January sets the tone for the year ahead, and across India, it arrives with a wave of exciting new beginnings. From restaurant openings and menu takeovers to fashion drops, lifestyle launches, and creative pop-ups, the month is all about discovery and reinvention. As brands step into the new year with renewed energy, January’s agenda brings together what’s fresh, noteworthy, and worth your time — setting the stage for what promises to be an inspiring start to the year.
Soraia
Soraia offers a refined escape from the city’s pace. Designed by Gauri Khan, the space exudes quiet luxury with vine-draped pillars, a sunlit glasshouse, and a distinctly European sensibility. At the helm of the kitchen, Chef Hitesh Shanbhag presents a thoughtfully structured menu unfolding in elemental chapters—The First Flush, The Seed, Light, Fire, Earth, and Air—with seasonal produce taking centre stage. The Forest Mushroom Risotto is a standout, comforting yet nuanced. Complementing the food is Beverage Director Fay Barretto’s Omakase Cocktail Bar, Mumbai’s first of its kind, where cocktails are crafted with intention, sustainability, and storytelling. Together, the cuisine, cocktails, and setting create an experience that feels immersive, elegant, and quietly indulgent.
Location: Racecourse, Royal Western India Turf Club, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai – 400034
Average price: INR 4,000 for two
For reservations, contact: +91 9004938000
Fielia
Designed by Gauri Khan, the space features a split-level bar, a moody ground floor wrapped in wrought-iron staircases, leading up to a mezzanine and triangular roofline. The beverage programme titled Sin & Scandal, draws inspiration from some of the most infamous controversies from around the world. On the other hand, the menu draws inspiration from the seven deadly sins, featuring a series of aperitivo-style dishes.
Location: Racecourse, Royal Western India Turf Club, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai – 400034
Roxanne’s Bar & All Day Diner
Roxanne’s brings together the easy comfort of a classic American diner with the buzz of a contemporary cocktail bar. Conceptualised as an open-format, all-day space, it’s designed to feel lively and welcoming at every hour. The menu takes cues from Modern American, Asian, and Continental cuisines, with a dedicated robata-grilled selection adding depth and smokiness to the offerings. Rooted in the familiarity of a diner but shaped by global flavours, Roxanne’s reflects the way modern diners like to eat—comfort-led yet adventurous. As Shashank Shetty, Director, Peninsula Hospitality, puts it, the idea was to create a space that feels “full and alive,” balancing nostalgia with a globally relevant food and bar program.
Average price: Approx. INR 3,000–3,500 for two
Reflections
JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu’s newly refurbished lobby lounge and bar, Reflections. Start off with luxurious artisanal teas and coffee before heading to the beverage programme featuring 80 global whiskies, including 40 single malts and premium Indian single malts. The vast menu includes Asian-inspired tapas, elevated bar snacks, and thin-crust Romano-style pizza, small plates and bar bites and more.
Location: Lobby Level, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu – 400049
Average price: INR 5,800 for two
AAHII
AAHII lavishly reimagines North Indian cuisine with a touch of modern aesthetics and refinement. Each dish celebrates time-honoured techniques of slow cooking, clarified gravies, and charcoal roasting. Some of the standout dishes in the vast menu include Chilli Cheese Churros, Smashed Burrata Chakhna Chaat, Mascarpone Mushroom Kulcha, Mushroom Galouti, Amritsari Fish & Chips, Aahii Butter Chicken, Kataifi Saag Paneer and more. Chef Vikram states, “We aim to honour North Indian cuisine without making it heavy or old-fashioned, bringing modernity through ingredients and plating rather than fusion. Every dish is designed to be premium yet approachable, & presented with refinement and balance.”
Location: Aahii, Sobo 25, 4th Floor, Bengal Chemical Bhavan, SV Swatantryaveer Savarkar Road, Opp Century Bazaar, Prabhadevi, Mumbai – 400025
Average price: INR 5,000 for two
Nisaba
Chef Manish Mehrotra’s first restaurant under the Manish Mehrotra Culinary Arts banner. Named after the ancient goddess of grain and writing, NISABA draws from everyday Indian cooking—quietly evolved flavours from homes, bylanes, dhabas, and small towns—presented with precision, discipline, and contemporary clarity. The menu offers à la carte and seasonal selections, guided by honest cooking, minimal waste, and trusted producers, while the beverage program mirrors this philosophy with balanced cocktails, thoughtful non-alcoholic drinks, and a refined wine list. Designed to transition from light-filled days to intimate evenings, the space features warm textures, clean lines, and a central sculpture by artist Dhananjay Singh, alongside a private dining room for 14 guests.
