These dining spots are the real reason to pack a bag

Let’s be real: great food is a language of love. And from across the country, these restaurants and bars are definitely flirting big—whether it’s through their adventurous food, their innovative cocktails, or their settings that make you want to cancel your return ticket home. Whether it’s a sundowner in Goa or a comfort-filled meal in Mumbai, these are the places that turn a plan into a trip. Whether it is a late-night dinner in Goa, a leisurely lunch in Mumbai, or a food-led adventure in a new city, these are the places that make travel memorable, one table at a time.

Dynamo, Goa

Dynamo thrives on bold flavours and a high-energy vibe that fits perfectly with Goa’s nightlife. The menu is indulgent and varied. You can find New York-style crust pizzas like chicken cotadina, chicken pepperoni, and classic margherita. There are also popular pan-Asian starters such as Korean wings, kung pao chicken, chicken karaage, and chilli mushroom. For those looking for comfort with a twist, try the Hyderabadi murgh biryani, mutton biryani, and clay-oven breads like olive and garlic naan and zaatar lachcha paratha. Finish your meal with tiramisu, or go for something spicy like their hot garlic bowl or chicken manchurian. Pair your food with lively cocktails. Dynamo is perfect for long nights that start with good food and easily lead you to the dance floor.

Zane’s Cafe, Mumbai

Zane's Café has recently become one of Mumbai's most popular spots for comfort food with a flair. Zane's offers guests the perfect balance of indulgent and nourishing foods through its menu, which ranges from large, fluffy pancake stacks to overstuffed grilled sandwiches, as well as nourishing bowls featuring a balance of healthy ingredients, both traditional and unique. Breakfast lovers flock to Zane's for their Classic buttermilk pancakes, while lunch lovers flock to Zane's to enjoy a variety of cheese-flavoured toasties, hearty wraps, and grain bowls, all filled with an abundance of fresh vegetables and proteins.

Bar Double, Bengaluru

A bar with a difference, Bar Double is creating a buzz in Bengaluru with its fun, carefree vibe and the fact that food is just as integral to the experience as cocktails. Like the drinks menu, the food is creatively inspired by the chef and offers a variety of familiar bar bites, such as crispy chicken sliders, loaded fries, and Asian-inspired small plates, that pair well with the bar’s extensive cocktail range. Some of the highlights include the Spiced Honey Congress (a gourmet take on a classic Bengaluru) and the Cauli Crema (roasted cauliflower served with chia seed khakra and a truffle dipping sauce). These are the types of dishes you will not leave any evidence of having eaten. The real crowd-pleaser, however, is the Hamachi – thinly sliced Yellowtail, served with a coconut dressing, and topped with a red Fresno chile (the type of dish that has you longing for more long after you’ve finished eating). It’s the perfect bar for post-work drinks that are bound to carry on into the night.

Noa, Mumbai

Noa represents the coming together of a relaxed neighbourhood vibe with influences from around the world. It is a place that feels both intentional and relaxed; easy to be around but not forced. The atmosphere encourages people to spend time talking and eating slowly; thus, it serves as a nice place to go for lunch, but also enjoys an appealing casualness that allows for long dinners. Noa has a quiet confidence that enhances their overall experience. No aspect seems excessive, and every element appears well thought out; this combination has led to Noa’s growth into a trusted community dining option in Powai.

Bonobo, Goa

Bonobo is the type of friend that everyone wants to hang out with because he just always knows where the best shows and restaurants are. The type of menu that gives you just as much of a delicious experience when you go for dinner as when you are at a concert, getting drinks during the intermissions, best accompanied by a delicious cocktail that someone has worked hard to create. The new Goa location is continuing on with the Bonobo brand because it features great food, well-priced drinks, and an incredible live music program. The Anjuna location has created its own unique identity, with deep community roots in the local culture and music history of Goa. They have placed strong emphasis on electronic music and live performances, committing to supporting artists, connecting people, and building community. Bonobo is a fusion of amazing food, a great music venue, and a community hangout, and its design fits naturally in Goa.

