Mumbai: 6 cool, new restaurants to bookmark for your next meal

Whether you love vinyl music with your coffee, Asian food with a kick of Indian spices, or cocktails on tap, take your pick from these recent openings in the city

Adelina

Imagined as the spirit of a young Italian woman, Adelina welcomes you in its expansive 6,000-square-foot home where a quirky play on European aesthetics and art creates an inviting ambience. From lion sculptures and baby angles to upholstered art and framed portraits, the drama unfolds in every nook. Gorge on Neapolitan-style pizza coming in hot from the wood-fired oven, sip tipples like House Limoncello Spritzer at its large island bar, or take a seat by the French windows, in the cozy booth, or the long community table, for your meal. Serving Italian classics as well as chef’s take on this cuisine, the menu offers plenty to choose from such as asparagus con polenta, pork tortellini, risottos. Pair it with Adelina’s extensive selection of wines, and end with favourites like artisanal gelato, tiramisu, or the sinful torta crema gianduja.

Location: 9th Floor, Mansionz One Building, Linking Rd, Bandra West

Conçu

What started as a boutique patisserie in Hyderabad 14 years ago, Conçu has finally made its way to Mumbai with cool new additions. Bringing not just its decadent desserts, here it also offers cocktails on the menu. Located in the bylanes of Colaba in what is believed to be a garage for luxury cars previously owned by Vijay Mallya, is now converted into this chic cafe. Take your pick from all-day dining options ranging from DIY pizzas, smoothie bowls, tori karaage, hot dog, and even Hyderabad’s famed haleem with a veg version made of jackfruit. A selection of classic brews, teas, matcha and ube drinks are also on the menu. The highlight remains the dessert counter that tempts you with its display of cupcakes, macarons, tarts, pastries, and more. For some retail therapy, checkout Conçu’s in-house products ranging from slogan tees, handmade soaps and merch.

Location: Plot no – 22 A 459, 2nd Pasta Lane, Railway Colony, Colaba

House of Akina

Inspired by journeys across Asia, and shaped by memories, flavours and rituals collected across this continent, House of Akina showcases recipes from kitchens and shared tables. The contemporary Asian dining destination is designed as the personal residence of Akina, a fictional muse who is rooted in Japanese culture yet deeply influenced by the world. Her story unfolds through food, cocktails, and the intimacy of hosting. The menu here reinterprets Asian cuisine with regional Indian twists, offering dishes like wok-tossed Chettinad chicken,  gondhoraj salmon ceviche, thecha hakka noodles, and more. Signature cocktails take inspiration from places and feelings, think Nights in May that’s shaped by Japanese evenings filled with citrus and mango, or Salty Verandah which is a pandan and white chocolate forward cocktail capturing the energy of Singapore’s coastal nights. Set in an inviting neutral palette and layered with lighting and textures, House of Akina is apt for a lazy lunch as well as a sit-down dinner.

Location: Golden Palace, Turner Rd, Bandra West

Papi

Epitomising the dual meaning of its name, whether it is a term of endearment in Spanish or sinner in Hindi, Papi sets the mood for both. The space opens with a cocktails on tap section where patrons can choose from espresso martini, paloma, or aperol spritz. Walk ahead and the semi-outdoor section with a skylight greets you next. Here, take a seat or huddle standing next to the wall where trays jut out to keep your drinks. Indoors, the vibe takes a moody turn as maroon takes over the interiors while amber lighting adds a soft glow. African art-inspired portraits, mirrored ceiling, and the thoughtful play of decor creates intrigue. A bar at the fag end of the room creates a cosy nook while a PDR offers more privacy. A vinyl music section, cocktails numbered not named, and small plates that are meant for sharing keep the party going. Designed for just 60 covers, Papi sits at the intersection of a late-night bar and an effortlessly social dining room.

Location: 712, Bajaj Niwas, Off Linking Road, Next to AND showroom, Khar West

Punchline

A bar built for Bandra’s neighbourhood energy, Punchline pays an ode to the OG cocktail, the punch, which is also a spin on the Hindi word for five (paanch). Each drink here is built on five elements, starting with a welcome punch that’s on the house and consists of rum, apple, apricot, and five spices. In the mood for something bold? Try Swine & Brine that blends five spirits, pork chorizo, and Chettinad spice in a glass. Paired perfectly are bar bites that range from refreshing cured watermelon with stracciatella and capers, to smoky charcoal-dunked steak with caramelised onion foam. Swathed primarily in hues of orange to represent the colour of punch that’s citrus, sunset, spice and warmth, the space also features circular punch-hole motifs, and a layout that encourages movement and conversation. Overall, Punchline is the cool, new address for shared cocktails and good times.

Location: Shop No 7 & 8, Geliki Bldg, ONGC Colony, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra West

RumBabaa

An all-day vinyl-led cafe, RumBabaa is built to create a relaxed, music-forward setting where patrons can relish refreshing cold brews, light seasonal plates, nourishing bowls, and popular matcha beverages. Inspired by Japanese minimalism and unhurried living, the space is designed as a calm, immersive escape within the city’s fast pace. A dedicated vinyl setup shapes the mood of the space, showcasing RumBabaa’s philosophy centred around great coffee, soulful music, and meaningful moments. Take your pick from fruit-forward cold brews, hydrating summer coolers, or playful matcha drinks. In addition to breakfast delights, salads, and bowls, the small plates are a great addition. Try bites like bajra tacos with jackfruit, kataifi prawns, vegan coconut buns, and more, finishing up with desserts like chocolate arise.

Location: Remi Commercio, Off New Link Rd, Opposite Yash Raj Films, Andheri West

Also Read:
Punchline Review: The Cocktails Hit, The Vibe Wins
Review: Millo Nagpur is where vibes, tipples and great food come together
Review: Nadoo Serves South India Beyond the Usual Suspects

Kriti Saraswat Satpathy

An independent lifestyle journalist who is fascinated by the world of travel, design, art, architecture, food, and luxury. She enjoys discovering new things in these realms, meeting interesting people on the way, and weaving engaging stories.
IG: @kriworks

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Don't Miss

Interview: Chef Shamsul Wahid: Who Turned Cravings, Banter and Memory into a Menu

Chef Shamsul Wahid isn’t trying to impress you with theatrics.

New Jersey to the World: Fossil and Nick Jonas Redefine Modern Luxury Watches

Fossil X Nick Jonas: The Machine Luxe Capsule Brings Heritage