Address: First Floor, Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site Museum, Sunder Nursery, New Delhi – 110013
Timings: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Reservations: +91 98109 06091
Ummrao Saaj
Ummrao Saaj is a new restaurant offering a contemporary reimagining of Awadhi cuisine at Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport. It is anchored in a philosophy of honouring tradition without being confined by it. The ambience mirrors this ethos through a layered design journey that transitions from enclosed, heritage-inspired elements to freer, more expressive spaces, symbolising evolution without erasure. The menu draws from Awadhi culinary techniques such as slow cooking and gentle spice layering, which are presented with contemporary plating and flavour balance. The cocktail programme is guided by Indian classical music, translating moods and raags into spirit-forward creations using Indian ingredients.
Address: Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, Andheri – Kurla Road, opposite Carnival Cinemas, Hanuman Nagar, Andheri East, Mumbai.
Ammakai
Ammakai brings the warmth of Mangalorean cooking to Bandra. The name “Ammakai” means “Mom’s Hand,” and every dish reflects the love and care of a home-cooked meal. The restaurant focuses on recipes learnt from village kitchens in Mangalore. From the bold Mutton Khara Boti to the comforting Coastal Stew and simple family-style Ammakai Dosa, the menu brings out the richness of coastal flavours like coconut, tamarind, and local spices.
Where: B/1, Kamal Building, New, Linking Rd, Khar, Bandra West, Mumbai
When: 11 am – 1 am
KOJAK
Inspired by a legendary man named Kojak and his cryptic notebook of cocktail recipes, the bar brings a sense of intrigue to every visit. Head Mixologist Ratan Upadhyay and Culinary Director Suheb Chawdhary combine craft drinks with creative dishes. Try cocktails like Tangier Heat or Velvet Code while enjoying food like Butter Chicken Gnocchi or Togarashi Crusted Sea Bass.
Where: 1st floor, Hotel Kings International, 5, Juhu Tara Rd, above Alfredos, opp. Saint Joseph’s Church Road, Juhu, Mumbai
When: 12 pm – 1:30 am
Cost: INR 2,500 (For two)
Masaya
Masaya debuts in Goa as a sunset-led dining and nightlife destination perched along the Anjuna–Vagator belt. Meaning comfort and joy in Filipino, Masaya is designed to slow you down at golden hour and lift the energy as night falls. Imagined by founders Ishaan Sharma, Rohit Khullar, Gaurav Mendiratta, and Sachin Manchanda, the space transitions from intimate indoor dining to a sea-facing rooftop and a jungle-inspired bar. Designed by Akhlakh of Sketch All Studios, Afro-Egyptian interiors, immersive lighting, and 3D projections shape the mood. The global, share-style menu and flavour-first cocktail philosophy make Masaya a seamless blend of sundowners and high-energy evenings.
Juliette Cafe & Bar
Juliette Café & Bar rolls out a new all-day menu rooted in its AM–PM philosophy, reflecting the city’s evolving rhythms. Backed by Ranbir Nagpal and Atul Chopra of Yazu Hospitality, and helmed by Executive Chef Rohan Taru, Juliette blends comfort-driven global cuisine with refined all-day dining. From café-style plates and hearty mains to share-friendly dishes, the menu flows seamlessly from day to night, while the beverage program transitions from speciality coffee and matcha by day to story-led cocktails by evening, curated by mixologist Kaustubh Sawardekar. With time-led rituals like bottomless coffee mornings, happy hours, and evening bakes by Dough, Juliette is designed to be revisited across moods and moments.
Address: Raheja Classique, 12, Next to Infinity Mall, Andheri West, Mumbai – 400053
Contact: +91 93245 84315 / +91 93245 94718
The Game Palacio 2.0
The Game Palacio returns with a striking makeover, refreshed menus, and an elevated entertainment experience. The revamped Bandra outpost now features a vibrant, high-energy design with warm hues of green, red, and yellow, playful LED accents, upgraded DJ zones, and a more luxurious Private Dining Room. With expanded seating, a redesigned bar, and enhanced gaming zones, the space seamlessly blends dining, drinks, music, and play. The new menu by chefs Gayatri and Vishal Vora introduces comforting yet flavour-forward dishes like Colocassia Glory, Red Snapper Aguachile, Blackened Fish Taquitos, and Corn Tofu Chakram Curry, paired with a refreshed cocktail lineup including Palacio Suspect, Afternoon Bliss, and The Green Fairy. Together, the revamp positions The Game Palacio as a go-to destination for all-ages fun, food, and nightlife.
