Be it an lunch with your best buddies or an informal meetup with your office mates, casual dining restaurants are always the best option to ensure fun times and to chill around immaculate vibes that casual restaurants bring in. As the name indicates, they’re easy going and don’t follow any sort of dress code.

Talking about South Mumbai aka. SoBo has some of the most iconic casual eateries in all of Bombay, some of which are even popular throughout the country. All thanks to the brilliant brigade of young chefs who believe in experimenting with different sorts of cuisines and presentations, to build up restaurants that are beyond the boundaries of typical fine-dining places.

Here, we are bringing you some of the best casual lunch restaurants in South Mumbai. Come, let’s have a look!

1. The Bombay Canteen

Probably one of the most iconic casual standalone restaurants in the city, The Bombay Canteen has set a milestone for modern Indian cuisine in Mumbai. The menu is curated by the well-known chef Thomas Zacharias, aka Chef TZac. He is highly inspired by food from the different parts of the country and some of his grandma's recipes. The menu reflects the unique perspective with which Chef TZac looks at food.

The most celebrated dishes from the menu are Buff Tartare, Garlic Handvo Toast, Gulab-nut and the Bombay Sandwich Reuben.

Price for two: ₹2000 | Open with Google Maps

2. Leopold Café & Bar

Serving some of the best Continental food and bar food to Mumbai since 1871, Café Leopold is an institution. This lovely café with its location, great food, old-school service and great vibes has a special place in every Mumbaikar's heart and you can't miss this one.

Wooden interiors, old café-like setup, yellow lights and 70s pop music make this place one- of- its- kind. The vibes are immaculate and though the menu might look a bit expensive, the place is worth a visit.

The menu is huge with a small part that serves Indian food as well. Our top picks include Chicken Tikka Grilled Sandwich, Grilled Chicken with Mustard Cream sauce, Grilled Buffalo with pepper sauce and Asparagus Risotto. Finish the meal with the most delicious Caramel custard and you'll love it!

Price for two: ₹2000 | Open with Google Maps

3. Kuai Kitchen

If you are thinking of authentic Asian fare in an ambience that’s cool and eclectic, then this is your place. Kuai kitchen on the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road is all about the energetic vibes and we are all in for it!

The ambience is a good medley of colours and rustic elements. Brick walls and huge murals painted on them with the lights give a very casual feel which makes the place perfect for a hangout with your best buddies. The seating is not the most comfortable one but you can still spend quality time with your pals here.

The menu at Kuai Kitchen is all authentic Asian food. Dynamite Roll, Mushroom Rice, and the Sushi Platter are some of the most popular dishes on the menu. Don’t miss the fragrant and flavourful Wasabi Prawns, noodles and Pad Thai if you are a hardcore Asian food fanatic. Portion sizes are huge which is another plus point here.

Price for two: ₹1500 | Open in Google Maps

4. Ishaara

A relatively new outlet that has been serving delicious fusion food at Palladium is Ishaara. They have a wide range of brilliant Indian dishes that are beautifully balanced and presented in a contemporary manner.

The ambience is all about classy artefacts filled with a pop of colour that will bring a sense of energy to your meal. With courteous staff and super delicious food, this restaurant is a must-visit for an amazing modern Indian lunch.

The most loved dishes from the menu are Mushroom-Cheddar Samosa, Beetroot and Papad Seekh, Smoked Chicken Naan Roll and Mushroom Galouti.

Price for two: ₹1500 | Open with Google Maps

5. Café Basilico

This is one of the most popular bistros in Colaba. Well-known for its cosy ambience and food that makes you lick your fingers, Cafe Basilico is a big name among the locals.

Chandeliers, yellow lights, green walls and wooden furniture give the place a very old yet classy look. The ambience looks very comfortable and cosy, making it perfect for a weekday dinner with family.

The food menu at Cafe Basilico offers Continental and deli food. Our favourite items from the menu include Harissa Chicken, indulgent Cheese Fondue, Steak, Risotto, Mashed Potatoes, and the most comforting Tomato Soup.

Price for two: ₹2000 | Open in Google Maps

6. Quattro Ristorante

A quaint and dainty place that serves some of the best vegetarian Italian fares in the city is Quattro Ristorante. Located opposite Phoenix Mills in Lower Parel, this place is an absolute delight for all the vegetarians of the city who love Italian food.

The restaurant is classy and the décor speaks of sophistication. With yellow lights and dull grey toned walls, the place looks very elegant and luxurious. The table set up, menu, staff- everything here is a good example of professionalism and those are going to elevate your dining experience.

The menu is a wide selection of vegetarian Italian and Mexican dishes. It is beyond just pizzas and Pasta dishes. The carefully handcrafted dishes are presented beautifully and you are going to love these! Bestselling items include Fajita Pizza, Risotto Al Funghi, Pasta with Pesto Genovese and Aerated Mushrooms and Leeks.

Price for two: ₹1300 | Open with Google Maps

7. Swati Snacks

A name that can never be skipped while talking about the best vegetarian restaurants in the B-town, Swati Snacks is a legend in itself. Serving eclectic vegetarian food in different locations in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, this well-known chain has been serving good food for over half a century.

Their menu is inspired by Indian home recipes and street food items. Some of the most iconic dishes from the menu are Chola Methi Dhokla Kadhi, Swati's Masala Uttappam, Pizza Margherita, Butter Pav Bhaji, Patra, Ragda Patties and Paneer Lifafa. This place is indeed a must-visit spot for all vegetarian food lovers.

Price for two: ₹600 | Open with Google Maps

8. Spice Klub

A delight for all the vegetarians in Mumbai, Spice Klub is known for its innovative and delectable North Indian food. If you're missing vegetarian North Indian food in Mumbai, this is where you need to go!

