Book Bar

After three outlets in Pune, Book Bar's landed in Mumbai – as a bookstore, artisanal café, and pizzeria, all rolled into one. The Pali Hill outlet's a compact space, only about 20 seats. Everything consciously announces the bookish aim: warm lighting, though not devoid of natural light (those gorgeous glass windows!) and loads of indoor plants.

The folks here clearly feel it too – many really read books, while several tap away unobtrusively at their laptops. It's the sort of place one'd come to for quiet conversation or minding their own business. I wouldn't mind coming here on a date.

The books

Shelves are mostly lined with English books (fiction, non-fiction, children's books, self-help, autobiographies, even some recipe books) plus some Hindi and Marathi finds. All of them are preloved – donated to the cafè by the book community, available for in-house reading, or second-hand books, which are on sale at half-price.

The food

Book Bar steers clear of stuffing too many concepts down a single throat. The food's simple – croissants, yoghurt bowls, toasts, pancakes, omelettes, scrambled eggs, pizza, sandwiches, salads, bagels, cheesecakes, and more.

The harissa paneer sandwich is particularly good – didn't seem carelessly slapped together, as is often the case with spaces that double up for more than one use. Sourdough bread, harissa marinade, red onion, cheese, mixed greens, served with chips. This I paired with the iced Biscoff latte (also good), and the seasonal French toast, which came topped with Badami mangoes and vanilla ice-cream.

The coffee

Pure arabica beans – including whiskey barrel, Vienna roast, and rum barrel – all available for customised brewing methods. Plenty of options for decaf beverages and lactose intolerant folks.

39, Lesleo Villa, off 16th Road, Pali Village, Bandra West, Mumbai, 400050