8 Oldest Irani Cafés in Mumbai and Pune That Every Food Lover Should Experience

There’s something magical about walking into an old Irani café in Mumbai or Pune. It’s not just the food — though the buttery brun maska, crisp pav, and strong Irani chai are unforgettable — it’s the feeling of stepping back in time. The clinking of cups on marble tables, the slow hum of ceiling fans, and the quiet, almost ritualistic rhythm of daily life make these cafés more than just eateries. They are places where history, memory, and community converge.

Irani cafés were established by Persian and Zoroastrian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Over time, they became democratic spaces where office-goers, students, artists, and regular neighbourhoods alike could gather. While some have evolved, many still retain their original charm, acting as living snapshots of India’s urban past.

Here’s a look at 8 of the oldest Irani cafés in Mumbai and Pune that deserve a spot on every traveller’s or local’s must-visit list.

1. Leopold Café, Colaba (Established 1871)

Leopold Café is the oldest on this list, opening its doors in 1871. Its wide-open façade, long bar counters, and bustling tables have made it a crossroads for generations of locals and travellers alike. Sailors, journalists, backpackers, and late-night visitors all find themselves drawn here.

The menu is a fusion of continental and café classics, with sizzlers, cutlets, and strong coffee. But the real charm isn’t just the food — it’s the atmosphere. The place feels lived-in, layered with stories from more than a century, every scratch on a table whispering a tale of its past.

2. Kyani & Co., Mumbai (Founded 1904)

Stepping into Kyani & Co. is like entering a time capsule. Founded in 1904 in South Mumbai, this café has managed to maintain its original charm through decades of change. The air carries the scent of freshly baked buns and melted butter.

Brun maska is served warm and crusty.

Thick Irani chai is poured effortlessly into glasses.

Staff move with quiet precision, their actions repeated over generations.

3. Cafe Excelsior, Mumbai (Opened around 1919)

Established around 1919, Cafe Excelsior exudes old-world pride. Vintage clocks tick above worn counters, sepia photographs decorate the walls, and the menu is a reflection of Bombay’s everyday culinary history.

Regular patrons arrive at their usual times, greet staff by name, and occupy their preferred seats. Here, routines matter more than trends:

Hot kheema pav served fresh

Crisp, well-fried mutton cutlets

Strong, sweet chai

4. Britannia & Co., Mumbai (Early 1920s)

Britannia & Co. has been an institution since the early 1920s, famous for its berry pulao and buttery brun maska. Its home-style Parsi recipes have barely changed over decades, and its atmosphere radiates nostalgia.

Long-time patrons return for the same tables they have always used.

The walls are adorned with photographs of owners with royalty, politicians, and film stars.

Wooden furniture and the aroma of slow-cooked stews create a warm, timeless dining environment.

5. Cafe Goodluck, Pune (Officially 1935)

Cafe Goodluck on FC Road has long been part of Pune’s daily rhythm. Official records date it to 1935, though family stories suggest it may have started earlier. Over the years, it has become synonymous with unhurried mornings and casual conversations.

Bun maska torn open at the table

Egg bhurji scooped up with soft bread

Irani chai refilled almost automatically

6. Yazdani Bakery & Restaurant, Mumbai (Mid-20th Century)

Yazdani Bakery reflects the baking side of Irani café culture. Established by an Irani baker in the mid-20th century, it quickly became known for its simple, consistent offerings.

Crusty pav perfect for brun maska

Rich fruit cakes and baked goods

Diesel ovens working behind the counter, loaves shaped by hand

7. Kayani Bakery, Pune (Established 1955)

Founded in 1955 by three brothers from Iran, Kayani Bakery became an essential part of Pune’s food scene. Located on East Street, it specializes in dense mawa cakes and crumbly Shrewsbury biscuits.

Compact interiors with glass jars stacked high

Warm butter aromas drifting onto the street

Steady, clockwork-like rhythm of baking and service

8. Café de la Paix, Mumbai (Established 1935)

Café de la Paix provides a gentler, quieter Irani café experience. Tucked away from busy streets, it has built a reputation for calm breakfasts and polite, attentive service.

Softly lit interiors with humming ceiling fans

Bun maska, omelettes, and mild curries prepared simply

Newspapers folded neatly at corner tables, elderly patrons lingering over crosswords.