If you have ever wandered along Colaba Causeway, chances are you have hit this 90 year old iconic restaurant, Cafe Mondegar. Step in and you will be greeted by the cafe’s upbeat atmosphere, retro vibe and huge murals on the walls, courtesy Mario Miranda, Mumbai’s favorite cartoonist.
One such day, while taking a stroll behind the Gateway of India, Meenakshi and I dropped in for breakfast. We had the Mondy’s Special, which comes with eggs to order, choice of bacon or sausage, toast and choice of fresh fruit juice or coffee. The scrambled eggs and the sausage were particularly delicious.
Where and how to reach Cafe Mondegar?
Located at the Colaba Causway, Cafe Mondegar is one of the most-hyped cafes in Mumbai and a few minutes walk away from the Gateway of India. The closest train station is CST (Central line) and Churchgate (Western line). You can either take a Kali-peeli aka taxi or walk through the quaint lanes of Colaba to reach the cafe.
Food and ambience at Cafe Mondegar
We munched on our Mondy’s Special Breakfasts, admiring the amusing murals that capture life in Mumbai on one side of the cafe, and the cafe itself on the other side. This is one of the few cafes, where you will find a fully functioning jukebox. I got a token from the front desk (Rs. 50 for 3 songs), and had a good time browsing the extensive catalog, before choosing my songs.
Cafe Mondegar’s menu is pretty huge and has a good mix of Irani fare, continental, pub food and beer. Yes, they serve beer in the morning too!
There’s an air conditioned room for those particularly hot and muggy days, called ‘The Innside Story’, but my recommendation would be to skip and pick one of the several cramped tables on the noisy and busy main floor, preferably closer to the window, for watching excited tourists absorbing the sights and sounds of the Colaba Causeway.
What’s more?
The cafe has its own store where you can buy customized merchandise, like mugs, saucers, salt shakers, T-shirts, featuring the same quirky artwork that adorn the walls. These will make for a perfect souvenir or gift for the ‘Mumbai-lover’s in your life.
Fun fact: ‘Mondegar’ means ‘Eternal’ in Persian.
Cost for two: Rs. 1000 (not including beer)
What’s unique at Cafe Mondegar?
- The working jukebox
- Amusing murals
- People watching
Overall, this is a charming place, a hot favorite among tourists and locals alike. Drop in for good filling food and a cold beer, or maybe five.
8 Comments
Such a charming cafe. I like Mario Miranda’s art. Your review makes me really want to visit. Beautiful pics too!
Indeed a slice of Mumbai history! Thanks, Shiju for stopping by 🙂
A very lovely cafe!
The food looks amazing!
Thanks, Veronica for stopping by 🙂
That looks like a great place for a cup of coffee! The mural is really unusual.
Thanks for sharing your link at ‘My Corner of the World’ this week!
Indeed some unique murals and artwork! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
What a fun looking cafe! I love the murals and the food looks delicious! Thanks for the great guide!
Thanks, Hannah! 🙂 Appreciate your kind words!