Restaurants - The coolest new spots to eat, sip, and socialise at right now

India’s culinary landscape is constantly evolving, but every so often, a new crop of restaurants, cafés, and bars manages to truly shake things up. Whether you’re after coastal cocktails in a sun-drenched setting, a speakeasy-style bar hidden behind a luxe façade, or a plate of sushi that arrives like art on porcelain, the new launches this season are pushing both presentation and palate. Across Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, and beyond, these are the spots setting the tone for what's cool, curated, and worth your reservation this month.

With its mosaic-tiled floors, candy-pink facade, and high-energy interiors, Los Cavos is Bandra’s newest Latin American fantasy. The space blends graffiti art with warm woods and mellow lighting, creating an ambience that swings between boho beach bar and electric city cantina. Chef Rafael Estremadoyro García’s menu leans into Peruvian flavours with modern flair, think citrusy ceviches topped with crispy calamari, lamb seco steeped in herbs, and scallops finished with pisco foam. The cocktail list is mezcal-forward and unapologetically fun, with watermelon highballs, spicy margaritas and spritzes that shine under the sun. Whether it’s brunch or dinner, Los Cavos can throw a full-bodied party on your plate.

As one of Mumbai’s buzziest nightlife spots for over a decade, and a successful run in Bangalore, Radio Bar has now tuned into Hyderabad’s energy with its newest outpost. The space channels retro-radio nostalgia with vintage transistors, cassette-tape installations, and vinyl-laced walls, all soaked in sepia-toned neon glow. The menu is a mashup of global street food and regional spice: Guntur chilli tikka, Gongura paneer skewers, and Kodi chips meet truffle bruschetta and Thermidor prawns. Signature cocktails are playful and potent, from a gulabo margarita to a kiwi-spiked fizz. Add live acts and old-school Bollywood beats, and you’ve got a space that feels more like a curated mood than just a bar.

Zaatar W Zeit brings the soul of Beirut to a sunny corner of Pali Hill with its breezy, white-washed interiors, olive-green accents, and earthy textures, giving off a laidback Mediterranean afternoon vibe. The food is comforting without being too predictable, from a warm manakeesh baked fresh to order to spiced falafel wraps that feel both hearty and light, and delicious herb-laced salads. The za’atar here is sharp and aromatic, the halloumi perfectly grilled, and even the hummus comes with a little extra flair. The drinks menu leans wholesome with cold-pressed juices, nutty smoothies, and strong coffee that cuts through the richness with just the right bitterness. Whether you're popping in solo with a book or catching up over mezze with friends, it’s the kind of place that makes slow lunches feel like a lifestyle.

Tucked into the artsy lanes of Lodhi Colony, Dos Delhi is modern yet inviting—sunlight filters through by day, while nights glow with candlelight and low beats. Chefs Jatin Mallick and Julia Carmen De Sa reinvent street food with elevated twists: Goan poi tacos, chipotle prawns flamed tableside, and watermelon tuna tartare that surprises with every bite. The cocktails are anything but background, think tequila with wasabi and cilantro (Dos me up) or a truffle-laced gin drink paired with Parmesan fries. It’s the kind of place that moves seamlessly from late lunches to dance-floor energy after dark—refined, but never uptight.

Tucked into a quiet mezzanine, The Trophy Bar Ledger is the perfect combination of colonial-era Punjab with cocktail craftsmanship. Designed like the private study of a well-travelled Colonel, the bar is all dark wood, soft lighting, and subtle glamour with Gurmukhi scripts on the walls and vintage curios lining the shelves. But the real magic is in the drinks: each cocktail reads like a memory, steeped in nostalgia and layered with story. The jasmine parade is a floral, gin-forward highball laced with bela blossom, while the stiff upper sip blends vodka, espresso, and jaggery into something both smoky and subversive. This bar is a slow dive into the sepia-toned soul of Punjab.

Tucked inside Altimus in Worli, Donmai is a Japanese izakaya that trades loud theatrics for quiet confidence. The space is all soft woods, warm lantern light, and a pared-back design language that makes you exhale the moment you walk in. On the menu, expect umami-forward comfort in the form of salmon uramaki that melts clean, shiitake gyoza with a silky punch, and their standout oat-milk ramen that’s become a monsoon go-to. The drinks, too, lean playful: the sakurraaaaa is petal-flecked and pretty; the umami is truffle-laced and rich. The vibe? Understated, but distinctly luxe—a place to sip, savour, and slip into your softest self.

In a sun-soaked pocket of Anjuna, Hello Sunshine feels like a soft exhale. Founded by Atiya Rakyan, this café isn’t trying to outdo Goa’s flashy brunch scene, just rewriting it. There are no gimmicks or imported shortcuts here. Just Turkish eggs worth pre-ordering, falafel wraps that vanish by noon, and crepes kissed with cinnamon and honesty. The space runs on slow rhythms and solid beliefs: zero single-use plastic, a proudly vegetarian menu, and a deep-rooted sense of community. You come here for the avocado toast on house-baked bread, stay for the easy brunches, and leave feeling like you’ve been part of something more thoughtful.

