From the bustling streets of Kolkata to the vibrant energy of Bengaluru, and from the historic elegance of Delhi to the cosmopolitan sophistication of Mumbai, India’s dining and nightlife scene is experiencing a renaissance. Across cities, a new generation of restaurants, bars and experiential destinations is redefining what it means to eat, drink and gather — blending heritage with contemporary sensibilities, craft with creativity, and local flavours with global techniques. Whether it’s immersive coffee journeys, modern Indian gastronomy, playful cocktail rooms, or spaces that celebrate the slow joy of dining, find our curated list of restaurants that invite guests to linger, explore, and connect — a true reflection of India’s culinary and cultural diversity, all in one curated journey.
Yours Truly, Kolkata
Kolkata’s coffee culture enters a thoughtful new chapter with the launch of Yours Truly Coffee Roaster, a 15,000 sq ft experiential destination set within a restored 60-year-old bungalow. Spread across open lawns, shaded verandahs and a series of intimate indoor–outdoor pockets, the space is designed to slow guests down and deepen their relationship with coffee. At its core is Coffee Classroom, a learning-led format created to demystify speciality coffee for everyday drinkers. As India’s appetite for craft coffee grows, the knowledge gap between curiosity and understanding often remains wide. Coffee Classroom bridges that divide with an approachable, hands-on introduction to everything from green beans and roast profiles to manual brewing techniques.
The café experience builds seamlessly on this foundation. Guests begin by choosing their bean and then their brew, with options ranging from espresso and pour-over to siphon, AeroPress and moka pot. Cold brews and experimental coffee-forward drinks expand the spectrum, reinforcing the idea that no two beans—or brews—are ever the same. Enhancing the offering is an in-house bakery developed with Lavonne Bakery Academy and led by Sujata Newatia. The menu features artisanal sourdoughs, pastries and desserts crafted to pair naturally with speciality coffee, encouraging mindful coffee-and-food combinations throughout the day.
Éloïse, Kolkata
Tucked away in a charming South Kolkata lane, Éloïse evokes the romance of Paris with soft pastels, brass accents, vintage mirrors, and warm golden lighting. Founders Anwesha and Rohit envisioned a space that feels intimate, timeless, and immersive—a modern European bistro where design, flavours, and hospitality intertwine. The all-day menu spans Continental, French, and Modern European favourites, from Truffle Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries and Éloïse Vol au Vent to Chicken Schnitzel, Niçoise Salad, and Gnocchi in Truffle Butter (our absolute favourite), while desserts like Crème D’Or and Crème D’Lune showcase patisserie artistry. Signature drinks, including the Dark Chocolate Hot, complete the experience, making Éloïse a true European escape in Kolkata.
Cove, Kolkata
Cove is the city’s modern hideaway — a high-energy restaurant-bar tucked into Ho Chi Minh Sarani. Designed as an immersive escape, it blends community, elevated dining, and nightlife that shifts from slow, spirited evenings to full-throttle celebration. Built on a tribe-first philosophy, Cove is a place where guests arrive as strangers and return as regulars.
The menu is vibrant and textural. Highlights include the Beetroot Corn Cream Dim Sum, Chevre with cherry tomato ragout, and the golden Semolina Fried Bhetki. Mains bring warmth and richness through the Sticky Bluepea Fried Rice with Yellow Thai Curry and the indulgent Romesco Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan. A classic Tiramisu closes the meal, best paired with the refreshing Herbs & Fruity Mocktail or the Himalayan Whisper Cocktail—an elegant blend of Darjeeling tea, litchi, honey, and gin.
Olive Cafe & Bar, Kolkata
The new Olive Café & Bar arrives with the brand’s signature elegance, shaped by a “city as muse” philosophy inspired by Tagore’s Shantiniketan. Sunlit by day and candle-lit by night, the space blends soft armchairs, a white-pebbled courtyard, greenery, and bougainvillaea into an atmosphere that’s effortless and inviting. It’s the perfect spot to settle in and wander through a menu built around freshness and ease.
