From cutting-edge concepts to flavour-packed menus, here’s a look at the latest dining destinations redefining India’s culinary scene.
In the past few months, a wave of new restaurants has opened doors across the country, each with its own flavour, story, and style. Some are reimagining age-old recipes with contemporary flair, while others are bringing global inspirations to the local table. Think vibrant spaces where the décor is as Instagram-worthy as the dishes, menus that change with the seasons, and cocktails crafted with as much care as the food. For diners, it’s a delicious invitation to step out, explore, and discover the freshest names on the block.
- one8 Commune, Lower Parel
Virat Kohli’s one8 Commune lands in Lower Parel with a space that feels less like a launch and more like a mood. Designed by Aayushi Malik, the 3,800 sq ft venue blends a bold central bar with a plush cigar and cocktail lounge, warm glows, and intentional darkness. The menu stays rooted in Indian flavours yet plays globally — from fiery Mushroom Ajillo to Butter Chicken Bombolini, with some picks by Virat himself. Cocktails are crafted to complement, not compete.
2. NOVA Gelato, Bandra – Mumbai
NOVA Artisan Gelato in Bandra, founded by Simran Advani, turns flavour into feeling. Crafted in small batches with honest ingredients, each scoop blends Italian heritage with local imagination. The 200 sq. ft. coral pink and steel space mirrors its signature creamy, satiny gelato. Fourteen rotating flavours include a Bandra-exclusive Toasted Croissant Gelato, alongside bonbon affogatos, frozen bites, and decadent sundaes. For balance, NOVA serves speciality coffee by Nandan and savouries by Pastel. Every visit offers a new discovery — from unexpected combinations to reimagined classics. This isn’t just dessert; it’s indulgence with intention, bringing a taste of Italy to the heart of Bandra.
3. Paashh, Mumbai
Paashh, the conscious living café from Pune, has opened its second home in Mumbai, bringing its “Unhurried Expression of Living” to the city. Founded by Vaishali Karad, Paashh blends quiet luxury with mindful nourishment, creating a space where intention shapes every detail. Its entirely seasonal, vegetarian menu celebrates local, consciously sourced ingredients, heritage grains, and A2 dairy, with a generous range of vegan options. Dishes like Terrain Salad, Multi-Grain Thalipeeth, Kothimbir Wadi, and Shakarkandi reflect its Soil to Soul philosophy. More than a café, Paashh is an experience that honours tradition, nature’s rhythm, and the art of living well.
4. BANG BANG! Noodle, Goregaon, Mumbai
BANG BANG! Noodle, founded by Chef Rahul Punjabi, is Mumbai’s first MaLa-forward restaurant dedicated to hand-pulled noodles made fresh to order — a rarity in the city. Inspired by his years in Sydney’s Chinatown, Chef Rahul blends Sichuan street food grit with fine-dining finesse. The concise, flavour-packed menu features Biang Biang Mien, freshly wrapped wontons, bold small plates, and the playful Chilli Oil Soft Serve. Interiors channel the brand’s irreverent spirit through its fictional mascot, Pai Mei.
5. Latango, Delhi
Latango, New Delhi’s first all-day European bar, blends continental elegance with modern indulgence. Conceived by Sahil Sambhi, it’s helmed by Italian chefs Roberto Blondi and Joe Stanchi, whose menu honours timeless European classics with seasonal, local produce. From tenderloin carpaccio to Atlantic crab tagliolini, each dish reflects heritage and craft. The bar, led by Italian mixologists Giovanni and Terry with Tulleeho, offers “Liquid Letters from Europe” — inventive cocktails with a cultural twist. Designed by Vivek Guha, the space balances raw concrete, warm copper tones, and soft textures. At Latango, the night slows down, every detail inviting you to linger longer.
6. Naarma, Delhi
Naarma in Delhi redefines dining through the elemental forces of fire and water, blending global culinary mastery with bold design. Founded by Akshay Anand, it unites Michelin-trained chefs Jayson Gubat Cagaoan, Amit Singh, and Sardoma Dumaguing Bienvenido Jr., crafting a menu that spans Japanese precision, Italian flair, and Chinese heritage. Signature dishes range from Otoro Aburi and Naarma Roll to Chilean Sea Bass and Spaghetti Salsa Rossa.
7. Katana, Bangalore
Katana, a new 45-seater sake and shochu cocktail bar in Bangalore’s Indiranagar, blending Japanese izakaya culture with modern ease. Katana offers Japanese-influenced small plates by Chef Sanjit Biswakarma, from corn custard on shokupan toast to spicy salmon rice bowls. Behind the bar, Pritish Shetty crafts clean, seasonal cocktails spotlighting sake and shochu. Designed by George Seemon of Stapati, the moody, minimal space combines raw textures with warm light, creating an inviting setting for both quiet drinks and lively gatherings. Katana is refined yet approachable, built for flavour, depth, and soul.
