As January settles in, the new restaurants in India are setting the tone for the year ahead. From a 15,000 square foot coffee sanctuary designed to slow down time in Kolkata to a brewery spread across 1.85 lakh sqft in Bengaluru, these openings are all about excess, sure, but they’re also about intent. Expect menus rooted in craft, flavours that tickle your taste buds just right and experiences that signal exactly where India’s dining scene is headed next.
Mumbai
Located in Worli and concealed behind a 700sqft art gallery, Bare is a palate cleanser in an era of performative gastronomy. This hybrid space features India’s first collaborative kitchen, with guest chefs and restaurants co-creating menus on a rotational basis every three months. With a culinary-forward cocktail bar, this new space houses an intimate 11-seater chef’s table, with its inaugural chapter led by their resident executive chef, Aman Singhal, with a borderless menu that moves away from rigidity.
Address: Raheja Altimus, Worli, Mumbai
Mumbai’s international airport just levelled up with Gordon Ramsay’s globally acclaimed Street Pizza making its anticipated debut in India. Bringing a slice of high-octane London energy to Terminal 2, this isn’t your usual airport grab-and-go; think artisanal pizzas that will give you good reason to make it to the airport earlier than your flight time. The menu expertly balances Ramsay’s signature precision with bold, regional inflexions such as the Chicken Tikka Masala pizza, which comes topped with tandoori chicken, and a cooling buttermilk dressing. This one is idiot (sandwich)-proof.
Address: Terminal 2, International Departure Zone, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai
Fielia rises within the iconic Mahalaxmi Race Course as an invite-only “Cocktail Cinema.” Designed by Gauri Khan, the space transforms a century-old mill into a split-level theatre with a state-of-the-art bar and mezzanine balconies. Here, drinks use sensory cues and illusions to interpret history’s most notorious scandals and affairs. To complement the unique beverage program is an aperitivo-style menu which interprets the seven deadly sins. Although the bar operates on an invite-only basis, dining is available through advance reservations.
Address: Mahalaxmi Race Course, Keshavrao Khadye Marg, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400034
Bringing the flavours of Awadh to Mumbai, Ummrao Saaj’s menu, defined by modern plates and rooted stories, employs dum pukht and bhunao techniques to deliver silken galawat kebabs and aromatic preparations, offering a throwback to the kitchens of the erstwhile royal families of Lucknow. The narrative extends to the bar with Raag, a cocktail program where Indian spirits and botanicals are composed to mirror the emotions of classical music.
Address: Courtyard By Marriott Mumbai International Airport, Andheri Kurla Road, Andheri East, Mumbai – 400059
We’ve all been there: it’s 2:59 AM, the party is winding down and hunger is hitting a fever pitch. The chips are simply not going to cut it. Enter Smackin’ Burgers, the city’s new late-night mecca. Curated by Chef Delz, this no-frills burger spot is flipping up American-style smash burgers infused with a chaotic, desi soul. From a hearty Double Smash burger to a Paneerstar Thecha burger that will have the vegetarians in a chokehold, there’s something for everyone. Operating out of 145 Bandra and Kamala Mills, Smackin’ Burgers is your answer to those late-night hunger pangs.
Address: Delivery-only via Swiggy and Zomato (Operating out of Bandra and Kamala Mills)
If the chaos of the city has you craving a Mediterranean escape, Samaa at Fairmont Mumbai is your new poolside sanctuary. Inspired by St. Tropez and the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast, this open-air destination is for those who live for the golden-hour glow. The menu is a transportive journey with al fresco plates like beetroot knafeh with goat cheese mousse, and spiced squid alongside leaning into the warmth of signature Turkish grills.
Address: Fairmont Mumbai, Sahar Airport Rd, Andheri East, Mumbai
Designed as a day-to-night sanctuary, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu’s newest lounge seamlessly transitions from a workspace into a contemporary bar. Reflections, by the day, sets the scene for quiet meditation supplemented by coffee from Lavazza Terra and a library of functional infusions like Silver Needle White Tea. As the sun dips, the place shifts gears, with the menu moving from wellness-led brews to a spirit-forward programme featuring over 80 global whiskies and a curated sake selection.
Address: Lobby Level, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, Juhu Tara Rd, Mumbai
Goregaon finally has its own upscale answer to the cocktail dens of South Mumbai. A 2,500sqft space, Bodega 39 is anchored by a striking 20ft glass facade that floods the room with light for breezy lunches, before shifting into a moody retreat as the day advances. The heart of the experience is a zero-shortcut bar program with a menu that relies on house-made infusions, fat-washing and clarification to create complex, balanced sips. Complementing this is a modern European and Indian menu which focuses on ingredient-driven plates.
