Copy Link
While trying to get your coffee fix in Bandra, one thing is assured – you are never far away from a really good cup of coffee because this part of town is packed with cafes. While some old haunts are legendary, new ones keep opening ever so often. And as Bandra residents are coffee snobs (in a good way), these cafes have upped their game and coffee program as well. So the next time you are craving a frothy cappuccino, cold brew or a freshly brewed cup of coffee, step into these new ones that have opened over the past few months.
1. Veronica’s
Bright pop colours, a bulletin board, colourful graffiti on the facade and a happy, easy-going vibe – Veronica’s is a fun sandwich shop and cafe which will make breakfast and sandwich dreams come true. This is the new baby of Hunger Inc. Hospitality, the group that gave the city O Pedro and The Bombay Canteen. Located at the same place where the iconic St Jude’s Bakery once stood, it is named after the street where it is located.
I would highly recommend the Mumbai Chilli Cheese Melt and the Pastrami from the range of sandwiches on offer. Gluten-free bread is available as well. Some of the breakfast options are innovative – think hangover tacos and morning momos (where the dumpling is stuffed with chicken sausage). Then there is kombucha on tap, a range of coffees and soon there’ll be craft beer as well. The wine menu is simplified and comes with a fun easy index for you to understand it better. There is a small retail counter for those who want to carry something home.
Address: Waroda Road, off Hill Road, Ranwar, Bandra West
2. Grounded
Sitting outdoors and sipping coffee while catching a glimpse of the sea is a must-experience in Bandra, especially at Bandstand and Carter Road as they provide some great sea views. Located off Bandstand, this charming cafe has a Mediterranean vibe with white and blue shades and an arched blue entrance. The menu offers eggs, sandwiches, sliders, salads and smoothie bowls.
Do try the New York-style beef slider if you enjoy burgers and don’t miss the cruffin (a cross between a croissant and a muffin). The custard one I had was flaky like a croissant and yet so soft. There’s a wide selection of coffee and hot chocolate as well. Oh, and did I mention that you can bring your pets along as well?
Address: Shop Number 1, Natalwala Bungalow, 41, BJ Road, Mount Mary, Bandra West
3. Isvara
Prefer tea to coffee? Isvara is your go-to place because they have an elaborate tea menu that ranges from masala tea, detox, vanilla, orange and cream cheese tea to bubble teas. The cold chocolate and coffee also come with boba.
There are great breakfast options like Akuri-style keema pao, eggs benedict, omelettes and then there are salads, Buddha bowls, sandwiches and a mezze platter with kokum hummus. Done up attractively, one can work for hours in this open-air café and even bring pets along.
Address: 21st Road, behind Poco Loco, Khar
4. True Fit Gourmet
Beer samplers and tasting are a part of the course at every brewery now, but ever done coffee tasting? Well, at True Fit Gourmet one can do it with both hot and cold coffee. Take your pick from four coffees that will be served in mini sizes, but unlike a beer sampler, this is not free of cost. However, it’s great to treat your palate to more than just one coffee.
Their signature coffees include Hazelnut Mocha, Smoked Cinnamon Cappuccino and Vegan and Sugarfree Affogato. They have a range of smoothies as well. The food choices are quite elaborate and include open toasts, toasties, eggs, salad wraps, sandwiches, gourmet bowls and gluten-free desserts. This cafe, which was a cloud kitchen, has opened doors in a quiet Bandra bylane.
Address: Shop No. 1 & 2, Waroda Road, Ranwar, Bandra West
5. Kind Cafe
One of its kind, this cafe abstains from using refined flour and sugar in its food, avoids deep-fried items and has vegan, keto-friendly and gluten-free options too. That does not restrict the choices on offer — the cuisine has varied options like salads, warm bowls, wraps, open toasts, sandwiches and bagels.
Apart from regular coffee, try the Chickpea Chillers — shakes made with a chickpea base. Available in four flavours, they are served in oat milk and sweetened with date syrup.
Address: 246, Waterfield Road, Bandra West
6. Steps
Overlooking the steps in Bandra, this cafe with a pretty peach façade, is tucked away in one of the bylanes. Enter the ground floor to order and pay, then try and get a table that overlooks the steps for a really charming view.
When you go up to the second floor, there is a row of plants which is their in-house nursery – a relaxing spot from where many people work. And the coffee is strong, just the way it should be. Do try the coffee tonic if you want a change from the usual.
Address: Tertullian Rd, off Doctor Peter Dias Road, Mount Mary, Bandra West
Photo: Shutterstock; Featured brands