Housed in historic buildings or heritage spaces, restored cafes have become popular hubs that celebrate nostalgia, artistry, and a sense of belonging. From intricately carved wooden facades to grand arches, ornate pillars, and vintage flooring, every detail contributes to the overall ambience and transports visitors back in time. Moreover, they have also become cultural hubs, hosting various events and activities that celebrate art, literature, music, and more. By encapsulating the essence of nostalgia and creativity, restored cafes have become an integral part of India’s contemporary cultural fabric. Here are some of the popular restored cafes in India that you must visit:
1. The Bhawanipur House
A heritage bungalow-turned-café, The Bhawanipur House exhibits age-old architecture and aura. It was originally a 1907-built building and is now restored to bring back the lost glory of century-old adda or simply put as the favourite pastime for people in Kolkata. Housing a majestic mango tree that towers over the compound and a gorgeously limpid lotus pond that sets the mood for every visit, the place has something for everyone who’s visiting it. The heritage building and elegant dining experience set the café truly apart as one-of-its-kind throughout the city.
Where: Bhowanipore, Kolkata, West Bengal
When: 11 am – 11 pm
Cost: ₹1,000 for two people (approx.)
2. Sassanian Boulangerie
This is a 100-year-old Iranian cafe in Mumbai. Sassanian Boulangerie is a pre-independence hotspot, that started way back in 1913. It’s said that before Independence, the cafe was a hotspot for Iranian jockeys, who would stop by for a cuppa before heading to their polo matches and having tea, cakes and biscuits. In 1960, it turned into a cafe and today features the dhansak, sali chicken and Lagan Nu Custard among its top sells.
Where: Dhobi Talao, Mumbai, Maharashtra
When: 7 am–10 pm
Cost: ₹400 for two people (approx.)
Also Read: Add These Historic Restaurants To The Itinerary For Your Italy Trip
3. Hard Rock Cafe
This Hard Rock Cafe in Bengaluru is also a restored version of a 100-year-old colonial building. Historically, the building housed what was known as The Blighty’s Tea Rooms and the salvation army. The design was largely influenced by the rugged stone architecture. And now, it houses the ever-famous hard rock cafe.
Where: Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka
When: 12 pm–1 am
Cost: ₹2,500 for two people (approx.)
4. Indian Coffee House
Indian Coffee House in Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/snnxFwSGPC
— Hardeep Asrani (@HardeepAsrani) January 2, 2021
A favourite place of most Kolkata residents, this Indian Coffee House on College Street was originally Albert Hall in 1942. But, this place continues to be a showstopper for generations. French windows and double-height storeys adorn this humble place, where adda over food never gets old. Grab a cup of coffee and cutlets or pakora, and be assured you’ll have an enlightening conversation with your friends!
Where: College Street, Kolkata, West Bengal
When: 12 pm–8 pm
Cost: ₹300 for two people (approx.)
5. KMC*
KMC* happens to be a favourite hotspot for most Mumbaikars. Nestled in the heritage building of Kitab Mahal in the city’s historic Fort area, KMC* is a space that has blended the old and the new quite well! Each component of this space has been carefully chosen to blend the old and the contemporary, from the typewriter at the door to the pop-culture posters to the bookshelves and the in-house goods to the shutter-style windows.
Where: Azad Maidan, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra
When: 9 am – 12 am
Cost: ₹2,500 for two people (approx.)
6. Native Bombay
Between Cochin and Calicut streets at Mumbai’s Ballard Pier was a 144-year-old ice plant that is now a negroni-only bar and a pan-Indian restaurant. Now this space, Native Bombay is now an art and exhibition space, a performance venue, and a gorgeous café wrapped around an ancient banyan tree. The decor and architecture expand on the historic legacy of the heritage structure.
Where: St, Ballard Estate, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra
When: 12–3:30 pm, 5 pm–1 am
Cost: ₹3,000 for two people (approx.)
Have you visited any of these restored cafes in India?
Cover image credits: Canva