Gen-Z and Millennials of Bazaar India tried the newest food spots in the city, and here’s how it went

A group chat of Gen Z choosing a spot to get a meal is not likely to be the same chat Millennials have on the subject. On one hand, you have Gen Z scouring Instagram to find a place that’s worth featuring on their feed—food that looks like it’s straight out of an episode of MasterChef Australia, in a gorgeous setting and a photo-ready background. And then we have the Millennials, who know what they like and are more focused on the quality, reputation, and authenticity of the food over picture-perfect plating. 

The Gen Z and Millennial teams at Bazaar India found themselves drawn to the latest entries to Mumbai’s already bustling café culture. EL&N and The Atrium At The Plaza—two spots that masterfully bridge aesthetic allure and good food, both of which have garnered a considerable reputation internationally and closer to home, and are already on their way to becoming the next hot spots in town, not least because of their location at the glitzy Jio World Plaza.

EL&N Café

London’s favourite café, EL&N is now in Mumbai. Promising an experience tailor-made for the Instagram generation—the booths, the floral decor, the food, and the dessert— EL&N is short for Eat, Live, and Nourish. Its Barbie-core interiors and delicious food have made it a phenomenon worldwide in Milan, Paris, Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur. 

 

The menu here is both comforting and comfortable, balancing international classics with nods to local flavours. Think breakfast staples like French toast and an acai bowl, salads, sandwiches, and a host of beverages and desserts. We tried the very tempting Nutella French toast, the decadently healthy acai bowl, a crispy buttermilk chicken burger, avocado toast, and the perfect rose lemonade to wash it all down.

The founder of EL&N, Alexander Miller, sat down with us and shared, “My favourite part about the café here is how they have tried to use orange and green to bring out as much of the Indian flag as possible with the colours.” She’s talking about the booth-like setting, which features pastel tones of orange and green to complement the pink undertones of the space. “It’s my team that manages to add all the magic to the place; had it not been for them, El&N wouldn’t have been what it is today,” confesses Miller. 

Gen Z diners, known for their perfect “girl dinners”,   will feel right at home here. Iced drinks? Check. Avocado toast? Check. Croissants? Check. The perfect girl dinner? Check. A post-worthy picture? Also, check. But it won’t be surprising if the Millennials stick around too—there’s lots to like about EL&N’s hearty food and its fresh, fun vibe.

The Atrium At The Plaza

In the same building on the ground level is The Atrium At The Plaza, the first phase of which is launched with Diva by the iconic chef Ritu Dalmia. Reminiscent of a quaint European café with sunlight streaming in through the skylight above and its chic citrus decor with striking gold accents, Atrium offers more substance than spectacle—a luxe, tranquil retreat from the usual mall bustle. For Millennials, there are few better places to unwind from their millions of mental open tabs or even ruminate over them. 

The menu here is limited, indicative of Dalmia’s discerning eye and selective curation. And rightly so, judging by the food itself. Showcasing a mix of refreshing small plates and large comfort bowls, a meal at The Atrium is harmonious with its surroundings. 

A lavender iced tea and the green avocado salad are excellent ways to start your meal—the freshness of ingredients immediately apparent, and the dressing of the salad offering that perfectly balanced zest. The dainty potato gnocchi is a rich, velvety dish, with its sauce complemented by the earthiness of wild mushrooms. Both make for an indulgent, leisurely lunch. But the real revelation is the tiramisu—airy, decadent, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s a meal that Millennials would relish and savour, and Gen-Z would happily document. Coupled with the sun-lit interiors and attentive service, The Atrium defies the fast-food connotation of mall dining, proving that it can, in fact, be elevated to something truly immersive and special.      

 

 

As the café scene expands in India, it’s fascinating to see how both Millennials and Gen Z bring their own preferences to the table while still finding shared favourites. Over the last five years, India’s café revenues have increased by nearly 40% in a trend that is more than just a craving for caffeine; it’s a reflection of the evolving preferences of Millennials and Gen-Z who are the most frequent fliers of this mile-high experiential spending club. Notably, more and more international establishments are making their way to India, drawn by the young and their sensibilities. Cafés like EL&N and The Atrium exemplify this swing, offering spaces that give both Gen Z and Millennials some much-needed common ground.

Images: EL&N / The Atrium At The Plaza//Vinayak Grover

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