Lunch channels global café comfort—honest, soulful, and unfussy—while dinner shifts into refined Mediterranean flavours anchored in exceptional ingredients. Familiar Kolkata notes appear through thoughtful touches: poppy seeds and Gobindobhog rice in the signature espatadas, a roast pork and kasundi sandwich, Kolkata Bhetki en Papillote, and more. Highlights include the Sweet Pots, Super Bowl Salad, Gooseberry & Mango Salad, Artichoke & Celeriac, Ginger Salmon, Prawn Pil Pil, Lobster Linguini, New Zealand Lamb Chops, and classic Espetadas. Desserts remain iconic—Churros with dulce and chocolate, lush French Toast, and the beloved Olive Tiramisu served in a charming picnic basket.
Forest View Deck, The Leela Ambience Gurugram
The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences elevates poolside dining with Forest View Deck, a serene farm-to-fork experience framed by lush forest vistas and private cabanas. Rooted in sustainability and season-led cooking, the menu draws from The Leela Farm, a 3.5-acre organic plot, and The Green House, a hydroponic glasshouse cultivating herbs, lettuces, and tomatoes at peak freshness.
Designed for quiet indulgence, Forest View Deck offers guests a direct connection to thoughtfully sourced ingredients, brought to the table in dishes that evolve with the seasons. Complementary beverages reflect the same philosophy, balancing freshness, flavour, and sustainability, making every meal a mindful yet luxurious escape into nature.
Lord Vesper, The Oberoi Gurgaon
Lord Vesper at The Oberoi, Gurgaon, is a high-energy contemporary lounge where design, mixology, cuisine, music, and Oberoi’s legendary service converge to create unforgettable evenings. Named after a conceptual muse embodying poise, elegance, and the art of unwinding, Lord Vesper blends sophistication with playful energy across three experiential layers: a ground-floor bar and lounge, a private mezzanine, and an alfresco terrace with waterfront views.
The beverage programme, developed with award-winning consultant Giancarlo Mancino, champions low-ABV, seasonal, spirit-forward cocktails alongside inventive non-alcoholic creations. Signatures like Vespertini, Lady Yuzu, The Fallen Banana and Mr Fennel & Mrs Dill are designed to spark conversation, connection, and celebration. The culinary menu mirrors this creativity, featuring globally inspired dishes such as Peruvian chilli avocado tartare, Kerala coin paratha tacos with jackfruit roast, Black truffle Berliner with wild mushroom dust, and Tandoori chicken pot stickers — all crafted to complement the cocktails and elevate the sensory experience.
Lord Vesper is designed for every occasion — from intimate evenings and corporate entertaining to vibrant celebrations — offering 106 covers across indoor, outdoor, and mezzanine seating. Here, every detail is intentional, every moment elevated, and every night unforgettable, making it one of Gurgaon’s most compelling destinations for craft, atmosphere, and celebration.
OMO, Gurgaon
Winter at OMO has always been a study in transformation — how fire alters flavour, how the season reshapes appetite, and how vegetables, in the right hands, can anchor a meal. This year, under Chef Chetna Chopra, the Winter Brunch returns with a renewed focus on live fire, regional comfort, and the joy of grazing. At the centre is The Charred Station, a live-fire grill where winter produce meets slow, smoky heat. Standouts include the tamarind–jaggery glazed Oyster Mushroom with muhammara and feta, and the balsamic-charred Cabbage with red onion jam and mushroom jus — dishes that evoke the heft of a Sunday roast while remaining resolutely vegetarian. The Grazing Table sets a tone of abundance with wellness bowls, house-made cheeses, cold-pressed juices, breads, dips, and seasonal small plates. Nearby, the Regional Curries & Appams counter pays homage to winter-friendly Indian flavours and nostalgic pairings. No OMO winter is complete without French Toasts & Hot Chocolate — including the returning Pineapple + Custard Apple Gelato French Toast and weekly specials crafted entirely from seasonal produce.
In a dining culture chasing novelty, OMO’s Winter Brunch stands apart for its patience, producer-led ethos, and unwavering belief that vegetables are not an afterthought but the main event. It is brunch the way it should be — warm, communal, and shaped by the season.