Address: Oberoi Garden City, International Business Park, Commerz 3, Shop No. 1 Oberoi Reality Ltd, Western Express Hwy, Goregaon, Mumbai
Prabhadevi’s dining scene gains a new gem with Aahii, where North Indian heritage is polished with contemporary finesse. The restaurant eschews heavy, oil-laden clichés in favour of clarified flavours and architectural plating. The menu features flavour bomb upon flavour bomb with the likes of a smashed burrata chakhna chaat, mascarpone mushroom kulcha and even the Old Delhi mutton nalli nihari, which will leave you craving more.
Address: Aahii, Sobo 25, 4th Floor, Bengal Chemical Bhavan, SV Swatantryaveer Savarkar Road, Prabhadevi, Mumbai
Ammakai brings the soul of a Mangalorean household to the heart of Bandra. Named for ‘mom’s hand,’ the restaurant is a departure from Bastian Hospitality’s high-octane glamour, opting instead for the unpretentious warmth of home-style coastal cooking. Crafted by chefs who journeyed through Mangalorean villages, expect to be bowled over by rustic hits like the mutton khara boti, the coconut-laced coastal stew and lip-smacking dosas. Stay for the curd rice cocktail.
Address: Kamal Vishram, Plot No. 491, 15th Rd, Khar West, Mumbai
What’s winter without hot chocolate? CinCin is embracing the ongoing winter season with two indulgent collaborations. They have announced a specialised hot chocolate menu featuring bean-to-bar craft chocolate brand, Pascati, featuring the usual suspects such as the classic hot chocolate alongside their boozy version, which is spiked with Ballantine’s Bourbon Barrel 7YO. And if that wasn’t enough, you can pair it up with a delicious fondue with Italian-style cheeses such as Fontal, Gruyère and Grana Padano, and even add a touch of black truffle to it.
Address: Ground Floor, Raheja Towers, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai
Chef Manuel Olveira is back with the third edition of La Trufa Negra at La Loca Maria. Sourced from Spain and Italy, the black winter truffle takes centre stage in a menu that features creations like the cacio e pepe tartufo, truffled mushroom lasagna and even a roast chicken stuffed with truffle mousse. At the bar, you will find holiday cocktails that mirror the kitchen’s headliners, with truffle-infused spirits and more.
Address: Fatima Villa, 29th Road, Pali Hill, Bandra West, Mumbai
Bandra-based gourmet patisserie Vanilla Beans has unveiled 11 new creations, each one as indulgent as the other. Their kunafa pistachio chocolate cake is every Dubai chocolate lover’s dream, and their luxurious coconut cake, inspired by Tom Cruise’s famous holiday gifting tradition, will leave you wanting more. For the ones who are committed to their fitness resolution for 2026, they even have a gluten-free, sugar-free and vegan chocolate cranberry roasted almond cake.
Address: Pan-Mumbai delivery
Located within the NCPA complex, Waarsa has begun the new year by championing Awadhi heritage. Led by Chef Rahul Akerkar and Chef Mukhtar Qureshi, this season they are bringing out the restaurant’s most-loved signatures and short-lived winter specials. Right from the ananas desi tomato rassa, to the nimona tikki with stracciatella to begin with and the hakimi murgh kebab and the raan-e-mukhtar to end with, this one is a feast for the senses.
Address: NCPA Gate 2, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai
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Bombay’s winter is infamously mild, but The Bombay Canteen’s winter menu is a flavour-heavy tribute to the abundance of the season across India. The selection focuses on ingredients like green garlic, charred ponkh and strawberries to really amplify the Indian winter feels. Standouts include the umbadiyu chaat, duck momos and the short rib and smoked bone marrow haleem. End on a sweet note with strawberries and cream or the anjeer mawa cake.
Address: Unit-1, Process House, S.B. Road, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel, Mumbai
To commemorate a landmark 25th anniversary, Bandra’s iconic Olive Bar & Kitchen has unveiled an anniversary menu that reimagines the classics. Expect the familiar Mediterranean flavours such as the cheese-stuffed focaccia al formaggio, and the inventive burrata hummus. The pasta and pizza program has been elevated with twists like the gnocchi alla genovese with smoked salmon, and even a prep-intensive dish like the three-day marinated lamb.
