Unwind and dive into endless conversation with friends at these homely and cosy cafes in Mumbai

Calming music, an array of comforting and delectable food, a seating so cosy you could easily fall asleep and a company of friends, are a combination the hearts of many young Mumbaikars seek.

Cafe culture, one that kicked off as a way to socialise has transcended into becoming a second home for many. These eateries that earlier catered to offering coffee and light snacks on the side are now transforming spaces into a wholesome experience.

Specially crafted menus coupled with well-thought-out interiors are a haven for patrons either wanting to spend some quality ‘me' time reading a book or having meaningful conversations with friends once in a while.

Cafes in Mumbai are identifying this requirement of their customers and are working to serve delectable food along with cosy interiors. Their efforts promise a comforting experience to patrons who keep coming back to seek respite from time to time.

Although popular Barista chains remain to be our go-to, most of us like to have options for other appealing cafes. If you have been looking for a change of taste and wish to explore new options in the city, we bring you details of seven cafes in Mumbai you can consider for your next hangout plan with your friends.

Blabber All Day (Juhu, Borivali)

As the name goes, this cafe is perfect for all those who can't get enough of chatting away with friends. Here, you can sit with them for as long as you want. Whether you're catching up over coffee or savouring a leisurely meal, you won't feel rushed at this place.

One can indulge in the goodness of Asian, Mexican and Italian cuisines at Blabber. The cafe offers a delightful menu filled with comforting dishes perfect for sharing with friends. It includes their signature appetisers like Loaded Nachos and Spinach Artichoke Dip. For a heartier option, one can opt for classic Margherita Pizza or indulge in the rich flavours of Chicken Alfredo Pasta. Their dessert selection features warm Chocolate Lava Cake and creamy Tiramisu.

Further, their beverage menu offers aromatic coffees, teas and coolers. You can also explore their range of crafted teas, and indulge in the soothing notes of their Chamomile Citrus Infusion. Their interiors are a combination of rustic elements and contemporary design. The cafe provides a charming and cosy environment, making it an ideal spot to unwind with friends or enjoy a quiet moment alone.

The cafe's founder Kedar Shetty says, "Running a small, quaint cafe brings a unique charm and intimacy to the dining experience. The best part is fostering a sense of community. Our cosy setting allows guests to connect on a personal level. The popularity of cafes like Blabber is driven by the desire for a relaxed atmosphere, quality conversations, and Instagrammable moments. Such cafes provide a much-needed escape from the fast-paced life of Mumbai, offering a haven where friends can unwind, share laughter and create lasting memories."

Mutuswami Cafe (Dadar/Khar)

As the name goes, Mutuswami Cafe of the Ramee Group of Hotels is a South Indian cafe with a contemporary twist. Its interiors, unlike most South Indian eateries in the city, are carefully designed with warm tones, soft lighting, and comfortable seating arrangements. These elements work together to create a homely and inviting space, contributing to the venue's overall cosiness, and making it an ideal setting for friends to gather and enjoy.

Rajit V Shetty, managing director, Ramee Group of Hotels says, "We encourage friends to enjoy an extended chat at Mutuswami Cafe, as there is no imposed time limit. Our cafe is meant to be a meeting place where conversations can flow naturally."

At the cafe, one can relish authentic South Indian cuisine. Some of their signature dishes perfect to relish with friends include Steam Idli, Medu Vada, Paper Dosa, Masala Dosa, Mysore Dosa, Mutuswami Pav Bhaji, Misal Pav and Masala Pav. Mutuswami Cafe also offers a delightful selection of beverages. Their aromatic Filter Coffee and fresh fruit juices are sure to comfort the soul.

Baithack - Taste of Kulhad (Mulund)

Co-founded and run by mompreneurs Smita Uppara and Swastika, Baithack is a place where people of all ages can spend time together over a hot chai and coffee served in Kulhad (Earthen cups).

The cafe, though retains the essence of Indian culture, exudes a modern vibe. Its sleek furnishing and small seating space create an inviting environment for those who wish to simply sit in a calm space with some good food.

Here, one can indulge in sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, pasta, wraps, Maggie momos and nachos along with cold coffee, frappes, iced tea, shakes and coolers. Their beverages like tea and frappes are available in wide variations that cater to the taste buds of every customer.

The founders say their customers are always satisfied since the small space of the cafe allows them to connect with the customers on a one-on-one basis. Additionally, it enables them to provide tailored services. "We take our feedback very seriously to serve complete satisfaction to our customers."

Shelter by Javaphile (Versova)

Founded by Suren Joshi, Shelter by Javaphile is the perfect place to unwind. The cafe offers a warm ambience, a rooftop view and diverse food options that ensure one spends a relaxing time with friends. Joshi says, "We primarily serve a diverse and innovative menu focusing on all-day breakfast, healthy bowls, interesting salads, wood-fired sourdough pizzas and freshly baked desserts."