Mamma Rose, Delhi
Mamma Rose is an ode to Europe’s charming street-side cafés — the kind where conversations linger, and sunlight spills across intimate patios. Rooted in sensory pleasure, the experience begins with its freshly roasted coffee (each batch roasted every four days to preserve its aroma and character) and an all-day breakfast menu designed to make mornings feel slow, warm, and deeply comforting.
The space mirrors Mamma Rose’s personality: sassy yet elegant, inspired by the chic French cat it’s named after. A sunlit patio, warm interiors, and a relaxed, sundowner-friendly vibe make it one of the sweetest Parisian-style cafés in Delhi. On our visit, the Almond Vegan Latte stood out, the Chicken Quiche was a clear winner, the Shakshuka offered hearty comfort, and the Blueberry Lemon French Toast was — simply put — unforgettable.
Daryaganj, Delhi
Daryaganj opens at one of the capital’s most iconic addresses — the historic Regal Building — bringing back the legendary flavours born in newly independent India. Standing tall since 1932, the landmark has witnessed the city’s cultural and architectural evolution, making it the perfect home for a brand rooted in nostalgia and culinary legacy. Guests can savour signature classics like The Original 1947 Butter Chicken and The Original 1947 Dal Makhani, prepared using Kundan Lal Jaggi’s time-honoured recipes. Crafted with today’s finest ingredients yet anchored in authenticity, these dishes revive flavours that are familiar, soulful, and unforgettable. The menu expands into tandoor-grilled meats, slow-cooked curries, seafood, and traditional kulfi served from a live counter — each plate echoing the warmth of North Indian home-style memories while elevating expectations of the cuisine.
A signature Nargis fragrance greets you at the door, while rich textures of brass, wood, and hand-laid tiles build an atmosphere steeped in comfort and nostalgia. The interiors blend Indian Art Deco with contemporary detailing, elegantly framed by the white colonnades of Connaught Place. Soulful, unplugged Indian melodies complete the mood, creating a setting where the past and present come together in harmonious rhythm — a place where history is not just remembered, but tasted.
Ikk Panjab, Delhi
As Lohri ushers in the warmth of winter gatherings and harvest festivities, Ikk Panjab marks the occasion with a specially curated Winter Chef’s Tasting Menu, honouring both the season and the restaurant’s milestone year. This Lohri is particularly significant as it celebrates one year in its new home and the brand’s expansion to four locations — a year shaped by familiar conversations, shared meals, and guests who became family.
Rooted in tradition, the tasting menu brings together the flavours that define Punjabi winters: slow-cooked greens, smoky tandoor notes, rich broths, and robust meat preparations. The quintessential Sarson da Saag with Makki di Roti anchors the experience, paired with the ember-roasted depth of Baingan ka Bharta. Comforting shorbas — Makai da Shorba and Kharode da Shorba — provide warmth and restoration. Heartier dishes like Saag Gosht, finished with white butter, capture the indulgence of Punjab’s winter feasts, while Charsi Tikka offers a taste of frontier-style cooking, celebrated for its minimalism and technique. The meal concludes with Adrak ka Halwa, a traditional Lohri dessert known for its warming qualities and its ties to new harvest rituals. Thoughtfully crafted, Ikk Panjab’s Lohri tasting menu is an invitation to gather, slow down, and savour Punjab’s winter table — hearty, honest, and shaped by the spirit of belonging.
Dakshin, Sheraton New Delhi
Dakshin returns in a renewed avatar at the elegant Sheraton New Delhi, marrying southern heritage with a contemporary, refined aesthetic. The refreshed interiors honour tradition through carved pillars, handcrafted woodwork, ornate furniture, gold-toned accents, and motifs inspired by Kanjivaram textiles — a warm, textural homage to the cultural richness of the South.
A culinary institution for over 35 years, Dakshin remains one of the most enduring expressions of regional dining under the ITC Hotels umbrella. The menu reads like a culinary map of the region. Highlights include the Andhra-style Tomato Pappu, the coconut-rich Mangalorean Kori Gassi, the robust Veinchina Mamsam, and the delicately simmered Patchakari Stew. Each dish underscores Dakshin’s enduring philosophy — celebrating legacy, craftsmanship, and the timeless soul of South Indian cuisine.
