 2024343: As would be expected a mucho Latino atmosphere. Sombreros, cactus, red terra cotta, bright woven rugs... the works. Excellent food. Try the halapeno fritters. The raspberry biree tequila dessert The is excellent too. The chef running the show is Mexican. Good veg choices. Live Mexican music that at times can be overwhelming as to the service. There's a lunchtime buffet. Expensive. Alcohol served. Credit cards accepted.
El Mexicano, Hotel President, 90 Cuffe Parade, tel # 2150808: Less of a fiesta type decor. More sober and subdued and elegant. Good Mexican food -- tortillas, tacos, burritos, quesadillos and nachos and what have you. Plus a a range of rare Mexican specialties. Kitchen manned by two Mexican chefs. Expensive. Alcohol served. Credit cards accepted.
Sheriff, 231, Link Corner, Linking road, Bandra, tel # 6515959, 6515969: Bombay newest Mexican restaurant has an ambience that is all Western with saluting hombres, twirling guns, lassos and saddles over the place. . A cowboy handles the valet parking. Buffet -- a soup and three starters -- for Rs 175. Mexican delights on the menu are salads, chicken and tomato filled corn cups, cheese nachos, vegetarian and non-vegetarian burritos, enchiladas, sizzlers, burgers and more. For dessert, the cinnamon pie and ice cream must be given a trial. No alcohol served. Credit cards accepted.

*Thai:**:

Oriental and Chinese

China Garden, Crossroads, Pt MM Malviya road, near Haji Ali. Phones: 022-4955588, 4955589, 4955590: China Garden, in its second avatar, looks somewhat like the restaurant that was housed at Om Chambers, Kemps Corner, with an accent again on red, green and white. Unlike the old restaurant, which occupied several floors, the new China Garden is spread over one level and has a spacious look, with expanses of black marble and a prominent bar. The restaurant is decorated with Chinese artefacts and the view into the Crossroads atrium is framed with delicate white lace Chinese curtains. It will accommodate 300 covers.
China Garden@Crossroads will have the original China Garden menu, with a few new dishes added. China Garden hot favourites are prawns wrapped in bacon, crispy Peking chicken, crispy beans, Shantung prawns, gin chicken, hakka fish. Lunch will be served from 1200 hours to 1500 hours and dinner from 1930 hours to 2400 hours. Expensive. Alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted.
China Gate, Off Waterfield Road, Bandra: Cramped, but the food is swell. Try the chicken lollipops, prawns wrapped in bacon.
Chopsticks, 354, Linking Road, Khar, (booking advised) tel # 6499009: Try the chicken chowmein, tsinghai chicken, prawn pepper salt. Expensive. Alcohol served. Credit cards accepted. Monday closed.
Great Wall of China, The Leela, near Sahar airport, Andheri (E), tel # 8363636: The quality tends to be rather temperamental, but try the seafood rices. Pleasant decor. Expensive. Alcohol served. Credit cards accepted.
Kamling, 82, Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate (booking advised), tel # 2042618/ 2045643: In a city where virtuallyevery restaurant serves Chinese cuisine (the Chinese don't need to launch another war against India; they have already won the War of the Palate) and the fare is more Indian-Chinese than Chinese,Kamling serves up the authentic stuff. Alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted.
Ling's Pavilion, Off Colaba Causeway, Near Regal Cinema (book in advance) tel # 2824533, 2850023, 2850024: Even though owner Baba Ling is only half-Chinese, he serves the most authentic Chinese fare in town. Members of the Chinese consular staff in Bombay can be spotted feasting on native delicacies in the comfortable restaurant. Expensive. Alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted.
Mainland China, Saki Naka junction, Andheri Kurla Road, tel # 8379656, 8387264: Pleasing decor. Spacious. Try the burnt ginger rice, tiger prawns, crispy spinach and the darshaan.
