Cafe Mondegar

Cafe Mondegar, or Mondy’s, is a long-running Colaba café and bar in Metro House, near Regal Cinema on Colaba Causeway. It opened in 1932 and is known for Mario Miranda’s murals, old-fashioned café furniture and a vintage jukebox playing retro music. The menu spans Indian and continental food, with butter mushrooms, chilly chicken, roast pork sausages and fish and chips among the choices. Drop in for a meal with music, or come by in the evening for a beer or wine. Seating can feel crowded at busy times.

An Irani café with a jukebox

Cafe Mondegar opened in 1932 as an Irani café. It later became known as both a café and a bar, and is still called Mondy’s by many Mumbaikars. Its long history is part of the setting: dark wooden furniture, bentwood chairs and chequered tablecloths recall the style associated with Mumbai’s Irani cafés.

The vintage jukebox is one of the café’s defining details. It was the first jukebox in Bombay, and it remains a draw for people who come for the music as well as the food. Retro and classic English tracks accompany a meal, giving the room a livelier feel than a quiet café.

Mario Miranda’s murals

Goa-born artist Mario Miranda painted the café’s interior walls and entrance ceiling. The murals cover the room with scenes and characters, so the artwork is part of the visit as much as the tables and menu. Two of the walls have distinct themes: “Life in Mumbai” and “Atmosphere in the Café.”

Take time to look around rather than focusing only on the table. The drawings are a major part of Mondegar’s identity and give the old café its playful visual character. The murals also make the room feel different from a conventional restaurant interior.