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Just as we gear up for the onset of the second festive season of the year, there’s much to look forward to at the new restaurants in India. Mumbai gets an Alpine chalet-style restaurant, lively pop-ups, a rooftop day club and a restaurant serving dishes from erstwhile royal kitchens; Pune gets a revamped version of a popular neighbourhood bar; Alibaug gets a chic restobar by the sea; Goa has a sunny spot for dining and drinks; Delhi has bespoke cocktail bars and a deli; Varanasi has a palatial restaurant serving refined vegetarian fare; Bengaluru ups its cocktail culture with new bars and comforting Kerala-style breakfasts; one of Chennai’s favourite all-day dining destinations gets a new look. Luna et Sol Imagine dining in a cosy Alpine chalet in the French Alps, except you’re in Mumbai’s buzzy Lower Parel and not an actual mountain cabin. That’s the intent behind this sprawling new restaurant that takes its inspiration from the moon and sun. Here, the temperature is kept chilly, you’re given soft shawls to wrap yourself in as you settle in for a meal paired with thematic visuals that shift from snowy peaks to glowy sunsets—all with the aim to recreate the warmth of a rustic chalet complete with a crackling fireplace. The menu focuses on European fare with dishes like pear and endive salad, spicy rigatoni, Alpine cheese fondue and champagne risotto, while cocktails take inspiration from the planets of the solar system. Address: Unit 1A & 1B, World Crest, Lodha, Lower Parel. Tel: 09594944405 Inspired by fire cooking, this new spot, located in the iconic Eros Cinema Building at Churchgate, encourages you to savour meals with a pause. Here, the focus is on progressive barbecue, with signature plates like pork toast, Hearth stir fry and lamb pastrami steak that you can pair with inventive cocktails. The space features impressive design elements, like a suspended bar, a burnt wood installation and a six-seater chef’s table that gives you a closer view of the open kitchen, featuring an elevation grill where meats and veggies are flamed. Custom wooden crockery and hand-thrown ceramics add to the charm. Opens November 12. Address: First Floor, Eros Cinema Building, M Karve Marg, Churchgate, Tel: 08976808948 Mezcalita Cantina Y Tequila Bar Opening in the spot that was once Smoke House Deli, the new outpost of the lively Mexican cantina gets a vibrant revamp with eye-catching brick red exteriors, cactus plants, colourful murals and elements that are an ode to Mexican culture. The menu encourages you to dig into regional Mexican dishes, from nachos con chile to an assortment of guacamole, panuchos, tortas or sandwiches and even a section dedicated to conscious bites like lettuce tacos and healthy salad bowls. Pair your meal with agave and mezcal cocktails or sober specials like horchata and fruity iced teas. Opens November 6. Address: 320, Madhu Milan building, Dr Ambedkar Road, Pali Hill Rd, Bandra West. Tel: 09152017980 The Silver Train Here’s your chance to sample royal dishes from India’s erstwhile palace kitchens. At The Silver Train, inspired by a maharaja’s love for locomotives that would bring his royal meals around the table, chef Anuradha Joshi Medhora and restaurateur Shravan Juvvadi have teamed up for a royal dining experience in an ornate setting. The crown jewel is the silver thali, which offers a daily rotating meal where no two experiences are alike. Think dishes like Rampur maash ki dal, satvik-style Baroda varan, kesar kombadi kebab as well as indulgent bites like dogra chicken kofta from Jammu, kalakand featuring brandy and betel leaf and ande ka halwa. Cocktails like jadi booti negroni and clarified milk punch are a spin on classics. Address: 4th floor, Gourmet Village, West Zone, Phoenix Palladium, 462, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel. Tel: 09833555182 Celebrated singer and composer Shankar Mahadevan’s new South Indian restaurant chain aims to spotlight diverse flavours of the region with a modern twist—think dosas that go beyond staples like the mulbagal legacy dosa made using a 100-year-old recipe, ven pongal arancini, podi cheese