Mumbai’s bustling food scene is incomplete without its iconic South Indian restaurants, each offering a taste of the south in the heart of the city. From crispy dosas and piping hot filter coffee to regional specialties like appam and gassi, these establishments have something for everyone.
Here are the top 10 South Indian restaurants in Mumbai that you simply cannot miss:
1. Café Madras
Location: Matunga East, Near King’s Circle
Must-Try: Rasam Vada, Neer Dosa, and the classic Filter Coffee
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Established in 1940, Café Madras is a living legend in Mumbai’s culinary history. Known for its authenticity, the restaurant is always bustling with loyal patrons and new visitors eager to try its delicacies. The rasam vada is perfectly spiced, and the neer dosa is light and airy, complemented beautifully by coconut chutney. Don’t forget to finish your meal with their strong and aromatic filter coffee, which is said to be one of the best in Mumbai. The ambiance is simple and nostalgic, making it a perfect spot for families and solo diners alike.
2. Ram Ashraya
Location: Matunga, Opposite Matunga Railway Station
Must-Try: Pineapple Sheera, Butter Sada Dosa, and piping hot Idlis
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Ram Ashraya is a breakfast lover’s paradise, serving South Indian staples that are both delicious and affordable. The fluffy idlis, served with a variety of chutneys, are the star of the menu, while the butter sada dosa is crispy perfection. The pineapple sheera adds a sweet touch to the meal and is a customer favorite. The restaurant’s popularity means you might have to wait in line during peak hours, but the quick service ensures the wait is never too long.
3. Arya Bhavan
Location: Matunga East, Near King’s Circle
Must-Try: Mysore Masala Dosa, Tomato Upma, and the signature Onion Uttapam
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Arya Bhavan offers a clean and comfortable setting with an extensive menu of South Indian dishes. Their Mysore masala dosa has a spicy twist, while the onion uttapam is generously topped with fresh onions and spices. The tomato upma, with its tangy and flavorful profile, is a great pick for those looking to try something different. The restaurant is particularly known for its consistent quality and friendly service, making it a hit among families and working professionals.
4. Café Mysore
Location: Matunga East, Near Aurora Cinema
Must-Try: Neer Dosa, Medu Vada, and the tangy Rasam
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Café Mysore has been serving authentic South Indian fare for decades and has a loyal following among Mumbai’s food enthusiasts. The neer dosa is a light, lacy delight, while the medu vada is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, served with a flavorful sambhar. Their rasam, with its tangy and spicy notes, is perfect for cleansing the palate. The restaurant’s unpretentious vibe and focus on quality make it a timeless favorite. 
5. Mani’s Lunch Home
Location: Chembur, Near Diamond Garden
Must-Try: South Indian Thali, Pesarattu Dosa, and Lemon Rice
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A hidden gem in Chembur, Mani’s Lunch Home offers authentic South Indian home-style meals. The highlight here is the South Indian thali, a wholesome platter that includes sambhar, rasam, vegetable dishes, chutneys, and desserts. The pesarattu dosa, made with green gram, is a healthy and delicious choice. Don’t miss their lemon rice, which is tangy, aromatic, and comforting. The homely atmosphere and warm service make it a go-to spot for locals.
6. Dakshinayan
Location: Juhu, Near ISKCON Temple
Must-Try: Rava Dosa, Onion Uttapam, and aromatic Filter Coffee
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Dakshinayan is a serene oasis near the bustling Juhu Beach, offering a menu that celebrates the best of South Indian cuisine. Their rava dosa is a crispy delight with just the right amount of spice, while the onion uttapam is thick, fluffy, and topped with caramelized onions. The filter coffee here is a must-try, brewed to perfection and served in traditional steel tumblers. The restaurant’s peaceful ambiance and courteous staff make it a great spot for a relaxed meal.
7. Udipi Shri Krishna Boarding
Location: Matunga, Near Kabutar Khana
Must-Try: Unlimited South Indian Thali, Curd Rice, and Avial
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Udipi Shri Krishna Boarding offers a no-frills dining experience with food that feels like a warm hug. Their unlimited South Indian thali is a feast for the senses, featuring a variety of dishes like sambhar, rasam, vegetable curries, and payasam for dessert. The curd rice, with its creamy texture and tangy flavor, is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. The avial, a mixed vegetable curry with coconut, is another highlight that shouldn’t be missed.
8. Thangabali
Location: Mahim, Opposite Paradise Cinema
Must-Try: Prawn Gassi, Appam, and Mutton Sukka
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Thangabali is a vibrant and lively restaurant that specializes in coastal South Indian cuisine. The prawn gassi, a coconut-based curry, pairs beautifully with soft appams. For meat lovers, the mutton sukka, cooked with aromatic spices, is a must-try. The restaurant’s colorful decor and occasional live music performances make it an exciting dining destination.
9. Banana Leaf
Location: Thane, Opposite Hiranandani Meadows
Must-Try: Chettinad Chicken Curry, Kerala Parotta, and Bisi Bele Bath
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Banana Leaf offers an elevated dining experience with a menu that covers a wide range of South Indian specialties. The Chettinad chicken curry is rich, spicy, and perfect with flaky Kerala parottas. The bisi bele bath, a traditional Karnataka dish made with rice, lentils, and spices, is hearty and satisfying. The restaurant’s spacious interiors and warm service make it a popular choice for family gatherings.
10. Hotel Ramashray
Location: Matunga, Near Shivaji Park
Must-Try: Podi Upma, Ghee Roast Dosa, and the delicious Pineapple Sheera
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Hotel Ramashray is a bustling hotspot for South Indian breakfast, known for its quick service and incredible flavors. The ghee roast dosa is crisp and fragrant, while the podi upma, seasoned with a spicy lentil powder, is a unique offering. The pineapple sheera is a dessert you cannot leave without trying – sweet, creamy, and bursting with flavor.
These top restaurants showcase the best of South Indian cuisine in Mumbai, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience.
