Best Matunga South Indian Restaurants in Mumbai (Honest 2026 Guide)
⏱ 11 min read
If you ask me where to find the best south indian restaurants mumbai has to offer, I’ll say one word: Matunga.
I judge every place by two things dosa and filter coffee (and I’m not even a coffee person). Over the years, I’ve eaten my way through almost every popular matunga south indian restaurants spot from ghee podi idlis at 8 AM to post-shopping masala dosas.
If you’re searching for:
- south indian restaurants in matunga
- good south indian restaurants in mumbai
This is the real, no-fluff guide.
Quick Verdict Summary
| Restaurant | Vibe | Must Try | Price for 2 | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramashray | Old-school classic | Ghee podi idli | ₹300–₹400 | ⭐ 4.8 |
| Benne | Trendy, buttery | Benne dosa | ₹500–₹700 | ⭐ 4.5 |
| Banana Leaf | Family-friendly | South Indian thali | ₹600–₹800 | ⭐ 4.4 |
| Arya Bhavan | No-frills authentic | Rava biscuit dosa | ₹300–₹450 | ⭐ 4.3 |
| Thambbi | Andhra-style | Andhra masala dosa | ₹500–₹700 | ⭐ 4.3 |
| Malgudi | Mall comfort | Coorg idli | ₹400–₹600 | ⭐ 4.2 |
Why Matunga is the South Indian Food Capital of Mumbai
Matunga isn’t just another Mumbai neighbourhood. It has deep Tamil roots, and many restaurants here have been running for decades.
If you want authentic sambar (slightly sweet, not spicy), coconut chutney that tastes freshly ground, and dosa batter that ferments just right this is where you come.
Most south indian restaurants matunga open early (7–8 AM), and weekends mean queues. If you hate waiting, go before 8:00 AM.
1. Ramashray – Best South Indian Restaurants
If I had to pick one from all south indian restaurants in matunga east, this is it.
I’ve probably eaten half their menu over the years.
What I Always Order:
- Ghee podi idli
- Podi masala dosa
- Pineapple sheera
- Filter coffee
The ghee podi idli arrives dripping in ghee, coated in spicy podi powder soft inside, flavour bomb outside. Their dosa is crisp but not oily. The sambar is slightly sweet (very Tamil style).
Price Range:
₹300–₹400 for two
Who Should Visit:
- First-timers in Matunga
- Authenticity lovers
- Early breakfast crowd
Who Should Avoid:
- People who hate waiting
- AC-only diners
Honest Downside:
Crowded. Always. You might stand and eat during peak hours.
Final Rating: ⭐ 4.8/5
2. Benne – Buttery & Viral
Technically not in Matunga (Juhu branch), but impossible to ignore when discussing the best south indian restaurants mumbai offers.
Benne means butter and they don’t hold back.
Must Try:
- Benne dosa
- Thatte idli
- Filter coffee
The dosa is softer, Karnataka-style, and loaded with butter. Delicious? Yes. Light? No.
Price Range:
₹500–₹700 for two
Who Should Visit:
- Instagram crowd
- People who love rich dosas
Who Should Avoid:
- Those avoiding butter
- Anyone unwilling to wait 45+ minutes
Honest Downside:
Long waiting time, especially weekends.
Full detailed review here: Benne Review
3. Banana Leaf – Best South Indian Thali
When I want a full meal, not just dosa, I go here.
Their South Indian thali is one of the most satisfying in Mumbai — multiple sabzis, rasam, sambar, papad, sweet, unlimited rice.
Must Try:
- South Indian thali
- Masala dosa
- Steamed idli
Price Range:
₹600–₹800 for two
Who Should Visit:
- Families
- Big eaters
- Thali lovers
Honest Downside:
Slightly more commercial feel.
Final Rating: ⭐ 4.4/5
4. Arya Bhavan – Underrated & Consistent
Simple seating. Fast service. Strong flavours.
Must Try:
- Rava biscuit dosa
- Ghee podi idli
- Masala dosa
Their chutney-to-sambar ratio is perfect. The rava biscuit dosa is crisp and slightly grainy addictive texture.
Price Range:
₹300–₹450 for two
Honest Downside:
No fancy vibe. Purely food-focused.
Final Rating: ⭐ 4.3/5
5. Thambbi – Andhra Hit
Not Matunga, but when I’m in Thane, this is my go-to for proper Andhra spice.
Must Try:
- Andhra masala dosa
- Podi idli
- Gunpowder ghee dosa
Spicier than Matunga-style Tamil food — more chilli heat.
Price Range:
₹500–₹700 for two
Honest Downside:
Not as traditional as Matunga classics.