balls, Sri Lankan curry with fluffy idiyappam, bisi bele bibimbap and filter kaapi panna cotta–all with cheerful interiors featuring Chettinad-inspired tiles and Carnatic motifs. Keep a lookout for the filter kaapi barista station. The goal is to take the chain to more cities, followed by destinations like Dubai. Outposts in Borivali, Chembur and Lower Parel Bombay Swim Club, ICONIQA Hotel Mumbai International Airport At this rooftop bar, which also doubles as a day club, you can savour Japanese and Mexican–inspired bites with runway views of Mumbai’s T2, as you laze by the pool or enjoy a sundowner with tipples. What’s more, the space and pool aren’t just restricted to hotel guests. On the menu, sushi and tacos mingle effortlessly, spotlighting dishes like tempura shrimp with chipotle aioli, fish tacos with yuzu slaw, tuna sashimi and taqueria-style bites—enjoyed with cocktails or glasses of crisp wine. Address: ICONIQA, near Mumbai T2, Andheri East. Tel: 08655174224 NOX, The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake (new cocktail menu) The hotel’s rooftop restobar has launched a zodiac-inspired cocktail menu, aptly named Astromixology chapter 1. Here, head of beverages Ronald Ramirez has curated 12 celestially-inspired cocktails, designed to align with your star sign—think pairings like lychee and macerated wine for the harmonious Libra in you, or coconut-washed rum with blue chamomile syrup for the Cancerian, and lavender-washed gin and pear nectar for Pisces, among other eclectic libations. Pair these with bar bites that fuse European and Mediterranean flavours. Address: The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake, 36th Floor, 2 & 3B, Near Chinmayanand Ashram, Powai. Tel: 07824043499 Trèsind (new menu) The modernist Indian restaurant has unveiled an all-new degustation menu, helmed by chef Sarfaraz Ahmed. The menu takes diners on a culinary sojourn across the country, rooted in the philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ or ‘The Guest is God’. You can expect flavourful plates from gushtaba and parmesan yakhni that reflect Kashmir’s culinary prowess, rajma nihari with arbi galouti, chargrilled lobster with a shellfish and tomato curry that celebrates the country’s coastal bounty and Kerala’s famed banana fritters paired with banana custard and ice cream as an elegant dessert to polish off your meal. The space has been reimagined with fresh interiors, an open bar and private dining nooks. Address: Ground Floor Inspire BKC E, G Block BKC, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East. Tel: 08928000058 O Pedro x Praça Prazeres (pop-up) Pedro’s Pals returns, this time a bit different and a lot more special as it also coincides with O Pedro turning eight this year. You can look forward to a family-style feast co-curated by chef Ralph Prazeres of Goa’s Praça Prazeres, with dishes like baked cauliflower pastel, charred bone marrow with onion parsley salad, roasted whole crab tossed in Goan sausage XO and deep-fried apple pie for a sweet finish, along with boozy cocktails that will transport you to the sunny shores of Goa. Available on November 8 and 9 for lunch and dinner. Address: O Pedro, Unit #2, Ground Floor, Jet Airways–Godrej Building, Bandra Kurla Complex. Tel: 07506525554 AER, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai (new menu) AER has a new F&B menu that takes inspiration from Mumbai’s vibrant spirit, listing dishes such as Bombay guac, bhoot jolokia chicken and coastal-inspired fare like salmon ceviche and Mangalorean lobster curry bowl. If you’re feeling peckish and want to try something wholesome, order from the special Balance by Four Seasons menu that spotlights mindful eats crafted by nutritionists. Golden hour offers more than just slick city views. Sip on newly crafted concoctions that take inspiration from the ocean with drinks like tranquil tides and AER-plane. Address: 1/136, Dr Elijah Moses Road, Gandhi Nagar, Upper Worli. Tel: 08976803858 Gimlet Garden, AER, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai (new menu) The next time you visit AER, you can have a new cocktail experience at Gimlet Garden, set within the