Address: 14, Union Park, Khar West, Mumbai
Six months since its debut at the InterContinental, SoBo 20 is evolving its narrative with a major menu refresh. The new edit leans heavily into the wood-fired heart of the kitchen, offering up dishes like the Proofed Flatbread Hot Dog, the Buff Smash Burger and even an interesting fennel & edamame risotto. Complementing the food is a new trio of cocktails, headlined by the Marine Drive mule, which uses a touch of saline to mirror the salt-tinged breeze of the Arabian Sea just outside the window.
Address: InterContinental Marine Drive, 135 Marine Drive, Mumbai
Pune
Following its success in Baner, The Gulmohar Bar & Curry House has put down roots in Koregaon Park, offering a relaxed, everyday escape that feels lived-in and unpretentious. The 3000sqft space is a blend of terracotta accents, exposed brick and tropical modernism. The menu traverses India’s regional diversity without the usual heavy-handedness. Expect starters like the kale and spicy peach chaat or the coastal kaju usali with goli baje. The curry house aspect of it features everything from gongura mamsam to a roasted pineapple Sri Lankan curry.
Address: LG 4 and 5, Power Plaza, Lane No. 7, Koregaon Park, Pune
Delhi-NCR
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A slice of Rive Gauche just landed in Noida with Mamma Rose, a space that captures the effortless charm of a European streetside bistro. An ode to slow mornings and sun-drenched patios, the place is named after a “sassy, yet elegant” French cat, and strikes a balance between sophistication and comfort, making it perfect for an afternoon of focused work. The experience is anchored to the craft of caffeine; every batch of coffee is roasted every four days to ensure the aroma and vibe always stay fresh.
Address: G-01, HA-13, Block A, Sector 104, Noida
In the heart of Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone, Louve emerges as a quiet escape. Designed by Sabrjit Singh, the space features soaring double-height ceilings, classical monochrome marble floors and garden-facing gazebos, creating a transportive experience. With a focus on French and Italian techniques, the food menu is complemented by a beverage program themed to ‘Cocktails from Memory,’ which invites guests to select drinks based on emotions. Designed for those who value sophistication over fleeting trends, this one is a must-visit.
Address: 1, Humayun Road, New Delhi
Baroak is a standalone destination that lives up to its name, blending the intricate details of Baroque design with the grounded warmth of oak. It’s a space designed for the unhurried, offering a rare sense of separation from the city’s typical hustle. The kitchen takes a best-of-all-worlds approach, serving a multi-cuisine menu of Indian, oriental and continental plates that focus on clean execution over gimmicks. At the bar, you’ll find classics reworked with Indian botanicals, designed to be sipped and savoured. With a classic indoor setting and a breezy open-air garden, it only makes sense that their programming schedule includes baithak-style evenings and ghazal nights.
Address: Sector 15A, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301
Chef Manish Mehrotra kicks off the year by going back to doing what he does best. Nestled within the historic Sunder Nursery, Nisaba is the inaugural project under his own Manish Mehrotra Culinary Arts (MMCA) banner. Named after the ancient goddess of grain and writing, the restaurant is a tribute to the unsung flavours of India. Expect the precision that Mehrotra is famous for, but applied to everyday inspirations. With a back-to-basics cocktail program and private dining room for intimate gatherings, we are excited to see what Mehrotra’s latest venture gets up to.
Address: Sunder Nursery, Humayun’s Tomb Complex, Nizamuddin, New Delhi 110013
Bringing the restless energy of Mumbai to Gurgaon, Sobombae is a tribute to the seven islands that built Bombay’s culinary soul. From the coastal grit of Malwan to the generous kitchens of the Bohris and Parsis, Sobombae is a living archive of the city’s diverse heritage. The menu offers everything from dabeli croquettes and East Indian moilee momos and Koliwada fried chicken. The nostalgia continues at the bar with offerings such as the Dadar Market picante and the filter kaapi Alexander.
Address: Unit 1A-1D, Ground Floor, Tower II, Magnum Global Park, Sector 58, Gurgaon
If you are looking to trade the boardroom for a European boulevard, Vicoli is your new escape. This social dining spot is inspired by the sun-drenched alleyways, or vicoli, of Italy. Designed for a day-to-night transition, the lush rooftop terrace with views of the skyline is perfect for sundowners or enjoying a night out on the town. The kitchen leans into contemporary European comfort food, with sharing plates like chilli oil pumpkin and chicken ragu pappardelle, paired with signature cocktails.
