Written By: Gouri Ghosh

Mumbai has a large, diverse customer base always looking for good food. This makes it ideal for starting a restaurant franchise in Mumbai 2026, whether it’s a café, fast food, or Indian restaurant. With the right brand and location, your franchise can grow quickly and attract loyal customers.

If you’re planning to invest in a restaurant franchise in Mumbai 2026, this guide is for you. Mumbai's restaurant sector is expanding at a rapid pace, fueled by shifting lifestyles, online food ordering apps, and a desire to explore new restaurants. Whether you're planning to start a café in Bandra or a quick-service joint in Powai, owning a restaurant franchise in Mumbai is one of the best business prospects today. Here's a look at why this market is hot and who's leading the charge in 2026.

Why Invest in a Restaurant Franchise in Mumbai in 2026?

Mumbai has a thriving and diverse food culture. Everyone enjoys dining out, experimenting with different cuisines, and ordering from restaurants they like. This is exactly why the city is ideal for any individual willing to establish a restaurant franchise venture in India.

Selecting a restaurant franchise model in India has numerous benefits:

• An established business idea has an existing customer base, minimizing the risk for new investors.
• The franchisor offers assistance, training, and marketing support to ensure the smooth functioning of the business.
• High population density in Mumbai guarantees a constant influx of customers throughout the year.
• Food delivery is expanding at a fast rate, generating extra streams of income for franchisees.
• New malls, corporate offices, and business parks are boosting foot traffic and prospects for restaurants.
• Popularity of Indian and global brands ensures a loyal customer base exists already.
• Franchises enable simplified expansion and scalability over building from the ground up.
• Popular brands draw walk-ins as well as online orders, enhancing sales.

Investors can concentrate on managing and operating while depending upon established systems developed by the franchisor.

How To Choose the Best Franchises in Mumbai 2026?

The choice of the top restaurant franchise in Mumbai 2026 depends on several significant factors:

• Reputation of the brand and extent of customer trust.
• Investment value and return on investment are expected.
• Type of cuisine, whether Indian, international, vegetarian, non-vegetarian, café, or QSR.
• Support from franchisor, logistics, and marketing systems for smooth functioning.
• Ease of management and quality of staff training offered.
• Scale of the brand and scope for multiple outlets.
• Popularity among local patrons and anticipated foot traffic.
• Flexibility in delivery and cloud kitchen concepts.
• Menu innovation and presence of seasonal items.
• Digital face and incorporation of technology for orders and advertising.

Top 10 Restaurant Franchises in Mumbai 2026

McDonald's India

McDonald's is still one of the most popular quick-service restaurants in India. It has establishments in all the major Mumbai areas and still does well in 2026.

 Investment range: ₹6–10 crore (approx.)

 Why invest:

• The brand enjoys a strong international presence and a dedicated clientele.
• It guarantees sustained returns because of intense demand and brand loyalty.
• It offers extensive training and business assistance to franchisees.

Domino's Pizza

Domino's is among the most trusted restaurant chains in Mumbai for consistent earnings. It leads both delivery and dine-in markets.

 Investment: ₹75 lakh – ₹2 crore

Why invest:

• The delivery network is well-developed and highly efficient.
• The brand has high recognition in India.
• Investors can look forward to a quick return on investment with high sales.

Subway

Subway connects with health-conscious urban consumers and is best for first-time investors looking for a globally recognized brand.

Investment: ₹60 lakh – ₹90 lakh

Why invest:

• The menu is fresh, personalized, and caters to the masses.
• Supply chain and operations are streamlined, minimizing business risk.
• Subway's global brand name commands loyal customers.

Barbeque Nation

Barbeque Nation is a tried and tested performer. It has an interactive eating experience and loyal customers.

Investment: ₹2.5–4 crore

Why invest:

• The brand enjoys a robust identity in the premium dining sector.
• Its loyal patrons guarantee repeat orders and also consistent revenue.
• Barbeque Nation is a high-end experience brand, tending to draw larger groups and families.

Wow! Momo

Wow! Momo is a rapidly growing Indian fast-food chain, well-liked in metro cities such as Mumbai.

Investment: ₹35–60 lakh

Why invest:

• The entry fee is reasonable enough to be within the reach of new investors.
• Products are sold in a jiffy, thus giving high turnover with consistent cash flow.
• The brand has huge appeal among young customers as well as students. 