premises. Inspired by port cities and coastal traditions from around the world, these tipples feature unconventional flavour combinations and promise to be savoury-forward. Think squid-infused gin and shiso leaf or truffle and basil. Take your pick from concoctions such as Oaxaca Me Margata, spotlighting Mexico’s playful spirit with agave, cacao and chilli, or the sultry Siren’s Cove featuring island flavours like coconut tequila, mulberry liqueur and black tea. Address: 1/136, Dr Elijah Moses Road, Gandhi Nagar, Upper Worli. Tel: 08976803858 La Loca Maria (paella and vino fiesta menu) The popular Spanish restaurant has added three new varieties of paella to its menu for a limited period, inspired by chef Manuel Oliviera’s time spent growing up in Toledo, Spain. Look out for additions such as paella de chorizo spotlighting smoky N’duja, grilled pork belly and green beans, the paella de pulpo y cangrejo featuring a rich crab broth with cuttlefish and octopus, and a modern vegetarian take with the paella de miso. You’re encouraged to enjoy these with glasses of crisp Cava or heartier options like Graciano. Available till November 30. Address: Fatima Villa, 29th Road, Pali Hill, Bandra West. Tel: 09324404335 Indian Hotels Company’s (IHCL) lifestyle catering brand, Soulinare, has launched its flagship restaurant in Alibaug by the same name—a breezy spot perched on the boardwalk overlooking the Arabian Sea. Plan your coastal escape at this 200-seater restaurant and bar that’s split between two levels, featuring an indoor pool, a striking bar and a private banquet space interspersed with nooks and corners that afford panoramic views. Sip on drinks like cherry blossom highball, Alibaug sling or an espresso martini as you nosh on comforting fare ranging from Shaoxing drunken fish and Bombay bruschetta to coastal favourites like jhinga masala. End with creamy scoops of ice cream. Address: New Terminal Building, Mandwa Jetty Road, Mandve, Kolgaon, Alibaug. Tel: 09833800123 Elephant & Co The popular neighbourhood and community bar has reopened in a new space with a refreshed look. This version of Elephant & Co houses a beer garden, with live grills and beer on tap, a cocktail bar with four different cocktails on tap, and an elevated deck that’s apt for music and conversations. Come evening, this level transforms into a progressive bar. The menu, crafted by chefs Hanoze Shroff and Rohit More, lists dishes like crispy kale chaat, juicy lucy dumplings and buttery mushroom crepes among other comfort fare. Address: Sub Plot No. 3, Metro Traders Compound Complex, Plot no. 88, Kalyani Nagar. Tel: 09766838529 one8 Commune Virat Kohli’s restaurant chain has opened a new outpost with picturesque riverside views overlooking the meandering Chapora River. With its breezy sunlit design, tasselled umbrellas, semi-alfresco seating and an indoor lounge, the space lends itself well to a date night or simply a lazy meal with friends. The menu lists comfort fare with a global twist, from mezze platters to pizzas, as well as Goan specialties like crab pepper roast, chorizo-topped truffle fries and poee, and squid recheado fry. Address: Number SY NO. 64/1, Ground Floor, Badem, Assagao. Tel: 08408901818 Drift Bar, The Westin Goa (new menu) The scenic bar in Anjuna has undergone a revamp complemented by an all-women crew of bartenders, chefs and service staff. Sip on infusions featuring 12 variants of local Goan gin as well as feni, like Palolem Paloma or Colva Negroni, while you nibble on bar bites like xacuti gyoza, bhakri prawn tacos and bhut jolokia chicken wings. Address: The Westin Goa, Survey No 204/1, Sub Division 1, Bardez, Dmello Vaddo, Anjuna. Tel: 09167488491 Delhi - NCR Lord Vesper, The Oberoi, Gurgaon Designed as a contemporary lounge bar, Lord Vesper is a place you want to visit for a sophisticated night out. Spread over three levels—a ground-floor bar and lounge, a mezzanine level for private gatherings and the alfresco bar that’s apt for live performances over the weekend—the expansive space encourages you to unwind. Cocktails are the focal point here, with the beverage program crafted by award-winning consultant Giancarlo Mancino. There’s