8. Coffee Mechanics, Bangalore
Coffee Mechanics, Bengaluru’s beloved homegrown brand with 180 years of coffee estate heritage, has opened its flagship café in Bellandur. The menu spotlights single-origin brews, pour-overs, cold brews, and signature blends, alongside comfort-forward plates and fresh bakes from its in-house bakery. Innovative offerings include Nitro coffees, playful soft serves, and a breakfast-forward menu. As one of India’s few vertically integrated coffee brands, Coffee Mechanics ensures freshness, sustainability, and authenticity—creating a community hub rooted in craft, connection, and culture.
9. The Game Palacio, Lower Parel, Mumbai
The Game Palacio has unveiled its landmark 10th outlet at Mumbai’s Phoenix Palladium, introducing India’s first ultra-luxe immersive gaming arcade of this scale. Spanning over 26,280 sq. ft., the venue blends boutique bowling lanes, 80+ cutting-edge arcade games, immersive VR zones, and the country’s first in-mall cigar room. Designed with Art Deco elegance and old-world casino glamour, the space features a 360° island bar, plush lounges, and bespoke chandeliers. More than a gaming arcade, it’s an elevated entertainment destination combining refined play, gourmet dining, and sensory storytelling—marking a bold step in The Game Palacio’s expansion toward 50 landmark luxury entertainment venues across India.
10. Wagamama, Azad Maidan, Mumbai
Set in the iconic Cambata Building with sweeping views of Oval Maidan, the UK-based chain’s debut India outpost is a stylish tribute to Mumbai’s vibrant energy. Framed prints, sleek contemporary design, and communal dining tables create a lively yet modern atmosphere. The menu celebrates the brand’s signature modern Asian flavours, featuring favourites like firecracker curry, donburi rice bowls, bang bang prawns, hearty ramen, and pillowy gyozas, alongside vegetarian and vegan options. To round off the experience, diners can indulge in the decadent banana katsu or sip on refreshing, fruit-forward spritzes — a perfect blend of comfort, flavour, and style.
11. Harajuku Tokyo Café and Bakehouse, Jio World Centre, Mumbai
Infusing Mumbai with a dose of quirky Japanese pop culture, this NCR-born brand has made its way to the city with a vibrant 72-seater café and a cosy 12-seater bakehouse. Think kawaii maximalism meets funky Tokyo diner — complete with playful retro signage, holographic details, a sushi conveyor belt, and an open sushi bar. The menu draws from Tokyo’s buzzing street food scene, offering Korean-style corn dogs, cheese-laden platters, robata grills, and an impressive sushi spread. Over at the bakehouse, desserts take centre stage with jiggly soufflé pancakes and cloud-like cheesecakes that are as dreamy as they look.
12. Fireback, Lower Parel, Mumbai
This Thai eatery has set up a new home in the city, bringing bold, vibrant flavours to the table under the guidance of celebrated chef David Thompson, with chef Kaustubh Haldipur leading the kitchen. Minimalist space, the restaurant takes diners on a journey through Thailand’s diverse regions — from fiery jungle curries and smoky skewers to refreshing, zesty salads and comforting crab fried rice. The experience is rounded off with a cocktail menu crafted around Thai ingredients, adding a spirited twist to the meal.
13. K Bhagat Tarachand, Borivali, Mumbai
K Bhagat Tarachand, an iconic name in Mumbai’s food scene, has opened its latest outlet at Sky City Mall, Borivali, marking 130 years of culinary legacy. Established in 1895 in Karachi by Late Shree Tarachand Chawla—fondly known as “Bhagat” for his warmth—the brand has been synonymous with homely, vegetarian comfort food. Post-Partition, it became a Zaveri Bazaar favourite and continues to charm diners with 100+ dishes rooted in freshness, quality, and authenticity. Signature favourites include Dal Fry, Papad Churi, Paneer Bhurji, Special Chapati, Kutchi Beer (chaas), and decadent ghee-laden Moong Dal and Gajar Halwa, loved across generations.
14. Nando’s, Kamala Mills
A PERi-PERi Blockbuster Lands in Kamala Mills. After setting taste buds ablaze across Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and beyond, Nando’s is finally bringing its world-famous flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken to Mumbai — and it’s making its grand entrance at Kamala Mills.The new flagship Casa is more than just a restaurant; it’s a stage where Nando’s OG PERi-PERi flavours play the lead role. Think chicken marinated for 24 hours, grilled to smoky perfection, and brushed with bastings that range from zesty Lemon & Herb to the daredevil’s Extra Hot. Every marinade is made with real ingredients, no artificial flavours, and the signature African Bird’s Eye Chilli that made Nando’s a global name.
