Dinner diaries
If you’re craving a belly-filling meal, for that we have the neighbourhood bistro, Jessiea’s Café. Their hand-stretched sourdough pizzas are a delicacy, and the freshness of the homemade pasta is palpable. The best part, hands down, is the vibe. There’s an at-floor table, where patrons can sit on the floor and dine homestyle. The owners seem to be music buffs; there’s a live performance pretty much every night at the restaurant, and local talent is given a stage. Just the vibe you need to feel at home.

Where: Moongipa, Ganesh Chowk

Snack on the go!
There’s nothing quite like starting the day with a good breakfast. In Mumbai, the city that never stops, breakfast has to be quick, one that’ll move with you. That’s how we discovered the idli aunty in front of Satyaveer chemists. Her stall has no name, but you’ll find busy bees from all around the neighbourhood, freshly dressed for work, grabbing a quick breakfast. Aunty, with her daughter, takes extreme pride in feeding all the busy bees. Make sure to ask her for extra chutney with your medu vada; she loves it when people love her chutney. Head out early, though, she runs out of her stock quite quickly.

Where: Opposite Satyaveer Chemists, Cluster lane

Going South
Benne dosa has exploded on our feeds in the last two years. And we admit, it’s worth all the hype. The only thing it isn’t worth is standing in long queues in the sun. Instead, we raise you Maa Annapurna, a modern take on the tried-and-tested, city-favourite udupi. Maa Annapurna’s benne dosa (Rs 170) is unmissable, as is the ghee thatte idli (Rs 110). The staff is forever smiling, and the service is super quick. 

Where: Platinum 53 West, Cluster lane

Chai, et al
As the school bell rings and students rush back home, Desire is the one who takes them all in. Known as a neighbourhood staple, this place serves up some of the most delicious tea in town. There’ll be no dearth of options, especially when you pair them with their unique take on a vada pav, which is closer to a potato panini — but don’t judge it before you try it! There is something so energising about being surrounded by young blood, all the students with the same wide eyes we had not so many years ago. You’ll often find them playing board games together and laughing.

Where: Cluster lane

Taste of hometown
If you want a quick snack, we recommend the Indori poha at Indore ke Namkeen, a sweet, family-owned farsaan store.

Their Indori poha is tangy, sweet, spicy, and filled with sev, all at once. The pani puri and chat also hit the spot! The best are their banana chips that rival any homestyle batch.

Where: Shivneri CHS, Idgah Lane

Not without our coffee
Just a quick walk over is Kohfae, the perfect spot for a coffee. Our personal favourite is their Spanish iced latte (Rs 260). It’s just the perfect amount of sweet.

The barista, Mehek, is learning coffee brewing and yet can serve coffee that rivals your favourite fancy cafés. They serve a mean pesto, too; do not miss out on their pesto cream cheese toast.

If you’re in too much of a hurry, they have a vending machine right outside that offers some of their best-selling coffees and desserts on the go. 

Where: Platinum 53 West, Cluster lane

End on a sweet note
Head to Soul to end the night on a sweet note. The exterior of the café is electric blue, with an al fresco dining area set up with small round tables and red-and-white gingham tablecloths.

A must is a slice of the pizookie (Rs 325), a pizza-sized, pie-style chocolate cookie that tastes just as indulgent as it sounds. The almond croissant (Rs 215) is flaky and decadent. If you still have some space in your stomach, give their fusion menu a try. Our personal favourites are the thetcha Korean buns (Rs 225) and garlic knots (Rs 225). 

Where: Platinum 53 West, Cluster lane

Once done, head to Prajakta Udyan and take a long walk. If you’re with friends, don’t forget to ride the swings for some good old nostalgia