I’ve always been a picky eater, a fact that has often caused frustration for my parents, friends, and even my own partner. Planning dinners with my group is a chaotic ordeal, filled with my endless vetoes and complaints. “How about that new Thai place?” someone might suggest. “Not Thai, man, can we do something more wholesome?” I plead. But every suggestion is met with a new objection from me.
This is why the arrival of Brunch & Cake in Mumbai feels like a personal victory. This Barcelona-born all-day dining restaurant promises a haven for picky eaters like myself, offering simple, delicious food without any fancy deconstructions or molecular gastronomy.
Walking into the warmly lit restaurant at 9 pm on a Thursday, I wondered if I was too late or too early for brunch. I was quickly informed that “breakfast for dinner” was their unofficial motto. The menu, refreshingly simple, offered exactly what it promised, with no surprises or hidden twists. Their motto, “In Grandmothers We Trust,” resonated with me deeply. If there’s one person I trust to feed me well, it’s my grandmother.
When asked what I felt like eating, I couldn’t help but think back to my friends’ disgruntled complaints. “Anything, really, just no vegetables,” I mumbled, bracing myself for a chef who might not be as accommodating as my friends.
While the kitchen whipped up a surprise meal, I took a tour of the restaurant. The interiors, true to Brunch & Cake’s signature style, were a minimalist oasis of white, beige, and brown with splashes of green foliage. A large olive tree crafted from fiberglass dominated the center, while a glass case showcasing whole cakes at the entrance was a brilliant touch, tempting diners with the promise of delectable desserts even before they had a chance to look at the menu.
The desserts themselves were like little art installations. The almond blueberry lemon chiffon cake beckoned me, the chocolate sour cherry cake stole my heart, and the vanilla strawberry milk cake, adorned with fresh cream, was irresistible.
A stone pizza oven, looking more like an igloo than a cooking apparatus, stood proudly in a corner. I learned that this oven was where the Neapolitan pizzas were born, after 2,000 trials to perfect the final seven recipes that made it to the menu.
Moving on, I came across a seemingly ordinary bookshelf. But as I approached, it slid open to reveal a secret speakeasy-style enclosure, complete with mirrors, a disco ball, and a clam-shaped bell that, when buzzed, set the disco ball spinning. The lone powder room, unexpectedly spacious and chic, added a touch of luxury to the already delightful ambiance.
Back at my table, the Next Level Avo Toast awaited me. “No vegetables!” I reminded the chef, feeling a tantrum brewing. But he, with a honey-sweet voice, coaxed me with a smile, “Just take a bite, no pressure to finish the whole thing.” I took a hesitant bite, ready to reach for my water, as I usually do with vegetables. But before I could, the creamy avocado feta smash exploded in my mouth. Generously spread on olive sourdough and adorned with house pickles, this was, without a doubt, the Sandwich of the Year for me. Not because I hadn’t tasted better sandwiches before, but because no meatless sandwich had ever impressed me so much.
The garlic and cheese pizza, made with a garlic butter base and sprinkled with parmesan cream sauce, was another delightful surprise. It was a great choice for me, as I’m not particularly fond of tomato sauce.
Grandma’s Burnt Edge Chicken Lasagna, a revelation in itself, was packed with 40 layers of bechamel, cheese, sauce, chicken, and lasagna. And if you weren’t too full by then, the Mermaid Smoothie Bowl, with its beetroot granola, blue chia pudding, kiwi, mixed berries, melon letters, pink meringue drops, and a half-submerged mermaid’s tail made of chocolate, was an absolute must-try.
For those who prefer a more traditional dessert, the crustless Basque Cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries, the Levain Cookie (best paired with the Peanut Butter Latte), or the Saffron Apricot Milk Cake, immersed in a special mixture of milk and cream and topped with fresh apricots, were all tempting options.
By the end of my meal, I couldn’t imagine a single dish I wouldn’t want to eat again. Simple flavors, perfectly cooked, generous portions, and convivial interiors designed to keep you lingering, dining at Brunch & Cake felt like a warm, comforting hug from your grandmother after a long workday.
It’s no surprise that the first of many planned outposts—set to open in Goa, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Delhi—launched in between Lower Parel and Worli, Mumbai’s most thriving commercial hubs. I can imagine many office-goers dropping by with their co-workers for a post-work venting session over cookies and coffee.
As for me, I’m waiting for the group chat to blow up come Friday evening so I can finally suggest a fifth place for dinner. But this time, I’m confident that my friends will be happy with my pick. Brunch & Cake, you’ve won over even the pickiest of eaters.