Nestled within a scenic bungalow lined with potted plants, vintage textures, and sun-bleached prints, Paashh’s Mumbai feels like an oasis of luxury. Founded by Vaishali Karad, this café-cum-retail studio is a manifesto for mindful living: nutrient-dense bowls, heritage grains, A2 dairy (where used), and zero single-use plastic. The menu includes healthy green plates like terrain salad dotted with butternut squash and brie, multi‑grain thalipeeth with mint-yoghurt swirl, kothimbir wadi & shakarkandi layered with coriander fritters, sweet potato mash, and flaxseed chutney. Even the drinks—kokum cooler, floral herbal teas, seasonal cold-pressed blends—feel intentionally honest. The vibe is calm yet curated: the tone is soft stone and reclaimed wood, the soundtrack minimal, and the daily rhythm slow.

Starbucks in India has evolved far beyond its global reputation as a coffeehouse chain—it’s now a cultural mainstay. From business catch-ups to solo work sessions, from first dates to familiar routines, it’s the kind of place that adapts to your mood without asking. Over the years, the brand has smartly localised its offerings: expect South Indian filter coffee blends, masala chai lattes that feel nostalgic yet elevated, and a food menu that includes thoughtful touches like turmeric-infused treats and spiced sandwiches with an unmistakable Indian soul. The interiors, too, balance urban chic with warm familiarity, creating spaces that invite you to stay just a little longer. In a city that rarely slows down, Starbucks offers a momentary pause—where the coffee is always good, and the vibe feels just right.

At Karen’s, dessert is patiently folded, layered, glazed, and crafted in a way that feels both elegant and incredibly personal. This pastel-toned patisserie in Breach Candy brings a sense of Parisian calm to Mumbai’s usual rush, with small-batch confections that look like art but taste like comfort. From her now-iconic strawberry shortcakes to her ever-evolving range of cheesecakes. The space itself is a dreamy medley of terrazzo, blush hues, and dainty ceramics. No loud branding or flashy signage here, just a kind of sincerity that turns first-time visitors into regulars, and sweets into something worth slowing down for.

There’s a casual charm to Sixteen33 that makes it feel like more than just a bar. Tucked into a Bandra corner, this cocktail-forward spot strikes a balance between energy and ease. By night, it’s all about bold pours and regulars who know their spirits. By day, it’s easing into lunch service with an à la carte menu that keeps things simple but satisfying—think truffle poke bowls, tuna-jalapeño croissants, and mushroom ragout sandwiches. The drinks still lead the way: a midday Picante, a crisp spritz with your chorizo olives, or whatever your table decides on next. It’s the kind of place where lunch quietly blends into happy hour.

Good news if you love your dessert rituals with a twist: Magnolia Bakery in Mumbai has just unveiled a Matcha Edit across all outlets, marrying its signature sweetness with the refined depth of green tea. From airy matcha cupcakes crowned with green-swathed buttercream to crisp matcha cake slices, the lineup is light, layered, and just barely sweet—it’s caffeine-adjacent without commanding the order. For July, don’t miss the new banana matcha pudding: creamy vanilla custard infused with matcha, layered between fresh banana slices and vanilla wafers, offering nostalgia with a vegetal kick. Even the strawberry matcha frappe is a crowd-pleaser, balancing fruity brightness with gentle bitterness. These limited-time desserts feel curated for summer afternoons when you want indulgence to feel grown-up.

Bayroute’s strength lies in its consistency. Across locations from BKC to Juhu, the mood stays warm with mosaic accents, lantern-lit corners, and rich tones, and the dishes familiar. The menu covers the usual Middle Eastern staples: smooth hummus, falafel, halloumi, Turkish shawarma rolls, and tagines. And yes, the baklava ice cream sundae is still a cult favourite, balancing sweet, nutty crunch often called “to die for”. The space is styled without being overdone, and the service doesn’t miss a beat. Whether it’s a dinner plan or a long lunch, Bayroute gets the job done—no fuss, just flavour.

From hot new menus to glow-ups of old favourites, these culinary launches aren’t just serving food—they’re serving moments. The kind you chase after a long week, crave on a rainy Tuesday, or find yourself telling your friends about mid-brunch. Whether it’s a cheeky cocktail in Bandra, a dreamy dessert in Colaba, or a Middle Eastern spread that makes you want to book a flight, there’s a table (and a story) waiting for you. Because in a city—and country—where everything moves fast, good food is still where we pause, stay a little longer, and taste something real.

Lead image credit: The Brand

Also read: Your matcha obsession might be messing with your health—here’s the tea

Also read: Dos Delhi delivers flavour, flair, and finesse in each bite

The coolest new spots to eat, sip, and socialise at right now

Where the vibes are immaculate, the cocktails photogenic, and the food worth cancelling plans for.

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