Chef Nooresha Kably's guide to eating well across budgets in Mumbai

When asked about a meal she couldn't stop thinking about, Nooresha did not hesitate when pulling out this delightful deep cut. 

When a historic 80-year-old local haunt's menu is enigmatically categorised in terms of tiffins or thalis with no further explanation, it's bound to be good. A whole thali consisting of flavourful vegetarian classics like undhiyu, kadhi, aam ras and more for ₹550 is more than enough to prove it. 

In a city choking on a mish-mash of fine-dining, where a plate the size of your palm breaks the bank, this authentic Gujarati joint is refreshing. The simplicity of it all is a motto Nooresha heavily imbues in her own cooking.

Timings: Mon-Sun, 11.30am-3.30pm & 7pm-10.30pm. Mondays closed for dinner.

Address: Building No 31, Purshottam Niwas, Dadiseth Agiyari Ln, Marine Lines East, Kalbadevi, Mumbai 

This Bengali chain of eateries has a cemented reputation across India. In Mumbai, it's Chef Nooresha's go-to for delivery after a hectic day of service.

Their standouts include classic Bengali dishes like daab chingri (prawns cooked in tender coconut), kosha mangsho (slow-cooked mutton), and bhetki machher paturi (banana leaf steamed barramundi with mustard). It's nothing too fancy, but the quality of the food has held up for years, making it a comfort spot for many Mumbaikars, Bengali or otherwise.

Timings: Mon-Sun. 12:30-3:30pm & 7.30pm-11.30pm.

Address: Andheri, Tardeo, Vashi, Thane West 

One of the many esteemed eateries decorating Pali Village, this fairly new-ish Spanish restaurant serves the best paellas in the city, quickly making it a town favourite. The space is beautifully done: modern Spanish arches, a great playlist, an ambience that has converted a seemingly unassuming 75-seater into one of the best fine-dining joints in the city. It's one of the only restaurants in Mumbai that gets its cuisine authentically right, especially seafood.

The name of the game with drinks is tequila, of course, and they're damn good. It's no wonder Chef Nooresha crowns this spot the second best restaurant in Bandra (after Izumi, of course). 

Timings: Tue-Sun. Noon-3.30pm & 7pm-1am. Mon closed.

Address: Fatima Villa, 29th Rd, Bandra West 

Speaking of breaking the bank, Carnival by Tresind is a swift departure from Nooresha's previous recommendations, but she swears it's worth it. The 'fun-dining' 8-course tasting menu has a flair for the dramatic and is a dining experience Nooresha feels is severely underrated. A marriage of theatre and gastronomy, dishes like the Kala Khatta Burrata Salad and the Parmesan and Saffron Khichidi (topped with 24-karat gold leaves to underline the price point) push the boundaries of what Indian food can be.

It's luxe, indulgent, and the menu will have you doing a double take, more than once. Think Mardi Gras meets Michelin in Mumbai.

Timings: Mon-Sun. Noon-5pm & 6pm-1am

Address: 7th floor, Krishna Curve Building, Juhu Tara Rd, Santacruz West