15 Places In Mumbai To Chill On A Summer Afternoon
Mumbai, the city of lovely coastal breezes and monsoon showers is totally escapable in summers. There’s nothing much to do on a hot summer afternoon in Mumbai, right? Well, you can think again. Over the years, I have discovered plenty of cool eating hideouts in Mumbai. There are places in the city that are more than just an eatery. You can go there to indulge in some good food and brews, and enjoy long conversations with your favorite people. So yes, Mumbai is as irresistible in summers as it is in any other season.
Also read: 10 Alternative Travel Experiences Of Mumbai
Mumbai has been a kind of companion to me in different phases of life. Now that I have been living in Mumbai for over three years, I have a list of my favorite cafes and restaurants. These are places that inspire me and put a smile on my face.
Let’s check them out –
Places In Mumbai To Chill On A Summer Afternoon
Yoga House
Yoga House is an eatery with a difference. It’s a place where you can have some healthy food, read books, sit for long hours and as the name suggests, practice yoga as well. Since it was originally the bungalow of actor Nargis, there’s an obvious charm about the place. They have four beautiful seating spaces. The most charming one is the top balcony space where they have laid out mattresses and cushions in a lush setting.
Address: Nargis Villa/Water Bungalow, Sherly Rajan Rd, D Block, Railway Colony, Shirley, Bandra (W), Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
Also read: Mumbai Mornings – In Pictures
Eat Around The Corner
Eat Around The Corner is one of my favorite places for the kind of food they serve – simple, European-style meals. I love the location and the setting of the café. Their alfresco seating oozes a happy vibe – the trees, the birds and the buzz around. It’s a blend of modesty and chicness.
Address: High School, Junction of 24th & 30th Road, Bandra West, TPS III Opp St. Theresa’s Boys, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea House
Taj Mahal Tea House is an old bungalow turned into a boutique tea house. To begin with, the café is a feast for your eyes. The exceedingly tasteful décor and the styling besot you right away! Then, as you settle down and begin to soak in the aura of tea lovers, the exotic tea and fine Indian blends along with sweet and savoury snacks are set on your table.
Besides, you can also enjoy traditional music sessions and tea tasting ceremonies held once in a while that just make the experience even more resonant.
Address: Sanatan Pereira Bungalow, 36/A, St John Baptist Rd, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
Also read: My Breakfast Stories From India
Kitab Khana
Kitab Khana is an avid book lover’s refuge. It’s a local boutique bookshop in a historic building. Even though I’m not much of a reader, I loved spending time at Kitab Khana café. I enjoyed browsing through some interesting travel books. So, it’s truly a place where you can drown yourself into a good book with a cup of coffee.
They also conduct events like book reading and launches.
Address: 45, Ground Floor, Flora Fountain, Somaiya Bhavan, 47, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Bastian
Bastian is one of your celeb spotting places, and they serve delicious seafood. Although the restaurant is not very spacious, the atmosphere of the place is relaxing and vibrant. It’s recommended that you visit the restaurant on a Sunday to rub shoulders with a celeb or two.
Address: Next to Burger King, Kamal Building, B/1, New, Linking Rd, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
Also read: My Food Trail In Mumbai
Poetry By Love And Cheesecake
I happened to visit Poetry by Love & Cheesecake in Lower Parel, which is one of the many cafes they have in Mumbai. It’s a beautiful café with pastel hues all over. They serve delectable confectionary and a variety of Italian dishes. It’s a place where you can sip some great coffee and spend a quiet afternoon away from the hustle-bustle.
Address: Kamala Mills Compound, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013
Candies
Candies is a lovely ‘youth’ driven café that oozes a casual, relaxed vibe. The décor of the café speaks volumes about its quirky soul and artsy spunk. The menu is simple, delicious and not too pricey. They bake their own bread that includes croissants, French loaves, baguettes, buns rolls and sliced bread. It’s a place to have long tête-à-tête or just sit with a good book.
Address: 5AA Pali Hill, Next to Learners Academy School, Bandra (W), Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
Prithvi Café
Prithvi Café is a place that truly radiates the soul of Bombay. The charm of noshing in an outdoor setting under the shade of trees never seems to fade. And, the real essence of the Prithvi vibe is the theatre, where you can watch some of the most remarkable plays. Also, the small bookshop adds to the atmosphere of the place.
Address: 20, Janki Kutir Apartment, Alongside Prithvi Theatre, Juhu Church Rd, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049
The Pantry
The Pantry is hidden away in the back lanes of Kala Ghoda. It’s a pretty café where you can expect to have freshly roasted coffee along with organic and farm fresh produce. It’s one of the places in Mumbai where you can chill on a summer afternoon. Since the café is located a little away from the main road, you can enjoy a calm atmosphere and get inspired to loiter in the artsy lanes.
Address: Plot No. 14, Ground Floor, Yashwanth Chambers Military Square Lane, B Bharucha Rd, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Fable Juhu
Fable, as the name indicates, is a café with a theme of stories. Dining at Fable is like slipping into a fabricated world. Thus, it’s a place to get inspired. Although it’s mainly a pizzeria, there are quite a few distinctive dishes to choose from.
Address: Ashiyana Apartment, Shop 3, N.S Road 13, Chand Society, Vithal Nagar, Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049
Cafe Mondegar
Café Mondegar is one of the most vibrant places I have ever been to. There’s oodles of energy in the air that envelops you the moment you step inside. The graffiti on the walls uplifts your spirits even before you place your order. It’s a place where you can sit for long hours, watch the buzz outside, and simply enjoy the hypnotic ambience.
Address: Metro House, 5A, Shahid Bhagat Singh Rd, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400039
Fab Café
Fab Café is part of Fab India store. So, you can shop and then settle down for a nice cooling brew. The Fab Café at Kala Ghoda is quite exquisite. They have embedded the ‘Fab India’ styling and essence into its décor. It’s quite spacious and well-lit. In fact, you can look out the window and savour the view of South Mumbai’s art precinct.
Address: First Floor, Jeroo Building, 137, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Starbucks Coffee, Hotel Taj Mahal Palace
I know there’s no point listing Starbucks Coffee here. But, I really think that the Starbucks in the Taj Mahal Palace building is a great escape on a summer afternoon. The experience of lingering in the back lanes of Taj, soaking up the dockyard charms and sipping coffee is a pretty good deal.
Address: Hotel Taj Mahal Palace, Apollo Bunder Opp. Gateway of India, Maharashtra 400005
Bombay Salad Co.
Bombay Salad is a busy salad bar that makes you want to eat healthy. How cool is that! It’s one of the rare places that don’t make you feel guilty for eating too much. Their salads are yummy, so you don’t mind the greens on your plate.
Address: Shop No 1 16th Road Near Mini Punjab Hotel, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
Also read: 10 Most Stunning Getaways Near Mumbai
Aarey Colony
Aarey Colony is a respite from the concrete jungle that we live in. It’s a surprise for those who think that Mumbai is all about skyscrapers and bad traffic. It’s a lush neighbourhood, which is known for its dairy. It’s a long patch of dense trees and countryside around, ideal for a long drive. To sweeten the deal, stop by at the dairy to enjoy fresh Lassi and Basundi.
Address: The Aarey Milk Colony, Goregaon.
What’s your top recommendation for a summer hideout in Mumbai?
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