Biryani By Kilo

This brand offers dine-in and also delivery together, making it suitable for investors with an interest in scalable franchise businesses.

Investment: ₹35–70 lakh

Why invest:

• Biryani is still among India's highest-selling dishes, guaranteeing consistent demand.
• The delivery model facilitates strong growth as well as high-volume sales.
• The brand is scalable, permitting multi-outlets in metros.

Barista Coffee

Barista Coffee is a popular café chain in India, known for its quality coffee as well as cozy café environment. It appeals to students, professionals, and casual diners alike.

 Investment: ₹1–2 crore

 Why invest:

• The growing café culture in Mumbai attracts regular customers.
• Barista has strong brand recognition and an established market presence.
• Footfall is consistent, especially in commercial areas, malls, as well as office hubs.

The Belgian Waffle Co.

A Mumbai-based dessert brand that is now spreading its wings all over India.

Investment: ₹12–25 lakh

Why invest:

• Small store spaces are needed, maintaining low setup costs.
• Low operating costs enhance the margin of profits.
• The brand is well-liked by youth and dessert enthusiasts, moreover, with good sales volume.

Chaayos / Chai Point

Ideal for a veg restaurant franchise in Mumbai 2026, or also the café concept.

Investment: ₹35–75 lakh

Why invest:

• The culture of tea runs deep in India, so there is sure to be a loyal consumer base.
• The businesses are tech-savvy, enabling delivery and also online ordering.
• Frequent customer returns generate consistent revenue streams.

Behrouz Biryani / Faasos (Rebel Foods)

Rebel Foods is a leader in cloud kitchens, operating several successful brands.

Investment: ₹40 lakh and above

Why invest:

• Low space needs minimize overhead costs.
• The business model is delivery-centric, aligning with today's market demand.
• Technology-enabled operations and support facilitate business growth efficiently.

Emerging Restaurant Franchises to Watch in 2026

Some up-and-coming brands are showing strong potential for investors looking for new opportunities beyond the established national chains.

• Theobroma – Mumbai’s favorite bakery brand is expanding through franchises, offering a variety of cakes, pastries, and desserts that attract a loyal customer base.
• Yazu – A premium pan-Asian restaurant gaining popularity in urban markets, known for its high-quality dining experience and innovative menu.
• Poptates – A quick-service family-dining brand with a loyal family following that focuses on comfort food and snacks.
• Faasos 2.0 – A spin-off of Rebel Foods with a focus on regional Indian fast food, which is best suited to delivery-led markets.
• Roller Grill – Quick-service small-format brand serving wraps, rolls, and snacky meals, which is best suited for high-traffic locations.
• Wow! China – A rapidly growing Asian food brand making waves with affordable, high-quality meals for the young professional segment.
• Belgian Waffle Co. Mini Kiosks – Growing in shopping malls and business districts with a low-investment concept for desserts and fast food.

These new and emerging brands offer investors an opportunity to join popular markets, appeal to niche clientele, and enjoy lower startup investment than traditional large national chains. Investigating such possibilities can assist in diversifying your portfolio and tapping into emerging food trends in Mumbai.

Conclusion

One of the best business opportunities in 2026 is starting a restaurant franchise in Maharashtra, given that Mumbai is large and diversified and assures constant demand across cuisines.

Irrespective of whether you pick a veg restaurant franchise in Mumbai 2026, a global fast-food brand, or a café franchise in Mumbai, success is assured through the right brand choice and location.

Today is the best day to view the top restaurant franchise in Mumbai, 2026, and begin to establish your food business.

FAQs

1. What is the restaurant franchise cost in India 2026?

 It falls between ₹15 lakh and ₹3 crore, based on the brand, model, and area.

1. What restaurant franchise offers the greatest return in Mumbai?

 Domino's, Wow! Momo and The Belgian Waffle Co. have good ROI potential.

1. Is it better to open a veg restaurant franchise in Mumbai 2026?

 Yes, vegetarian and vegan dining options are gaining popularity, especially among young professionals and families.

1. Which areas in Mumbai are best for restaurant franchises?

 Bandra, Powai, Andheri, Navi Mumbai, and Thane are top-performing areas for both dine-in and delivery-based businesses.

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.