Oriental Blossom, Marine Plaza Hotel, Marine Drive, (book in advance), tel # 2851212: A new restaurant, OB has a pleasing, low key decor. Try for a table in one of the secluded alcoves. The food is well-cooked, not too oily and rather tasty. Try their spare ribs in honey preparation. There are good veg choices too. Prices are fairly reasonable considering that the restaurant is located in a starred hotel. Credit cards accepted. Alcohol served. Reservations necessary.
Oye Chi, at Haveli, Juhu beach, tel # 6110199, 6143605: This is the new Oriental restaurant that has opened in Bombay's Western suburbs. Oye Chi offers to cook your meat or seafood or vegetables in whichever Far Eastern style you prefer. You may have king prawns done the Japanese way or pork ribs a la the Chinese. Decor: Oriental. An average meal would set you back by Rs 300 (per head). Credit cards are accepted. Alcohol is served. Children below eight are not admitted.
Pearl of the Orient, The Ambassador, Veer Nariman road, tel # 2041311 : Ambassador hotel's revolving roof top restaurant offers Korean, Thai, Chinese and even a few Japanese dishes. Try the barbecued spare ribs and the prawn pepper. Credit cards are accepted. Alcohol is served.
Sampan, Holiday Inn, Juhu Beach, tel # 6204444: Small restaurant. But the Chinese food is great. Try the Everyday Rice. Credit cards accepted. Alcohol served
Sanuk Thai, 30 K Dubash marg, Kala Ghoda, tel # 022-2044233, 2044239: Run by Sarovar Park Plaza Hotels and Resorts -- has opened on Rampart Row at Kala Ghoda in south Bombay. This restaurant, that accommodates 120 covers offers, a wide range of Thai food -- som tam or green papaya salad, tom yum soup, prawn garlic and pepper, hot basil chicken, green Thai curries. Vegetarian dishes include Thai preparations of eggplant, corn and bean sprouts. Desserts are limited at the moment -- banana fritters, fresh fruit salad, lychies with ice cream. Starters are priced at about Rs 140 and the main courses at about Rs 300. A meal for two can set you back by Rs 500-600. Interiors: two storeyed, elegant with an accent on Thai murals and orchids. The exterior sports a temple facade. The kitchen is run by Thing Daeng La Ong Sri from Royal Benja, Bangkok. Credit cards accepted. Alcohol not served yet. Lunch is served from 1230 hours to 1500 hours and dinner from 1900 hours to 2330 hours.
Thai Ban, Turner road, Bandra, tel # 6426424: Decent food at decent prices. Considering the prices of Thai food elsewhere in the city, Thai Ban is good value for money. Honest to goodness Thai food. Small cafe type restaurant. Average decor.
Thai Me Up, 203-A, Lamington road, near Apsara Cinema. Phone: 022-3077980: Run by film biggie Sunil Shetty, this three storied restaurant serves up Thai curries and a variety of starters. The ground floor is a cocktail lounge. The story goes that Shetty's father started life on these premises, which was once the Ramanjanya Udipi 'hotel', as a cleaner and went on to own the place. Hot items on their menu -- chicken satay, fish cutlets, chicken served on sugarcane sticks, chicken wrapped in banana leaves, tofu on sticks, vegetable souffles, Thai moneybags, Thai spring rolls. They also offer soups, noodles, dessert of the day and set meals. The vegetarian set meal is priced at Rs 175 and the non vegetarian set meal is priced at Rs 210-250, taxes included. Lunch is served from 1230 hours to 1445 hours and dinner is served in two sittings -- 2000 hours and 2200 hours. Alcohol served. Credit cards accepted. Covers: 55.
Thai Palate, near National College, Linking road, Bandra, tel# 6423829. Some great Thai curries and seafood. Interesting dishes on the menu: red Thai curry, chicken in chilly paste, stir fried potatoes and mushroom, satay, spicy Thai rice. Expensive. Alcohol served. All credit cards accepted.
Thai Room, Hotel President, Cuffe Parade (book ahead), tel # 2150808: Excellent Thai food. Try the lobster or the wide noodles. Yummy desserts. Alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted.