a conscious effort to keep the drinks flavour-forward and low on alcohol and calories. The menu comprises global and local-inspired flavours such as Jack Daniel’s chicken wings, Kerala coin paratha tacos with curry leaf cream and Peruvian chilli avocado tartare. Address: The Oberoi, Gurgaon, 443, Udyog Vihar Phase V Rd, Phase V, Udyog Vihar, Sector 19, Gurugram. Tel: 08287102705 The Goa-based modern South Indian restaurant has recently set foot in the capital region with a serene outpost featuring tropical prints, earthy tones and lush botanicals. Chef Harish Rao brings his culinary prowess to the Gurugram outpost with signatures and new additions, adding to the layered menu—think plantain pepper roast, pamban chicken glazed with lemongrass, curry leaf pesto snapper and toddy shop prawns tossed with raw mango. End your meal with filter coffee tiramisu or a refreshing hibiscus lime sorbet, along with eclectic tipples. Address: One Horizon Centre, Golf Course Road, Gurugram. Tel: 1244957707 Transitioning from a deli by day to a dive bar come evening, Dumbo Deli is many things: a spot to unwind with a cup of matcha, indulge in small plates, coffee and sandwiches or enjoy easygoing conversation as you linger over cocktails once dusk sets in. The compact menu features Florentine sandwiches, crispy chicken with molten cheese, prosciutto with melon and stracciatella, and a well-curated coffee and matcha program, served in a minimalist setting. Address: 90, Meharchand Market, Lodi Colony, New Delhi. Tel: 09811099996 If you’re looking for an easygoing place where lunch hour leads to desserts and evening cocktails, this new spot might fit the bill. At Grammie, the focus is on ingredient-led cooking and European-forward techniques in a pleasant setting where you can grab a meal with friends for a spirited brunch-turned-unhurried meal. The menu lists fire-roasted black cod, octopus karaage, baked brie, prawn and crab garlic rice and pistachio tiramisu, among other eclectic plates with a focus on fire cooking, while the cocktail program, Ponté, offers elevated pours. Address: Ground Floor, Sangam Courtyard, G01/G02, Major Somnath Marg, KD Colony, Sector 9, Rama Krishna Puram, New Delhi. Tel: 09218078401 This slick cocktail bar is all about old-school charm with interiors that hark back to London’s Savile Row, known for its bespoke tailoring houses. It is also an ode to Henry J Button, who was considered a Savile Row tailor of repute. Step inside the refined space that mimics a private London drawing room with plush leather seating, panelled walls, a cracking fireplace and a library, all designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia. Cocktails here span influences from the ’20s to the ’50s, with tipples like Crown Jewel laced with saffron and gin, or Secrets of Saigon with mango, coconut and jasmine rice. Nosh on bar bites like fish and chips, Moroccan spiced lamb and Irish cream tiramisu. Address: Mr Button Residence, GK3, Delhi. Tel: 08800154449 Jamavar, The Leela Palace New Delhi (new menu) The Leela Palace’s Indian specialty restaurant has launched an all-new menu that pays homage to the country’s aristocratic kitchens and royal recipes, from across north, south and central India. Choose from signatures like raan-e-jamavar—a 12-hour slow-cooked lamb, an indulgent nihari, gucchi and mushroom galouti, kathal seekh kebab, palak and paan patta chaat, lobster nerulli and a fiery Tamil pepper chicken. Ending with the Ooty chocolate delice and a scoop of ice cream. Address: Africa Avenue, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. Tel: 011 39331380 Aangan, BrijRama Palace Set on the banks of the Ganges River and housed in a 214-year-old heritage palace in a courtyard where the Maharaja of Darbhanga would once enjoy classical performances, Aangan is a soulful tribute to the rich traditions of Varanasi. Here, you can enjoy a 10-course degustation menu with a culinary philosophy that is rooted in the legacies of the three great guardians of the palace. Start with a delicate amuse bouche inspired by astrology, as you move on to dishes like cauliflower croquettes with a fennel-rose sauce, buttermilk curry