Champagne Lovers’ Guide to Mumbai: restaurants, bars and things to do
Mumbai is one of India’s most cosmopolitan cities, with a lively dining, nightlife and luxury hospitality scene that gives Champagne plenty of room to shine. The city’s mix of Indian, Persian, Portuguese and international influences is reflected in its food, and Champagne can make an interesting pairing with everything from fresh seafood and fried snacks to spicy dishes and rich, buttery flavours.
Mumbai’s food culture is a big part of the experience. Start with local favourites such as vada pav, pav bhaji, bhel puri, sev puri and misal pav, then explore the city’s seafood and Maharashtrian cuisine. The city also has a distinctive Parsi food tradition, influenced by Persian and Indian cooking. For Champagne lovers, seafood, crispy dishes and the bright, spicy flavours of Mumbai’s street food can make particularly fun pairings.
There is plenty to explore between meals. South Mumbai is the place to discover the city’s colonial and Art Deco architecture, with the Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Kala Ghoda among the highlights. Walk along Marine Drive in the evening, wander through Colaba, or take a boat trip to the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the other side of the city, Bandra has a more contemporary atmosphere, with cafés, creative spaces and a mix of old neighbourhoods and modern city life.
Mumbai is also a city best experienced after dark. Its skyline, Arabian Sea coastline and energetic social scene create an easy setting for an evening of Champagne, whether paired with dinner or enjoyed as part of a night exploring the city.