11 Secret Mumbai Restaurants Locals Keep to Themselves

Final tips for eating like a local in Mumbai

Trying these eleven spots gives you a cross-section of how locals eat: simple stalls where flavour matters most; century-old counters with loyal followings; mid-range kitchens that balance quality and comfort; and a few higher-end places beloved by food-savvy residents. When you go, carry small change for street stalls, and keep a printed address or local map app handy — lanes and entrances can be easy to miss. Reservations help at popular places, and arriving slightly before peak hours can save waiting time. Be open to sharing plates when space is limited and to asking servers for the house recommendation — locals trust that tip more than menu hype. Above all, treat service staff kindly and follow local cues about noise and queueing. These practices will help you blend in and enjoy the food as residents do. If you have time, pair your meal with a short walk around the neighbourhood; the city’s flavours often extend beyond the plate into markets, tea stalls, and small shops. Eat with curiosity, and you’ll find that Mumbai’s real dining secrets are less about secrecy and more about the daily rituals that keep the city fed and lively.