Mumbai's Jimmy Boy Shuts Down: Here's What Will Be Missed Most At This 100-Year-Old Parsi Cafe

Tucked away in the historic lanes of Fort in Mumbai, Jimmy Boy wasn't just a restaurant; it was an emotion for Mumbaikars. A cornerstone of the city's Irani cafe culture, it was all set to celebrate 100 glorious years in September 2025. But in a bittersweet turn, the beloved Parsi eatery closed its iconic Fort outlet on June 20, after the BMC declared the building it was housed in unsafe. While the kitchen has gone quiet, the memories it served are still warm.

Jimmy Boy, located in Horniman Circle

What made Jimmy Boy Special?

Established in 1925 by the Irani family, Jimmy Boy was as much about heritage as it was about hearty food. Though it was rebranded in 1999, the roots remained unchanged, celebrating Parsi culture, hospitality and the joy of "jamva chaloji" (let’s eat).

The restaurant was famous for bringing the Parsi wedding feast or Lagan nu Bhonu, to everyday tables. With recipes passed down for generations, this Iranian gem stood out for its authenticity and generous servings of nostalgia.

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Here are some of the all-time favourites we'll miss the most:

Patra Ni Macchi

Patra Ni Macchi is a delicate fish marinated with green chutney, lovingly wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed to perfection. A true staple of Parsi weddings, this dish combined tangy and herbaceous flavours with the freshness of the fish, truly a burst of flavours in every bite.

Chicken Berry Pulao

The iconic Berry Pulao here is to die for. Spiced rice layered with rich chicken gravy, crispy fried nuggets, caramelised onions, and cashews, and topped with the signature Iranian zereshk berries, this crowd-pleaser was sweet, tangy, crunchy, and soul-satisfying all at once.

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Dhansak

Dhansak is a comforting lentil-based dish cooked with meat and served with caramelised brown rice. It was the go-to Sunday meal for many Mumbaikars. Jimmy Boy's version, seasoned just right, was the definition of comfort food.

Keema Pav

Spicy, flavourful minced meat served with soft pav, Keema Pav is a breakfast staple at Jimmy Boy. Whether you are starting your day or curing a hangover, keema pav never lets you down.

Pallonji's Raspberry Soda

No Parsi feast was complete without this fizzy pink drink. Slightly sweet, slightly medicinal, and entirely nostalgic, it added a playful twist to the traditional spread. Love it or hate it, it was a staple for every Jimmy Boy diner.

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Mumbaikars don't lose hope!

Though the Fort doors are closed for now, all hope isn't lost. The Mahim outlet continues to serve as a takeaway counter, offering baked treats and snacks. You can still grab your favourite puffs, mava cakes, and more from their extension, Cafe Olive Green. As the Jimmy Boy team shared to TOI, "this is nothing but a speed breaker."

So while the clink of chai glasses may have quieted for now at Fort, the legacy of Jimmy Boy lives on, in Mahim and in the hearts of every Mumbaikar who ever found a home in its warm hospitality.