Address: G0001/B, Krystal Building 206, Below Hakkasan, Waterfield Road, Bandra West, Mumbai – 400050
KOKO
KOKO brings back its much-loved limited-edition cocktail showcase, House of Negroni, a bold month-end celebration dedicated to one of the world’s most iconic and polarising cocktails. Running from 20th January till month-end across KOKO’s outposts in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, the experience reimagines the classic Negroni—gin, vermouth, and Campari—through six inventive serves that balance tradition with boundary-pushing techniques. From dessert-leaning pours like The Kitsune to smoky, indulgent expressions such as The Phoenix, each cocktail retains the soul of the Negroni while offering a fresh, unexpected perspective. Rooted in craftsmanship and curiosity, House of Negroni invites both purists and newcomers to rediscover a century-old classic through KOKO’s contemporary lens.
Dates: 20th January – End of Month
Available at: KOKO, Mumbai | Bengaluru | Hyderabad
Concept: Limited-edition Negroni cocktail experience
Autm
Autm introduces Matcha Moments, a ceremonial matcha experience launching 21st January 2026, inviting guests to slow down and savour moments of calm in the heart of the city. Rooted in tradition yet crafted for modern tastes, the experience explores matcha beyond trends, celebrating its natural energy, antioxidant richness, and layered umami depth. The all-day, à la carte menu features hand-whisked ceremonial Matcha Tea, Matcha Lattes, and iced blends, alongside vibrant signatures like Strawberry Iced Matcha Latte, Coconut Matcha Cloud, and the citrus-forward Matcha Yuzu Spritz. Designed to balance ritual, flavour, and function, Matcha Moments positions matcha as both a mindful indulgence and an everyday essential.
Location: Autm, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar
Whisky Samba
Whisky Samba unveils a bold new menu that continues its signature approach of marrying Indian soul with global techniques. Known for reinterpreting Indian flavours through Japanese and pan-Asian influences, the refreshed menu balances comfort with creativity, featuring refined techniques and flavour-forward compositions. Highlights include Signature Dal Whisky, Japanese Pizzettes, Aloo Avocado Chaat, Tandoori Salmon Tikka, Singapore Soft Shell Crab, and vegetarian standouts like Tandoori Avocado with Jamun Hummus and Edamame Black Truffle Dumplings. Complementing the food is the restaurant’s award-winning bar, home to over 4,000 bottles and 200+ whiskies, alongside signature cocktails such as Whisky Samba Sour and Hyderabad x Manhattan. As the weekend unfolds, Whisky Samba transitions seamlessly from refined dining to high-energy nightlife.
Venue: Gate 3, Salarpuria Sattva Knowledge City, Hitech City, Hyderabad
Timings: Sun–Thu 12 PM–12 AM | Fri–Sat 12 PM–1 AM
Reservations: 88860 11553 / 88860 11552
Sixteen 33
Sixteen33 brings pan-Asian comfort to the forefront with the launch of its new Asian menu this January, shaped directly by what its diners have been craving. Inspired by late-night conversations, after-work drinks, and repeat requests for spicy, crunchy, wok-tossed favourites, the menu focuses on familiar flavours done right. Under the guidance of Chef Anil Gupta, the offering features crowd-pleasers like Chilli Chicken, Shrimp Tempura, Burnt Garlic Fried Rice, Korean Baos, poke bowls, and street-style rice bowls, alongside vegetarian hits such as Chilli Maple Tofu, Wasabi Corn Tempura, and 1633 Chilli Paneer. Comfort-led, flavour-forward, and made to pair perfectly with drinks, the new menu reinforces Sixteen33’s identity as a neighbourhood bar that listens to its community.
Set Lunch Deal: 899 + taxes
Timings: 12:00 PM – 1:30 AM
Address: 16th & 33rd Cross Rd, Pali Hill, Bandra West, Mumbai – 400050
Reservations: 97589 99555
Gaijin
Gaijin introduces new menu additions that stay true to its instinct-led, chef-driven approach to Japanese cuisine—rooted in classical technique yet open to quiet rule-bending. The latest dishes bring playful precision to the table, designed for relaxed, unhurried dining. Vegetarian highlights include White & Green Asparagus Temaki, Avocado & Edamame Gunkan, Mushroom Tataki, and Artichoke & Seasonal Vegetable Tsukemono, each balancing texture, acidity, and umami with restraint. Non-vegetarian plates lean into depth and finesse with Crab Temaki, Hamachi Gunkan, Chutoro Carpaccio, Pork Robatayaki, Lamb Gyoza, and a gluten-free Chicken Karaage now on the lunch menu. Desserts follow the same thoughtful tone, led by a layered Chocolate Fondant with miso and goma ice cream. Together, the additions reflect Gaijin’s signature—precise, intuitive, and quietly unexpected.