Final Rating: ⭐ 4.3/5
6. Malgudi – Mall Comfort Pick
Located in Infinity Mall food court.
Whenever I’m shopping and craving dosa, this works.
Must Try:
- Masala dosa
- Coorg idli
- Filter coffee
Price Range:
₹400–₹600 for two
Honest Downside:
Mall food court vibe, not heritage experience.
Final Rating: ⭐ 4.1/5
So, Which Are the Best South Indian Restaurants in Mumbai?
If we’re strictly talking authenticity:
🥇 Ramashray
🥈 Arya Bhavan
🥉 Banana Leaf
For modern butter-loaded experience: Benne.
For spice lovers: Thambbi.
For convenience: Malgudi.
If someone asks me about good south indian restaurants in mumbai, I always start with Matunga.
Overhyped? Let’s Talk Honestly.
Dakshinayan – Not Worth the Hype (For Me)
I really wanted to love this place.
It has the legacy, the location, the loyal fan base. But after multiple visits, I have to say it didn’t live up to the expectations I had from the best south indian restaurants mumbai category.
What I Ordered:
- Masala dosa
- Idli vada
- Filter coffee
My Honest Take:
The dosa was decent, but not exceptional.
When you’ve eaten at Ramashray or Arya Bhavan, your benchmark shifts. And Dakshinayan didn’t beat them.
Price Range:
₹600–₹900 for two
Who Might Still Like It:
- Juhu residents
- People who prefer a calmer dine-in setup
- Those who value legacy spots
Why It Felt Overhyped:
You’re paying premium pricing, but the flavour didn’t justify it (in my experience).
My Rating: ⭐ 3.2/5
Places I Really Want to Visit (On My Radar)
After exploring most matunga south indian restaurants, these are the three spots I’m genuinely excited to try. From Matunga legacy names to a Bangalore favourite entering South Mumbai, this is my personal South Indian tasting checklist.
Cafe Mysore – Matunga
Matunga East • Legacy Tamil Style- Going For: Mysore sada dosa & butter idli
- Expecting: Deep sambar & strong filter coffee
- Why It Matters: Popular among south indian restaurants in matunga
Rameshwaram Cafe – South Mumbai
Bangalore Famous • Ghee Heavy- Going For: Ghee podi idli & Bangalore-style dosa
- Expecting: Bold flavours & high-energy service
- Why It Matters: Competes with traditional south indian restaurants matunga
Cafe Porvai – Kandivali
From Magari Team • Comfort Focus- Going For: Classic masala dosa & filter coffee
- Expecting: Balanced spice & consistency
- Why It Matters: Potential addition to good south indian restaurants in Mumbai
Final Conclusion on South Indian Restaurants
If you’re serious about finding the best matunga south indian restaurants, start in Matunga. That’s still the heart of authentic Tamil-style idli, dosa, sambar and proper steel-tumbler filter coffee.
For me:
- Ramashray sets the benchmark.
- Arya Bhavan delivers consistency.
- Banana Leaf is perfect when you want a full thali meal.
That’s why whenever someone asks me about the best south indian restaurants Mumbai offers, Matunga is always my first answer.
But Mumbai’s South Indian scene is evolving.
It’s no longer just about traditional tiffin joints. We’re now seeing:
- Bangalore-style ghee-heavy concepts
- Modern plated South Indian in Bandra & South Mumbai
- Fusion interpretations in the suburbs
And that brings me to something different.
If you’re curious about creative South Indian food with a twist, read my detailed Aahara Restaurant in Borivali Review. Aahara Restaurant serves fusion South Indian dishes think Mysore masala nachos, experimental plating, and flavours that mix tradition with innovation.
It’s not trying to compete with traditional south indian restaurants in matunga east it’s carving its own lane.
And honestly? I appreciate both.
That’s what makes Mumbai special.
From heritage south indian restaurants matunga to modern fusion concepts in Borivali there’s room for both authenticity and creativity.
And I’ll keep updating this guide as I eat my way through every dosa worth recommending.
FAQs – Matunga South Indian Restaurants
Which are the best south indian restaurants in matunga?
Ramashray, Arya Bhavan, and Banana Leaf are the most consistent and authentic options.
Are there good south indian restaurants in matunga east?
Yes. Ramashray and Arya Bhavan are located in Matunga East and are highly recommended.
What is the average cost for two at south indian restaurants matunga?
₹300–₹800 depending on whether you order dosa or full thali.
Which is the best south indian restaurant in Mumbai overall?
The best south indian restaurant in Mumbai is Ramashray.
What time should I visit to avoid crowds?
Before 9:30 AM for breakfast or after 3:30 PM post-lunch rush.
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