Address: 8th Floor, Global Foyer Mall, Golf Course Road, Sector 43, Gurugram
Celebrate the heart-warming rituals of North Indian winters in the capital city with Qavalli’s seasonal daawat. From modern Indian fusion to the slow, soulful techniques of regional kitchens, there’s something for everyone in this feast. The menu features winter staples like sarson ka saag with a desi ghee tadka, served with makke ki roti and white butter, complemented by their version of the gajar ka halwa and a masala chai spiked with whiskey.
Address: Qavalli, Epicuria, Nehru Place, New Delhi and Qavalli, Aerocity, Delhi
Delhi’s 83-year-old cultural landmark is celebrating the season with a curated winter specials menu. Since opening its doors in 1942, this institution has served as a refuge for generations of Delhiites. This year’s menu draws from the restaurant’s vast culinary archives, with a focus on comfort food and heritage recipes. Enjoy delights like their Irish Lamb Stew with port wine, gratinated French onion soup or classics like nihari and railway mutton curry.
Address: E-15, Connaught Place, New Delhi
Goa
Located just before the village of Siridao, Sabores is a tribute to Goa’s storied Portuguese heritage. Nestled within Clube de Palma, this 60-seater restaurant evokes a sense of nostalgia while ensuring a modern design language with textured laterite walls and red-tiled roofs. The menu is a harmonious marriage between Hindu and Christian traditions, with Portuguese classics like bacalhau and bulhao pato, alongside local soul food like chicken cafreal and tender coconut carpaccio. The bar program is designed by Pankaj Balachandran of CounterTop India and keeps the vibe interactive with sips like toasted banana bread.
Address: Clube de Palma, Phase 2, Aldeia de Goa, Bambolim, Goa
Much like its name, Drop Dead Sexy promises to be a delight as soon as you walk through the doors. An immersive experience in every right, the decor features slow-moving hands descending from the ceiling, to a wall of mechanical eyes that blink and track your every move. The game-changer, however, is the Extraction Interaction bar program. Every three months, the team rebuilds the entire experience, from drinks to the mood and visuals, all centred around a singular seasonal obsession. Season one is all about strawberries. From lacto-fermenting it to milk-washing it for that extra silkiness, this is strawberries like you have never had them before.
Address: 544/2, Mapusa Chapora Rd, Assagao, Goa
Bengaluru
Bengaluru’s brewery culture just got a tropical upgrade with Suka. Translating to “happiness” in Kannada, this Zanzibar-inspired retreat is a heavyweight, sprawling across 1.85 lakh square feet. With a capacity of over 2,000 guests, it’s one of the largest breweries in the city, designed to feel less like your local watering hole and more like a coastal sanctuary. With tropical-inspired grills, paired with a robust craft beer program, Suka could be your next big escape.
Address: #412/411, Survey No. 83/1A, 60 Feet Road, Near 41 RTO, Mallathalli, Bengaluru
Bringing Latin American fervour to Bengaluru, Watson’s Cantina transforms the traditional pub concept into a spirited escape. The venue is defined by its dual-level experience, starting with The Main Room, where the energy shifts from Latin jazz during the day to high-octane DJ sets by night. The Del Sabor Studio, on the other hand, is a laboratory dedicated to chef residencies, mixology pop-ups and experimental dining. Designed for sharing, the menu features standout dishes like Yucatan prawn toast and slow-cooked carne assado. With agave-sweetened cocktails and funky drinks, Bengaluru’s nights just got hotter.
Address: 1st Floor, Kodava Samaja Building, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru
Kolkata
Kolkata’s booming coffee culture finds a new, unhurried anchor in Yours Truly. Sprawled across a restored 60-year-old bungalow, this 15,000-square-foot experiential destination is designed to demystify the world of specialty coffee. At the heart of the experience is the Coffee Classroom, an education-first hub where guests can witness the in-house roasting of ethically sourced Indian coffee beans and even participate in manual brewing sessions. The cherry on top is the artisanal bakery developed with Lavonne Academy, serving sourdoughs and pastries curated to pair with the day’s roast.
Address: 1, Ray Street, Sreepally, Bhowanipore, Elgin, Kolkata
La Soiree, designed by Gauri Khan, is a study in French-inspired opulence, featuring high ceilings, warm interiors and a central filigree feature that feels more like an art gallery than a restaurant. The menu offers an expansive ‘food library’ that spans the globe, from Persian, Korean and Arabic offerings to regional Indian cuisine. With DJ nights on the weekends and three dedicated private dining sections, it’s a destination fit for people who truly want to live it up.
Address: 234/3A, Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose Rd, Sreepally, Bhowanipore, Kolkata
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