Baroak, Delhi
Tucked in Noida Sector 15A, Baroak introduces a refined yet easygoing space designed for unhurried dining and well-made cocktails. Inspired by Baroque detailing and the warmth of oak, the venue balances elegance with comfort, offering a calm, considered atmosphere away from the city’s usual noise. Set within a standalone property, Baroak flows between classic indoor seating and a relaxed open-air garden, creating distinct moods that shift gently from day to evening. The focus is clear: thoughtful food, attentive craft, and conversations that unfold at their own pace.
The multi-cuisine menu spans Indian, Oriental and Continental influences, presented with clean flavours and modern execution. At the bar, global classics are reimagined with Indian botanicals—familiar, structured, and unmistakably Baroak. Music here supports the mood rather than commanding it, with baithak-style evenings, ghazals, global soundscapes and occasional live acts adding a cultured, unintrusive rhythm. Versatile and warm, Baroak is suited for relaxed dinners, after-work gatherings and intimate celebrations—an inviting new address for Noida’s discerning diners.
Call Me Sofia, Mumbai
Call Me Sofia arrives as a first-of-its-kind concept — an intimate evening bar designed to feel like a secret shared between friends. Light spills through its semi-open space, the courtyard breeze drifts in, and the soft clink of glasses sets the tone for unhurried early evenings. Playfulness is woven into its rhythm: a cheeky little window where guests ring a bell and receive a cocktail in response — whimsy stitched delightfully into the experience.
Beneath this charm lies a deeper pulse. Sofia’s world carries warmth and ease, yet signals a fresh identity — sassy, cheeky, subtly rebellious, and unafraid to play with the rules of traditional bar culture. Here, cocktails take centre stage. A low-ABV philosophy champions aperitifs, lighter spirits, and a style of sipping that keeps the evening slow, charming, and conversation-led. Select Campari, Vermouths, and infused apéritifs meet familiar comforts — gins, vodkas, bright house blends — all shaped with Italian lightness. Expect whimsy in the glass: a Caprese salad reimagined as a cocktail, cantaloupe infusions that taste like summer with a secret, and a lemon–strawberry blend softened with merlot that moves like satin across the palate. We love!
Ziya, The Oberoi Mumbai
Ziya at the iconic The Oberoi, Mumbai unveils a renewed culinary and design vision, introducing an all-new menu, reimagined interiors and a dedicated bar. The transformation marks the restaurant’s evolving identity — a space where India’s culinary heritage meets contemporary sophistication with effortless finesse. Guided by Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia, the refreshed menu elevates Indian cuisine through inventive techniques, refined flavour pairings and elegant presentation. Rooted in Mumbai’s vibrant gastronomic spirit, the offerings span a curated Tasting Menu, Evolved Signature Mains and Ziya Classics — each plate honouring authenticity while embracing modernity in a way that feels both expressive and deeply grounded.
The new bar adds another dimension to the experience, echoing Ziya’s design philosophy of light, craft and contemporary Indian expression. The cocktail programme draws from India’s landscapes, seasons and rituals, distilling warmth, memory and luminosity into every glass. The interiors, too, have been re-envisioned — blending understated luxury with thoughtful detailing to create an ambience that feels modern, evocative and quietly opulent. Together, the refreshed design, culinary innovation and signature beverage offering redefine Ziya as a destination where sophistication and soul sit in seamless harmony. With its renewed atmosphere and inventive culinary direction, Ziya invites guests to rediscover Indian gastronomy — reimagined with artistry, depth and elegance.
Trèsind, Mumbai
Trèsind Mumbai unveils its new menu, a culinary showcase rooted in the philosophy of Atithi Devo Bhava — “The Guest is God.” The refreshed experience charts a modernist journey through India, where regional flavours are reimagined with global finesse and plated with Trèsind’s signature theatricality.
The highlights read like a celebration of the season: Ghushtaba with winter greens, a delicate interpretation of Kashmiri comfort; Parmesan Yakhni, marrying tradition with contemporary richness; Rajma Nihari, a bold, playful crossover of two beloved classics; and Coastal Lobster, refined and deeply expressive. The finale — Pazham Pori with hazelnut and dark chocolate ice cream — brings nostalgia and indulgence together in a dessert that feels both familiar and entirely new.