Orlo, Hyderabad

Let’s talk about comfort food that actually feels comforting. ORLO is one of those rare fine-dining spaces where the food doesn’t try too hard to impress. Rooted in the chef’s Uttar Pradesh heritage, the menu leans into nostalgia, warmth, and flavours that feel familiar in the best way possible. Think dishes that remind you of home, but plated with quiet elegance and intention. What makes ORLO special is its “home-style” section—designed for sharing stories, memories, and those moments that take you straight back to childhood. The food is slow-cooked, thoughtful, and refreshingly light, with no cream, butter, or heavy ingredients weighing things down. The Tadke Waali Lauki Daal, cooked in a clay pot and infused with smoky tadka spices, is the kind of dish that makes you pause between bites. Aloo Tehri is pure comfort—fragrant rice, spiced potatoes, green chillies, and that unmistakable homely UP flavour. And the UP Anda Aloo Curry brings together eggs and potatoes in a tangy tomato gravy that feels both hearty and soulful. Every dish comes with a sense of care, memory, and love, making it a place you go to slow down and savour, not rush through.

Sobombae, Gurugram

With a focus on regional flavours and nostalgia, Master Chef Ajay Chopra has opened a new restaurant, Sobombae, in Gurugram, which features Bohri cuisine from the old Bombay era. This is the first restaurant in Gurugram dedicated to exploring Bohri cuisine, integrating Mumbai's eclectic culinary styles. Some standout items available on the menu include pomfret stuffed with shrimp, seekh kebabs similar to bun kebabs, and chaat presented on shiso leaves. The restaurant pays homage to the history of the foods associated with Anglo-Indian cuisine, such as pork belly, and combines those traditional dishes with modern cooking techniques. Sobombae pays homage to the past while also embracing new influences and techniques, making it a very exciting dining destination in Gurugram.

Jia Oriental Kitchen, Mumbai

Jia Oriental Kitchen, located in Mumbai, has been providing great service for a long time for its quality of food in the style of "elevated" Pan-Asian cuisine. It has gained a reputation for providing consistent, high-quality, and rich-tasting dishes that translate very well to the menu. The highlight of Jia's menu is its extensive dim sum selection. Some must-tries on the menu include the very traditional duck spring rolls, crispy chicken wontons, and chicken gyoza, all fried to a golden, delicate finish. The other highlights are the spicy chicken bao and the roast chicken puff, which offer rich, crunchy textures. Vegetarians will also appreciate the turnip cake with burnt chilli and scallion, and the Mushroom Bao, as they add balanced flavours and textures without feeling too heavy. The clean, beautiful decor elegantly presents Jia and balances it so guests can enjoy it on special occasions and also return frequently for the delicious food and service.

Drop Dead Sexy, Goa

Drop Dead Sexy is a Goa restaurant that “drops dead” with its seemingly endless array of sexy elements. Known for being an arrestingly beautiful and stunning indulgence, it seamlessly combines art, design, food production and cocktail artistry with an abundance of warmth, enthusiasm and camaraderie. From the whimsical installations throughout the space and the moody lighting to the cheeky details that tie everything together, there is an overwhelming sense of cohesion and connection among the brand's elements. The major highlight of the cocktails here is the establishment’s seasonal programme, which consists of single-ingredient cocktails; currently themed "Expressions of a Strawberry", using the aromatic and flavourful berry as inspiration for each drink. The dishes are also simple yet highly satisfying. Expect to find dishes such as coconut and avocado seaweed rolls, bangin’ beef skewers, Burmese chicken nuggets, and black sesame noodles that provide comfort with flair. Dessert also follows the theme until the new seasons start. If you are looking for an example of "sexy extravagance" in Goa, this would be the place! 

Titlie 2.0, Goa

Perched on Vagator’s cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, Titlie returns to Goa with renewed energy and its signature rhythm. Seamlessly shifting from sun-soaked afternoons to vibrant nights, the reimagined coastal destination blends curated music, craft cocktails, and bold, theatrical cuisine. From evolved Indian signatures to global favourites, every dish tells a story, while the entertainment program brings together local and international talent. Titlie 2.0 is more than dining or nightlife—it’s an immersive experience where craft, connection, and effortless energy create moments that linger long after the sun sets.

Yauatcha, Mumbai

Yauatcha rings in Chinese New Year 2026 with a special limited-edition menu for the Year of the Fire Horse, celebrating the themes of energy, harmony, and togetherness. The carefully crafted menu includes signature dim sums such as steamed leek and corn rolls in sweet black pepper sauce, shrimp carrot dumplings, and golden chicken rolls, leading to delicious mains such as steamed Chilean sea bass in black bean sauce, twice-cooked pork belly with tofu in Toban chilli, kumquat butterfly prawns, and mouth-watering fried chicken in Sha Cha sauce. The meal ends with special desserts such as the Lucky Horse, a layered mandarin and ginger dessert, accompanied by spicy mandarin macarons, along with special cocktails and zero-ABV drinks.

 

Image: Brand's Page 

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