At this place, dishes like Congee bowls, sourdough pizzas, green goddess smoothie bowls, Tiramisu French Toast, and Burrata Shroom Burgers among others are commonly ordered by a group of friends since these are dishes that can be shared. Their hot chocolate and signature coffees too are equally comforting.

The founder says, "Diners can relax and chat for as long as they like, enjoying the tranquil ocean views, reading a book at our library spot and rooftop space."

Koa (Juhu)

This cafe is for those who fancy a chic setting. The interiors at Koa draw their inspiration from the liberating spirit of the Bohemian lifestyle. Its new outlet in Juhu exudes an alfresco vibe, capturing the essence of the Mediterranean with its clean, chic design and elements inspired by the stunning aesthetics of Greece.

Koa's founder Prasuk Jain opines, "Small cafes offer a comfortable and relaxed setting, making them ideal social spaces. Young people often seek places where they can gather, socialise, and engage in meaningful conversations. The intimate environment of a quaint cafe fosters a sense of belonging, creating a space for friends or individuals to connect without the noise and distractions often found in larger establishments." Recognising this, Koa lets its customers sit and enjoy for as long as they feel.

The cafe offers a diverse range of cuisines. From serving breakfast to lunch and dinner, one can spend a relaxed time at the cafe indulging in some delectable dishes with friends. For breakfast, one can relish dishes like Mushroom Florentine, Sweet Corn Potato Rosti, Koa Egg Decker, French Toast, and Belgian Waffles. For lunch and dinner, the menu delights with the vibrant Singaporean cottage cheese, lively Wok Toss chicken, and robust Crispy lamb, alongside the comforting Butter Chicken and aromatic Raw Mango Prawn Curry.

One can also dig into their Hyderabadi Sub Biryani and Smoky Black Daal, culminating in the decadence of Belgium Chocolate and the enchantment of Cheesy Baklava, ensuring a fittingly rich conclusion to this bohemian culinary odyssey. These are all dishes that can be enjoyed with your friends.
Those who wish to sip on cocktails can order The Coral Cove Cooler, Wandering Conch or Coastal Crush. On the mocktail front, Flower Child Fizz and Signature Quirky Quencher can give you the much-needed punch of refreshment.

Blue Bop Cafe (Khar)

Mostly serving Italian, Mexican, Continental and American cuisine, the Blue Bop Cafe offers a variety of dishes which can be enjoyed with your friends. These dishes include Chipotle Chicken Burger, Vegan Gluten Free Black Bean Burger, Truffle Cheese Poppers, Loaded Nachos, Crispy Chicken pepper wings, and Sourdough Margarita Pizza.

For Christmas, the cafe is also serving a special Christmas Chicken Roast and Christmas Loaded Fries.
To quench your thirst, Blue Bop Cafe offers flavourful drinks including Rose Fizz, Blossom, Pomegranate Cosmo and other signature drinks like Sangria, Martini, Red Eyed Dragon, and Almond Sour, among others.

Here, one will be welcomed by the courtyard with its wrought iron benches and a tall peepal tree, which only add to the old-world charm of the cafe. Everything from the wine-hued walls to the patterned flooring to the cane-backed chairs makes one feel like they have been teleported back to the 70s era. The outdoor dining area, equipped with fresh plants and dim lights, makes this place the perfect spot to unwind on a tiring day, especially during this cold season.

The cafe's founder, Eesha Sukhi says, "The most appealing aspect of operating a small, charming cafe is the intimate and cosy atmosphere it provides. Such cafes often become popular among the younger demographic due to their inviting ambience, fostering a sense of community and comfort. Additionally, offering a diverse array of cuisines adds to the appeal, as it caters to the eclectic tastes of the younger crowd, who appreciate having various culinary options in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Our guests can catch up with friends for as long as they like, especially during our non-peak hours."

Baliboo (Goregaon)

This cafe's intimate ambience, personalised service, and unique decor create a cosy environment that aligns with the desire for meaningful connections. Baliboo's interiors employ warm, earthy tones combined with bamboo accents that create an inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a Balinese retreat.

The cafe is perfect for those friends who enjoy a delicious fusion of Asian and Indonesian cuisines. Co-founded by Divya Kadam and Kedar Shetty, the cafe's menu features a tantalising array of dishes that include Chicken Satay skewers, Tom Yum soup, aromatic Balinese Rending, and flavourful Nasi Goreng.

They also offer a refreshing array of beverages like their signature Bali Breeze mocktail, aromatic Lemongrass Iced Tea, and Coconut Coffee.
Here too patrons can enjoy quality conversations for as long as they desire.