The Nook, Mumbai
Bandra’s beloved café-bar, The Nook, launches its new Sunday Bottomless Brunch, blending easy vibes, comforting food, and refreshing cocktails in a setting that’s both relaxed and special. Known for its mid-century-inspired interiors, earthy tones, and cosy corners, The Nook has become the go-to spot for slow mornings, unhurried coffee breaks, and evenings that stretch into good conversation. The brunch stays true to this spirit: simple, thoughtful, and perfectly Sunday. The menu offers comfort classics with a playful twist — Flaky Croissant Sandwiches, Ricotta Pancakes, French Toast, Avocado Tartine, fresh pastas, and more. Desserts like Biscoff Cheesecake and Strawberry Yuzu Entremet round things off sweetly, without ever feeling heavy. Guests enjoy unlimited cocktails for two hours, from Aperol Spritz, Campari Spritz, Limoncello Spritz, and Mimosas to White and Red Wine Sangrias and house favourites.
Set to smooth afternoon music and a relaxed atmosphere, the brunch encourages lingering at the table. Whether it’s a casual catch-up, a laid-back celebration, or simply easing into the day, The Nook’s Bottomless Brunch captures the essence of Bandra — flavourful, comforting, and effortlessly enjoyable.
IDYLL, Bengaluru
IDYLLL, Bengaluru’s modern Indian dining favourite, turns up the volume with its bold new evolution — IDYLLL Cocktail Room. The menu leans into inventive Indian flavours, layered with contemporary mixology and a playful, precise approach. Each drink balances regional inspiration with bold character, making cocktails the experience rather than the accompaniment.
Standout signatures include the Amla Picante (Tequila, Mathania chilli, elderflower, amla), Kachha Aam Pakka Aam (Tequila, clarified mango, aam punch, cardamom bitters), Next Door (Gin, extra-dry vermouth, passionfruit–elderflower cordial), NRI (Infused gin, blueberry–cheesecake reduction, lemongrass vegan foam) and IDYLLL Punch (Vodka, lychee, bubblegum, watermelon). Bright, textured and inventive, they set the tone for nights that start strong and stay memorable. As dusk settles, the Cocktail Room comes alive with house, indie electronica and seamless DJ sets that carry the mood deep into the night. Built for spontaneous after-work plans and long-format weekend sessions alike, IDYLLL Cocktail Room delivers a charged, contemporary nightlife experience — sharp, spirited and unmistakably Bengaluru.
1932 Trevi, Jaipur
In the heart of Jaipur, 1932 Trevi offers a deliberate pause amid the city’s grandeur. Set within the historic Santha Bagh lawns, the restaurant invites guests to slow down, letting light, sound, and space guide the evening. Drawing inspiration from Mughal gardens and Italian architecture, Trevi blends symmetry, muted tones, and fluid movement to create a calm, layered environment where indoors and outdoors merge seamlessly.
The bar reflects this rhythm: cocktails arrive as companions, not punctuation. From the smoky, savoury Hessonite Boost to the airy, citrus-driven Trevi Paloma, drinks reveal themselves gradually, rewarding slow sipping. Signatures like 1932, Burma Burma and Cleopatra continue this unhurried dialogue. The menu follows suit, rooted in Italian technique yet interpreted through a contemporary Indian lens. Dishes prioritise clarity, balance, and harmony, complementing conversation rather than competing with it.
Safir, Raffles Jaipur
Raffles Jaipur introduces The Palace Sunday Brunch at Safir, a leisurely, table-served experience celebrating refined flavours, culinary artistry, and the quiet luxury of the reimagined palace. Complemented by signature Raffles Butler Service, each guest enjoys attentive, personalised care throughout the afternoon.
The menu showcases the season’s finest produce — from Indian Ocean seafood to delicate greens and fruit-forward ingredients — thoughtfully paired with Veuve Clicquot Champagne. Culinary precision and tableside flair bring each dish to life, while theatrical desserts and a mindful dining philosophy round off the experience. Rooted in flavour, comfort, and gentle indulgence, the brunch invites guests to linger, savour, and celebrate unhurried luxury in Jaipur’s iconic setting.
Images: Brands respectively