With a dark and hobo ambience, this place offers a very cosy and comfortable environment to the guests, making it all look very inviting. Spice Klub is perfect for a weekend dinner with friends and family but since it's always crowded during weekends, we recommend you to pre-book the tables for hassle-free dining without any waiting time.

This place is well-known for some of the best north Indian food in Mumbai. The menu is a perfect blend of traditional as well as modern Indian dishes which are innovative and very interesting. Our recommendations from the menu include Roomali Cheese Papad, Chura Salad, Dhokla Lasagna and the most delicious Masala Mojito.

Price for two: ₹1500 | Open with Google Maps

9. Café Mondegar

Another iconic eatery that you can't miss is café Mondegar. Located in the middle of the Colaba market, this café reflects the old school vibe in a very groovy way.

The whole wall is covered with Mario Miranda sketches and this place also has a vintage jukebox. The ambience is quite lively, laid back and jolly, just perfect for a beer with your best buddies.

The breakfast menu at Mondegar is an absolute fair with a myriad of breakfast dishes from around the world. The All-day dining menu contains Mughlai, Continental and Chinese cuisines. Every dish is prepared in an old-fashioned way and the presentation is rustic. Our favourites from the menu include Chicken Stroganoff, stuffed Mushrooms, Triple Schezwan Non-veg, Spaghetti Bolognaise, and Pollo Cordon Bleu.

Price for two: ₹1300 | Open in Google Maps

10. Riso

Located in the buzzing Lower Parel and Ghatkopar, RISO offers some of the most vibrant food dishes there are. The restaurant's rustic interiors give the restaurant a clean and sombre look, but the food makes up for all the spice Indian customers are looking for.

Though their menu has a lot of variety of Mexican and Italian dishes, their Mushroom Cappuccino, Ravioli in Barbecue sauce, Guacamole Dip with tortilla chips and the Tex Mex sizzler steal the spotlight from the rest.

Their dessert options include the steaming, thick Mud cake that is popular as the restaurant's major highlight. The restaurant is not too harsh with its prices, serving families from all over the city.

Price for two: ₹1400 | Open with Google Maps

11. Sun And Moon Korean Restaurant

When it comes to Korean restaurants in Mumbai, Sun and Moon are certainly some of the best in town. With its vibrant ambience, K-pop music playing and all the delicious Korean delicacies being served, Sun and Moon sets a benchmark for all Korean eateries of the city.

The menu here is quite elaborate which serves everything from Kimchi to fish cakes, Ramen, Korean fried chicken, dumplings, soups and much more. Order your favourite Korean items, sip in Soju and you'll have the best Korean experience!

Price for two: ₹2000 | Open in Google Maps

12. 145 Kala Ghoda

With a rustic yet sophisticated setup, 145 serves delicious fusion food across different locations in the city. Their menu has a blend of traditional Indian dishes with fusion dishes that taste as good as they are presented.

The ambience is all about the contemporary and modern edge. The lighting and dull-toned walls make the place look very sophisticated ye there's a little hint of energy to the restaurant which makes the place stand out.

The menu is all about modern Indian food with certain combinations that are highly unique and unheard of. Must-haves from the menu are the Not-So-Bada Pav, Pav Bhaji Cones, Chicken Tikka Cigar, Butter Chicken Bunny Chow.

Price for two: ₹1500 | Open in Google Maps

13. Mitron

One of the most loved bars in Thane, Mitron is one of its kind. Well-known for its huge area, sunset view, live entertainment and elaborate menu, this place has everything for all!

Mitron displays a huge range of entertainment, ranging from live music to game nights, karaoke and sundowner. People love this place for its comfortable seating and brilliant service.

The décor is all about yellow lights with a hint of greenery. The huge glass walls give this place a feel of grandeur, making it look super sophisticated and classy.

Talking about the menu, at Mitron you'll find an amazing collection of Oriental and North Indian cuisines. The food, undoubtedly, is great and it's a complete value for money. Bestselling dishes include Sushi, Dumplings, Tikkas, Kebabs and the silkiest of Cheesecakes. All in all, this restaurant is a complete entertainment package, just perfect for a good evening.

Price for two: ₹1500 | Open in Google Maps

14. Colaba Social

Well-known for its cool ambience, artsy and rustic décor, food that's comforting and pocket-friendly and a very young and lively vibe, Social restaurants have taken India by a storm. Talking about Colaba Social, it is so different from any other Socials in Mumbai that you have to pay a visit to this one once. Slightly bigger than the average Social restaurants in Mumbai, Colaba Social is a whole different vibe. The location, dim yellow lights, brick walls, peppy music and rustic interiors have an old-world charm to it.

Cuisines served at Colaba Social are Continental and North Indian. They also serve Indian street food. Just like any other Social menu, this one is huge with a big number of varieties to choose from. Our favourites from the menu include Dhigra's Punjabi Breakfast, Social Caesar Salad, Truffle three cheese and tenderloin burger, Chinese Thali and Mac & Cheese.

Price for two: ₹1500 | Open in Google Maps

15. Smoke House Deli

Known for the fun vibes, quirky décor, amazing food and brilliant service, we can't miss this spot when it comes to a food walk in Colaba Causeway.

Located on the merry weather road, the prime location also aids to the popularity of the Colaba Smoke House Deli. But yes, the food and extremely clean dining space is something that makes this branch special too.

The menu of this great place primarily serves Italian and American cuisines with a lot of healthy options for the health enthusiasts out there. From the extensive food menu, our top recommendations are Smoke House Nachos with truffle cream, Apple and Kale Salad, Smoke House Reuben, Smoked Chicken and Oregano Burger and the Baconator.

Price for two: ₹900 | Open in Google Maps