with sheermal and roti and rasmalai tres leches cake for a sweet finish. Meals are enhanced with curated live music acts, traditional dances and henna artists as well. Address: BrijRama Palace, Darbhanga Ghat, Dashashwamedh, Uttar Pradesh Tel: 072750 54099 The city has a new neighbourhood cocktail bar, featuring a beverage program launched in collaboration with Singapore’s award-winning Cat Bite Club. The 50-seater space is minimalist with charcoal walls, large windows framed by trees and a marble bar counter that catches your attention. Sip on concoctions such as chilli on, featuring tequila, mezcal and a chilli tincture, or pear pressure, spotlighting flavours of pear, cinnamon, maple and apple cider vinegar. Pair these with comfort plates like dirty fried rice, fire-grilled scampi and Panaeng chicken skewers. Address: 1st Floor, TRN Horizon, Ulsoor Main Road. Tel: 08904841477 Kai - Bar & Kitchen Perched 13 floors above MG Road, this rooftop bar makes for a slick escape from the city’s urban chaos as you savour a global-inspired dining and drinking experience with 360-degree views of the cityscape. Settle in for a meal with dishes like Kyoto mushrooms, lamb tagine, chicken and porcini dumplings, paired with Asian-inspired drinks. Address: 13th Floor, Du Parc Trinity, 17, Mahatma Gandhi Road, opposite Vijaya Bank, Craig Park Layout, Ashok Nagar. Tel: 09071510777 Jamming Goat 3.0 The restobar chain’s new outpost is designed as a sprawling rooftop garden. Striking art elements and installations punctuate the space, lending to the energetic buzz. The menu is designed keeping comfort plates in mind, such as chicken cafreal arancini, crispy broccoli poppers with avocado-wasabi mousse and a coastal menu with dishes like tandoori coconut lobster, spicy octopus stir fry and lemon coconut herb prawns on focaccia. Address: Third Floor, Survey 39/4, Property 108, ITPL Main Road, Near Kundalahalli Gate, Marathahalli. Tel: 09513387393 Copitas, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy One (new menu) Perched high above the city on the 21st floor, Copitas, which was also the city’s first bar to be featured on Asia’s 50 Best list, has launched a new menu that fuses the relationship between cocktails and music. The artfully designed menu, which is reminiscent of vintage greeting cards, takes you on a journey from the jazz age of the ’20s, where the classic martini gained popularity, to new-age disco beats. Signatures include Rasamary, an ode to pop music where vodka meets tangy tomato and rasam powder, and Shokunin, which pays tribute to the flamboyant disco era featuring Campari and gin along with cacao nibs, coffee and beetroot. Pair these with a compact menu of bar bites. Address: 8, Bellary Road, Dena Bank Colony, Ganganagar. Tel: 080 45222222 Coracle (new menu) If you’re looking for a taste of home-style Kerala fare, Coracle by chef Tresa Francis will fix you up with Sunday breakfast dishes that are typically found in family kitchens and go beyond favourites like appam and puttu. The menu lists comforting fare like kanji payar or rice gruel with green gram, kadala curry, an assortment of hearty stews and coconut milk with appam. Available every Sunday. Address: Coracle, at BIC Café, Indiranagar. Tel: 09611652064 Madras Pavilion, ITC Grand Chola, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Chennai The hotel’s ever-popular buffet restaurant has undergone a revamp and emerged with a fresh new look. A live central kitchen flanks the space, while private dining rooms are apt for chef-led tasting menus. The restaurant’s culinary repertoire celebrates diversity, from traditional meals served on banana leaves to Asian bites like Beijing-style braised lamb and Western flavours such as butter-poached prawns with saffron risotto, Buddha bowls, a salad bar and a beverage program featuring seasonal specialties. Keep a lookout for their Sunday brunches. Address: ITC Grand Chola, 63, Anna Salai, Little Mount, Guindy. Tel: 044 49065000 32 new restaurants in India you should grab a meal at this October Is dosa the next darling of the fine dining world? Why cooking with a loved one is the best recipe for success in the kitchen