*Bengal:**:

Bengali food

Bengal Lodge or Biryas, near Crawford Market, tel # 3401951, 3401952, 3401953, 3401954, 3401955, 3401956: This lodge is very popular with homesick Bombay Bengalis. Typical hilsa and rui fish curries, mutton dishes and Bengali-style veggies, served with rice and rotis, is available. Order a la carte or a Bengali thali
Only Fish, next to Rosewood Hotel, opposite Tardeo AC Market, Tardeo, tel # 4963114: Bengali food. Typical Bengali fish -- hilsa, rohu and katla -- are served up in a traditional style. Prawn and crab dishes like malaikari are also available. Very tasty. Expensive. Credit cards accepted. Liquor served.
Mermaid
Pisces
Sweet Bengal, L J road, near Shiv Sena Bhavan, tel # 4373821: Authentic mishti doi, sandesh and a selection of Bengali sweets available. Excellent.
Tiwari Brothers, opposite Opera House, off Chowpatty: In spite of the name, great place for Bengali sweets.

*Lebanese:**:

Lebanese Bites

Crossroads Food Court 28 Pandit M M Malviya road, Haji Ali: A stall at Bombay's newest mall serves up a decent variety of Lebanese snacks and quick bites including dona kebabs.
The Fashion Bistro and Bar next to Sterling Cinema, tel # 2047270: This happening pub offers a few Lebanese dishes.
Lebanese Point Shiv Sadan, Lokhandwala Complex, next to McDonald's, Andheri West, tel # 6322227, 6325121: Fast food outlet offering above average chicken shewarama, paneer rolls, sheesh tawok, hummus and more. Very reasonable.
Pot Pourri 4 Carlton Court, near Hong Kong Bank, Turner road, Bandra West, tel # 6429193, 6406010: The falafal, chicken bites and hummus are excellent but they don't offer too much more in the Lebanese category. Desserts are exceptional.

*Quick:**:

Quick Bites, Pizza, Salads, Sizzlers, Fast food

Cafe Royal, opposite Regal cinema, Colaba: Sizzlers and quick bites. The food is above par, but expensive. Alcohol served.
Domino's Pizza, branches at Lokhandwala complex, Andheri, tel # 022-6326699, and at Juhu, tel # 22-6162222, and at Bandra, tel # 022-6514999, and at Prabhadevi, tel # 022-4306799, and at Peddar road, tel # 4984178, 4984111, 4984179, 4984180. Domino's Pizza can now be ordered by dialing a single phone number -- 1600-111-123 -- at any city in India with Domino's outlets. Fresh pizza, soft drinks, cheese twists will be delivered within 30 minutes of placing the order.
Gaylord, Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate, tel # 2820985, 2044693: Continental and Indian fare available. The outdoor cafe is very popular. Alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted.
Just Around the Corner Junction of 24th and 30th road, TPS III, Bandra, tel # 6413666: This cafeteria-style eatery seems to be a new stunt being attempted to attract 'avant garde' Bombay diners. Or whoever. A variety of light, healthy, continental foods are available. Tasty salads, soup, bread, pasta, sandwiches, desserts. Very Veggie sandwich (Rs 60), King Just Us Special sandwich (Rs 60), Cottage in the Woods burger (Rs 50), Hot Dogs (Rs 75) (An expensivce dog). Rs 100 per head for a salad lunch. As well as some standard Hindustani curry and rice too (Rs 125). Good breakfasts. Very very American decor and food; cooool ambience . Watch the price. JUTC's system of pricing is often difficult to fathom.
Kobe, 13, Sukh Sagar, HughesRoad, Off Chowpatty (booking advised), tel #3632174; next to Punjabi Ghasitaram, near Navrang cinema, J P road, Andheri West, tel # 6282424, 6282414: Good sizzlers. Waiters can be requested to bring your choice of topping. Teeny-bopper, smoke-filled decor. No alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted. Bombay's famous sizzler restaurant, Kobe has opened a second outlet in Andheri. Now north Bombayites can have their satellite steaks, chicken shasliks, veg shasliks, garlic steak much closer to home. And Rs 30 cheaper per dish. This Kobe is a bit larger than the original, however it does not serve alcohol or accept credit cards yet
La Patisserie, Taj Mahal hotel, Apollo Bunder, tel #022-2023366: The Taj has recently renovated their pastry shop. This patisserie offers about 50 varieties of pastry, doughnuts, biscuits, muffins as well as bread, sandwiches, salads, cold meat cuts, cheese and chocolate.
Leopold, Colaba Causeway, tel # 2873362, 2020131: Tourist hangout, hence the non-spicy fare. The plain, bread crumb fried chicken is much favoured by tourists. Alcohol served. Credit cards accepted.
McDonald's, , Mahindra Chambers, near New Empire cinema, opposite VT, tel # 022-2036374, 2036375, 2036376 and at Crossroads, Pt M M Malviya and at 532, Kadamba Kudpi House, Linking road, Bandra, tel # 022-6487273 and at 28B Sunrise Apartments, Swami Samarth Nagar, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri, tel # 022-6301530 and near Swad restaurant, Station road, Vile Parle, tel # 022-6188838 and at Mansarovar Cooperative Housing Society, Sector 17, Vashi, tel # 022-7672999: Yup, good ol' 'merican burgers in the heart of Mumbai. The Crossroads McDonald's has a special play area for kids.
