Bombay To Barcelona Library Cafe

Brilliant place and a must visit if you are nearby! Was there for brunch on the LP/Lolla day, so was quite busy but I feel they managed it really well. Food and staff were both really good. Would definitely have gone back there if I had more time in Mumbai. Their back story is also very interesting, so do try and find out about that!

Bombay to Barcelona Library Café Bombay to Barcelona Library Café carries a story far greater than its walls. Barely ten minutes from the airport, it is an easy stop before or after a flight, a pause between journeys. True to its name, the café houses a library. On a quiet weekday afternoon you might lose yourself in its shelves, but on a weekend evening the crowd and chatter make reading almost impossible. Still, the very idea of a library café in the middle of Mumbai feels worth applauding. The café is known as much for its mission as for its menu. Run by people who once lived on the streets, it stands as a place of dignity and opportunity. Even without knowing every detail, the effort itself commands respect. Inside, the walls are bright with posters and lights, though together with the weekend rush they create an anxious energy. We were seated outside, surrounded by plants that offered privacy from the road. In the evening breeze, it was pleasant and comfortable, though it is easy to imagine how challenging the same seating might be in the heat of a summer afternoon. There was also a small corner selling shirts and beads, though it added little to the overall charm. The one true disappointment was the restroom, cramped, unlit, and unpleasant, something the café must address. Food service was slow, enough to make us glance at the clock with our flight in mind, but the staff softened the wait. Warm and genuine, they spoke with candor, sharing how many visitors misuse the café’s generosity by spending hours over a single coffee, taking advantage of the space meant to uplift. Their honesty and kindness became part of the experience. The food itself was a saving grace. The pink sauce pasta, recommended by the staff, was among the best I have tasted. The sauce was thick but not overwhelming, balanced between mildness and spice. It coated the pasta perfectly, which was cooked to just the right texture. It came with grilled, spiced bread, hearty squares that paired well though slightly too big for the sauce offered. The plating was simple yet pleasing. We also ordered chicken fingers. They arrived piping hot, crisp on the outside and tender within, with a flavored mayonnaise that complemented them well. A slight greasiness held them back from being perfect, but they were still enjoyable. To finish, we tried hazelnut coffee. Frothy and aromatic, it arrived with latte art that looked amusingly like an onion rather than the usual heart or flower. The taste was decent, not extraordinary, but pleasant enough and served in generous quantity. The oddest part of the evening was the lack of a bill. Even when we asked, we were told to simply take a photo of their device that displayed the order. It felt unprofessional and left a lingering doubt. Bombay to Barcelona Library Café is far from flawless. The service can be slow, the structure needs attention, and the restroom is a clear weak point. Yet its story, its mission, and its food keep it afloat. It is a place where a plate of pasta can be memorable, a cup of coffee can carry a smile, and the spirit of second chances lingers in the air. 7.5/10

If I were to rate the cafe's concept, it would be a 5! But if you ask me about my overall experience, it will be strictly a 3. The ambience is bang on perfect for hanging out with friends. There are books stacked like a mini library which you can read while you enjoy a bite. The food that we tried was so not great though. We tried: •White sauce chicken pasta •Chicken B2BLC sandwich •Cold coffee with almond milk (of which the almond milk quantity was only available for 1 serve. Disappointing.) •Cold coffee with hazelnut •Paneer pesto crepe •Chicken fingers Overall, the pasta was the winner. It was cooked very well with the sauce tasting creamy and delicious. It was served with the normal bread cut into triangles and toasted. The sandwich size was quite huge with a good amount of filling. Not at all a fan of both the cold coffees - One with almond milk and the other with cow milk. The paneer pesto wrap didn’t have salt and the taste was quite off and not balanced. It’s supposed to be creamy but instead we could taste only the greens. It was a total letdown. The crepe covering was nice though but again what’s the point? Chicken fingers seemed a bit over-fried and stale served with a sauce (it was definitely not mayonnaise as told to us) which did not go well. We chose not to eat all 6 pieces as a result. The service was alright. The server made a face when we could not finish everything on the plate and commented that it would be given to someone else. Now I understand that’s very noble of them to do that to prevent food wastage. I politely replied on the same lines with a smile. His tone seemed rude nor were there any other mannerisms leaving us baffled and uncomfortable. Overall not a great experience and would skip returning.