Address: Lotia Palace, Linking Road, Opp. Citi Bank, Khar West, Mumbai – 400052
Timings: Lunch 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Dinner 7:00 PM – 1:30 AM | Mondays Closed
Reservations: +91 85916 15552
Average for two: 1,900 (without alcohol) | 2,600 (with alcohol)
St. Regis, Mumbai
The St. Regis Mumbai presents Oh My Cha!, a thoughtfully crafted Japanese tea experience that reimagines Matcha and Hojicha through a contemporary, mindful lens. Available at The Drawing Room and Café by The St. Regis Mumbai, the activation invites guests to slow down and engage with tea as a refined daytime ritual. Rooted in the traditions of Japanese tea ceremonies, Oh My Cha! focuses on balance, intention, and precision, offering a curated selection of warming and refreshing beverages—from Iced Matcha and Coconut Matcha Lattes to floral Matcha Tonics and spiced hot pours, alongside roasted Hojicha creations layered with sesame, caramel, and white chocolate. Whether enjoyed in the understated elegance of The Drawing Room or the relaxed, all-day setting of the café, the experience is designed as a moment of quiet indulgence.
Date: 19th January 2026
Venue: The Drawing Room & Café by The St. Regis Mumbai
Time: Drawing Room 9 AM – 11 PM | Café 11 AM – 10 PM
Price: INR 650++
OJU
OJU presents an intimate Omakase dining experience, introducing an eight-course Japanese tasting menu that places trust, seasonality, and intuition at its core. Launched by Neuma in collaboration with Truepalate Hospitality, OJU brings a contemporary, cocktail-forward lens to Japanese cuisine within a calm, immersive setting. Curated by Chef Nitin Bhardwaj, the Omakase unfolds as a seated, shared-table experience inspired by the phases of the moon, featuring a fluid progression of robata grills, gyozas, hamachi preparations, tempuras, and thoughtfully crafted vegetarian courses. Paired with alcohol accompaniments, the one-night-only format is designed as a focused, technique-driven journey that balances tradition with modern expression. The experience will be hosted monthly, with the first edition set to take place this January.
Date: 29th January 2026
Time: 8:30 PM onwards
Venue: OJU, Colaba, Mumbai
Price: INR 3,995 + taxes
Hylo
HyLo launches Ambarsariya Affair, a six-week culinary pop-up that brings the legendary street flavours of Amritsar to Mumbai. Hosted across HyLo, Kala Ghoda and HyLo Taproom by Igloo, the experience is a soulful winter-forward celebration of Punjabi comfort food. Curated by Chef Swati Hrasha, the limited-edition menu stays true to time-honoured recipes and authentic techniques, featuring classics like Chole Bature with lassi, Matar Kulche with chaas, and Sarson da Saag paired with Makke di Roti, white butter, and jaggery. Designed to evoke the warmth, aroma, and nostalgia of Amritsar’s bustling streets, Ambarsariya Affair is a heartfelt ode to Punjab’s rich food culture and HyLo’s community-driven hospitality.
Dates: Now extended till January 2026
Time: Lunch & Dinner
Venues:
• HyLo, 2nd Floor, Building 30, K Dubash Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai – 400001
• HyLo Taproom, G-30, JIO World Drive, Maker Maxity, BKC, Mumbai – 400051
403 Forbidden
403 Forbidden opens in Bengaluru as India’s first Theatre of Presence—a bar designed to deny distraction and invite attention. Conceptualised by hospitality professionals Aman Dua and Rachit Saboo, the space reinterprets “access denied” as the ultimate luxury, moving away from spectacle-driven nightlife toward rhythm, restraint, and intentionality. With choreographed lighting, a dramatic double-height bar, and a sculptural, theatre-scale backdrop that reveals itself only through screens, 403 Forbidden challenges how we consume space, flavour, and time. At its core is Aman Dua’s deeply personal, process-driven cocktail program, blending science, sustainability, and sensory storytelling through techniques like distillation, fermentation, and zero-waste extraction. Paired with a minimal, experience-led food menu and intimate spatial design, 403 Forbidden positions itself not as a bar, but as a sanctuary for connection, conversation, and presence.
Timings: 6:00 PM onwards
Price: INR 8,000 onwards
Address: Khata No. 789/A, 1st Floor, 12th Main Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bengaluru – 560008
Contact: 090713 17446