The Oberoi Lounge at the lobby, The Oberoi, Nariman Point, tel # 2024343: Have a cuppa, but the sandwiches and pastries are overpriced. Great place to come on a monsoon day. Watch the storm clouds roll across the horizon. Credit cards accepted.
The Oberoi snack bar in the shopping arcade, The Oberoi, Nariman Point, tel # 2025757 (the snack bar is shut on Sunday, but not the pastry shop): Recommended for sandwiches and pastries (available from the pastry shop next door), accompanied by beverages. Finding a place to sit may be tough.
The Palms, Oberoi Towers, Nariman Point, tel # 2024343: A breakfast buffet -- cheese, rolls, bread, pastries, fruit, juice, waffles, pancakes, puri and aloo, idlis, dosas, omlettes -- is available between 7 and 11 am. Try the South Indian stuff. A buffet lunch is also available. Nice decor and view out to sea. Sizzlers on Fridays and special children's lunch on Sundays. Credit cards accepted.
Piccadilly, Donald House, Colaba, tel # 2823217: Sandwiches and salads. Tasty. Decor is simple. Pleasant slow Colaba ambience.
Saladero, Golden Gate, Madam Cama Road, Not far from Regal (bookings advised), tel # 2027989: Downstairs they serve regular Indian fare, upstairs they have a salad buffet for lunch, between 1 pm and 3 pm. Good stuff. Alcohol served. Credit cards accepted.
Samovar, Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda, tel # 2844508: Try the stuffed parathas. Beer served. Major credit cards accepted
The Sea Lounge, Taj Mahal Hotel, Apollo Bunder, tel # 2023366: The food is not exciting, but the ambience is what makes it popular with the city's elite. Read a book or watch the activity on the waterfront from this perch. Recommended: the Viennoise ice cream. Alcohol served. Credit cards accepted.
Sundance Cafe, Eros Cinema building, Churchgate: Thirty-plus folk can feel ancient and jaded in this teen paradise. The food is not as exciting as the crowd. Lots of pretty girls to gawk at. No alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted.
The Tea Room, Tea Board, Resham Bhavan, Next to the IMC, Churchgate, tel # 2041699: Good place to sit for hours nursing a pot of tea -- your choice of tea. The once seedy, refreshingly down to earth place has gone upmarket with crisp linen, silver tea service and Raj atmosphere. Sevceral flavours of tea are available and a pot of chai is priced between Rs 15 and Rs 100. They now offer a few snacks and breakfast. Food is quite tasty. Open 0900 hours to 2000 hours. No credit cards. Closed on Sundays.
Temptations, 127, Noor Mahal, Tardeo, tel # 4946473, 4946744: Good sandwiches. Try the pita envelopes stuffed with aloo bhaji or the cheesy garlic bread. Fair desserts. Lively menu for kids. Nice ambience, excellent service. No alcohol. No credit cards.
Trattoria, Hotel President, 90, Cuffe Parade, Colaba, tel # 2150808: The Italian lunch buffet on Sunday is recommended. Alcohol served. Credit cards accepted.
Trim with Taste , Sant Kutir, near KBN department store, Linking road, Khar, tel # 022-6058844: Run by the Narangs in partnership with Chunky Pandey's wife, is Bombay's newest health food eatery. T w/ T offers lower calorie meals, quick bites, sandwiches, soups, desserts, juices and salads. The calorie total of each combo meal has been calculated not to exceed a certain limit. The cafe is open from 0800 hours to 2300 hours daily. Alcohol is not served. Credit cards not accepted.
Waterfall Cafe, The Leela, Near Sahar Airport, Andheri (E), tel # 8363636: Sunday brunch. Good value for money. Interesting decor. Alcohol served. Credit cards accepted.
Wayside Inn, Rampart Row, Kala Ghoda, tel # 2044324: Vegetarians keep away, this is a site for carnivores. Relaxing, old-worldly ambience. Beer served. No credit cards.
Yoko, West View, Vivekanand Road, Santa Cruz, tel # 6492313 (booking advised): Fair sizzlers. Very "in" place for the moment. Crowded. Smoky. No alcohol served. Major credit cards accepted.

*Late:**:

Late Night Bites

Try any of the 24-hour coffee shops at the five star hotels:

The Shamiana at the Taj Mahal hotel, Apollo Bunder, tel # 2023366.
The Trattoria at the President, 90, Cuffe Parade, Colaba, tel # 2150808.
The Palms and La Brasserie at The Oberoi and the Oberoi Towers, Nariman Point, tel # 2024343.
Lands End Cafe at The Regent, Bandstand, Bandra West, tel # 6551234.
Boulevard at The Orchid, next to Santa Cruz domestic airport, Vile Parle, tel # 6100707.
The midnight buffet at the Marine Plaza, 29, Marine Drive, tel # 2851212.
The Shoreline at the Juhu Centaur, Juhu Tara road, Juhu, tel # 6113040.
Waterfall Cafe at The Leela, Andheri East, near Sahar Airport, tel # 8363636.
The Sidewalk at the Holiday Inn, Juhu Beach, tel # 6204444.
The Mirage at the Ramada Hotel Palm Grove, Juhu beach, tel# 6112323. Open till 2330 hours weekdays. Weekends open till 2430 hours.

Food is available all night, though filling your tummy could be rather expensive. Alcohol is served till midnight; beer all night. Major credit cards accepted.

*End:**: