The hottest restaurants, cafés and pop-ups to visit right now

If your social life is dictated by dinner plans and your Instagram feed is dominated by cocktails and candlelight, you know you're where you need to be. Whether it's Jaipur nights of high glamour, Mumbai nights of hip restaurants, and Goa nights of sun-kissed settings, these restaurants aren’t just restaurants; they’re where the mood is created, where the looks are served, and where the night becomes iconic.

Opera, Jaipur

Born out of the shared wanderlust of four friends, Opera is where the unhurried joy of an Italian afternoon is brought to the heart of Jaipur. Chef Ayush Khandelwal and friends Ronak, Ujjwal, and Shreya set out on a mission to create a space where Italian craftsmanship meets genuine, unadulterated flavours–and they have certainly succeeded. Located in a pre-Independence home, Opera is a hidden European oasis. A pink facade with greenery gives way to black-and-white marble flooring, red thread artwork, and paper lanterns, creating an intimate ambience at every table. Urban casual meets soul.

The menu is unapologetic and food-centric. Handcrafted pastas and Neapolitan-style pizzas made with imported Italian ‘Tipo 00’ flour are at the heart of Opera. Standouts include the Spicy Margherita, Beetroot Fettuccine, and Mushroom Goat Cheese Ravioli. Burrata Sourdough and Skillet Cookie are the icing on the cake, while Aperol-based spritz and casual cocktails round off the meals. Opera is where you learn that great Italian food is about savouring it all and leaving quietly satisfied.

Scarlett House X Sips, Mumbai 

Mumbai’s cocktail scene is witnessing one of its biggest moments in recent times. Scarlett House joins forces with Barcelona’s Sips, ranked third on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, and the event feels less about the hype and more about witnessing history in the making. Under the guidance of Simone Caporale, arguably one of the most influential figures in modern-day mixology, the evening brings Sips’ philosophy to Bombay, where there are no bar theatrics, just drinks crafted with precision. The menu reflects that perfectly. The Toreador finds harmony between brightness and depth in its beautiful orange hue, while the Espresso on Steroids, with vodka, intense espresso, maple, and delicate coffee air, reinvents the traditional pick-me-up with playful genius. Tommy’s Margarita blends tequila, strawberry, and agave, cleverly mixed to create something new that is deceptively complex. It all fits perfectly with Scarlett’s philosophy of new-age nostalgia and the importance of conversation.

Noa, Mumbai 

If you know, you know. Noa has quietly built a cult following across Mumbai, and one look at the menu tells you why. It’s the kind of place where a “quick coffee” spirals into bagels, spreads, and a full-blown table situation. Starting with the deli counter, where the likes of a classic sesame or everything bagel with herb and garlic, jalapeno and caper, or cacio pepe cream cheese will have your table dressed as the epitome of European summer chic.

The Sourdough Grilled Cheese, piled high with Gruyère, cheddar, parmesan, leeks, and chillies, is comfort food for the luxe set, while the Falafel Pocket and the Avo Caccia inject a healthy dose of global flavour without ever trying too hard. The bakery section deserves its own fan club. Butter croissants, spinach and cheese danishes, bambolinis, maple apple cake, lemon and poppy seed cheesecake, dark chocolate slabs and then some to box up for the ride home—you get the idea. Whether it’s a long lunch, a lazy dinner, or just snacks, dips, and conversations that refuse to end, Noa handles it all with effortless cool and an unapologetic crave factor.

Paro, Jaipur

At Paro, it may be up to the bar to set the tone, but it is undoubtedly the food that steals the spotlight. This is modern Indian dining with attitude, where regional classics are reworked for a night out that is indulgent and unapologetically fun. Start with the Dal Bati Bites, a clever reworking of Rajasthan's iconic dish, or Dosa Onion Rings, golden and served with all the right chutney flair. Gunpowder Prawns sizzle with heat, and Inji Puli Chicken Wings manage sweet, spice, and tang with effortless panache. Even comfort food gets a glow-up, from Pav Bhaji Rolls with their buttery softness to bold and flavour-packed small plates designed for sharing over cocktails.

Dessert doesn’t hold back either. The Aam Ras Panna Cotta combines the nostalgia of mango with the Italian touch of panna cotta, whereas the Jigarthanda Falooda is decadent, layered, and not to be shared politely. But pair it with drinks like the Shehar or the Ratnagiri Rhapsody made with kokum, and you have a table that will celebrate India in every bite.

Oor, Mumbai 

In a city obsessed with what’s new and next, Oor is refreshingly personal. Tucked inside Kitab Mahal in Fort, this vegetarian gem is helmed by husband-wife duo Vijay and Panchali Bhatia—and it genuinely feels like you’ve been invited over for a meal rather than a reservation. The food is rooted in home-style South Indian cooking, with recipes coming from Panchali’s family. Sambhar, rasam, and chutneys are prepared in-house, podi powders are freshly prepared, and masalas are prepared in the old way. Cold-press oils are used instead of refined oils, and vadas are prepared in small batches, with no baking soda used in the batter. This means that the food tastes light, clean, and comforting.

The classics are served well: pillowy thatte idlis, crunchy vadas, and buttery benne dosas. But it’s the small things that linger: pineapple rasam with its tangy sweetness, vegetable palya uttappam, and kottige idlis steamed in jackfruit leaves. And then there’s the Oor Shree, a jaggery-based drink that makes this place feel less like a restaurant and more like some person’s very special secret.

Koko, Goregaon, Mumbai 

Goregaon just got a serious glow-up. After ruling Mumbai’s Asian dining scene for over a decade, KOKO has landed at Oberoi Garden City—and it’s bringing full-blown luxury energy with it. The menu, under the guidance of Chef Eric Sifu, is a masterclass in Cantonese-Japanese decadence. The KOKO Signature Roll and Hamachi Maki are sure crowd-pleasers, but the Lobster & Caviar Dumpling and Pork Belly, done to a perfect crunch, are over-the-top indulgence personified. And the Peking Duck with Pancakes? Non-negotiable.

Vegetarians are not an afterthought here, either. The Golden Maki, Wild Morel & Truffle Dumpling, and Edamame Truffle Money Bag show that luxury and vegetarianism can indeed coexist. And the Jain menu? Refined, flavourful, and anything but restrictive. Dessert maintains the pace with its ‘Forbidden’ Fruit and Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée, and drinks like the dramatic Agave Nest and spicy Tom Yum Cup ensure that the evening ends on a high note. High-energy, high-glam, and unapologetically indulgent, KOKO Goregaon is not just a restaurant; it is an experience.

Burma Burma Restaurant, Chandigarh 

Chandigarh’s dining scene just welcomed something refreshingly different. Burma Burma, India’s Burmese speciality restaurant and tea room, has opened its 21st outpost at Nexus Elante Mall—marking its first-ever entry into the city. The menu is the culmination of extensive research and travel, influenced by heirloom recipes, tribal cuisine, and street food favourites. The food promises to be bold and comforting, while at the same time novel and strangely familiar to Indian tastes.

The menu will include salads, appetisers, main courses, and desserts, as well as Tea Leaf Salad, Khowsuey, Tohu dishes, and coolers like bubble teas, traditional pulled teas, and zero-proof cocktails. Designed as a premium casual dining space, the restaurant blends cultural storytelling with a contemporary experience, making it ideal for relaxed lunches, post-shopping meals or celebratory dinners. With this opening, Burma Burma strengthens its presence across India while staying rooted in authenticity, quality, and immersive dining experiences.

Cavore, Bengaluru

Cavore isn’t picking a side. Tucked away on Residency Road, this dining-first nightlife destination is designed to evolve with your evening—starting slow, stylish and conversation-led, before slipping into a high-energy, music-driven mood. But at the centre of it all is Chef Shivraj’s menu, which is inspired by his travels across India. So, what you can expect is a dish that feels familiar and at the same time very contemporary and modern. Avo Bhel Tartare and Truffle Tomato Sev Puri are updates on street food nostalgia, while the Moilee Butter Sauce Prawns and Tambda Rassa Ramen are all about depth with a global twist. The Kashmiri Veg Bowl, Spicy Guntur Chilli Chicken, Yakhni Dum Pulao, and the Bihari Lamb Curry are all about long dinners that go on to enter the realm of after-hours.

And even the desserts are fun and playful, with options like Not a Mysore Pak and Thandai Milk Cake cranking up the nostalgia factor. Behind the bar, cocktails like the Himalayan Frost and the Caperoni also reflect this India-centric narrative. Add curated DJ nights and live music to the mix, and you have a place where dinner can instantly lead to the dance floor.

Wakame, Delhi

Delhi’s dining scene has a new obsession—and it’s deeply personal. Wakame is the debut project of chef-founder Nisha Singh, a space that mirrors her own journey with food. The name is inspired by wakame, the Japanese sea vegetable known for its cultural significance and deep umami richness—a subtle nod to the soulful depth that defines much of Asian cuisine. At its heart, Wakame is a contemporary Asian kitchen with thoughtfully executed fusion elements, underpinned by sensitivity towards ingredients and a considered approach to dining.

What you can expect is a pan-Asian spread with a focus on East Asian flavours, steaming, robata grilling, braising, and raw foods taking centre stage. You’ll find sweet, salty, and spicy flavours alongside those quintessential savoury flavours, with fresh and thoughtfully sourced ingredients keeping things new and exciting. The space is designed across multiple levels, moving from upscale indoor seating, a private dining space, and an outdoor area perfect for a breezy night out. Service is centred around the Japanese concept of omotenashi–sincere, intuitive, and detailed service. Think elevated Asian plates, saké, and Japanese whisky on the side, and an experience that lingers long after the last bite.

Meesah - All Day Kitchen & Bar, Pune 

Pune’s all-day scene just got a little more memorable. Meesah isn’t about fleeting trends; it’s the kind of place where every dish feels like a mood, and every meal effortlessly stretches into evening plans. To begin with, the Seven Spice Dim Sums are a must-have, with their warm, spiced goodness that you just can’t stop eating, no matter how hard you try!

The Veg Thai Dim Sums are fresh, zesty, and will awaken your appetite to the goodness that’s to follow. The Truffle Mushroom Pizza is indulgent, rich, and perfect for those moments when you crave comfort food. And if you’re thinking of getting into a commitment, the Braised Shanks will give you pause to rethink your pace; this dish is so good, you must savour every morsel. At Meesah, the food is not just a prelude to the evening, but the reason you linger a little longer, laugh a little louder, and keep the weekend vibe alive till the wee hours of the morning!

Anvaya, Delhi

Tucked away near the edge of the Asola Bhatti Forest in Delhi is a six-key boutique escape that feels like pure sunshine. Anvaya rises in Chattarpur with a sculptural amber façade and manicured lawns where peacocks casually strut—but let’s be honest, you’re here for the food. The glasshouse kitchen is led by French chef Maxime Montay, and the menu reads like a passport stamped in Paris.

Mornings begin with warm brioche, flaky croissants and crepes layered with chocolate-hazelnut spread and chantilly cream. Think feta-folded omelettes and classic French toast that make you forget you’re still in Delhi. By lunch and dinner, the spread leans savoury—grilled chicken, cottage steak, vibrant salads—but the real showstopper is high tea. Expect melt-in-your-mouth madeleines, glossy éclairs, mushroom sliders and brie-kissed quiches that disappear far too quickly. With pop-up collaborations, forest views and fireflies at dusk, Anvaya isn’t just a stay—it’s a delicious detour from the everyday.

Istorea By The Sea, Goa 

If there were such a thing as a golden hour headquarters, this place would be it. Perched on Vagator, with the Arabian Sea as its constant golden hour, Istorea By The Sea is where minimalism and ‘mood food’ meet, and your sundowner plans just got a whole lot fancier. It’s been designed on the principles of earthy minimalism, where the beauty of nature does all the talking. And when the sun sets, the scene becomes cinematic, with golden hour hues, background music, and your drink of choice. It’s intimate, but not too try-hard, and chic, but not at all pretentious.

The menu is similarly globally inspired but comfort food-focused and coastal in its sensibility. There are light and flavorful small plates that ease you into your meal, followed by richer and more indulgent main courses that strike a balance between innovation and comfort food familiarity. There’s fresh-fired pizza for the table, handcrafted pastas for when you’re in a carb-laden mood, and artisanal desserts that beg for seconds. And then, of course, there are the expertly crafted cocktails and the relaxed and immersive atmosphere that make for a place that glides seamlessly from casual lunchtime spots to breezy and romantic evenings with a sea view. Much like in Goa, you go in for a drink and end up staying for the vibe.

Coffee Under Palms, Delhi  

Delhi’s café scene has found its new soft spot, and the buzzword is all about slowing down. Coffee Under Palms, or CUP, as the café is already coming to be known, has quietly become the talk of the town in Vasant Kunj with its refreshingly laid-back vibe. This café is the perfect antidote to the hustle culture that has become so prevalent. It's the kind of café where you can have your coffee, then your second cup, and not be judged by anyone. The café has a lot to offer, with its emphasis on natural lighting, comfortable seating, and greenery that makes you feel like you’re in the perfect café to lounge around over the weekends, rather than serve as a quick coffee stop.

Speciality coffee is the star of the show, and we can expect carefully brewed coffee made from high-quality Arabica coffee beans, along with creative and modern twists such as a citrusy coffee drink topped with soda, which is surprisingly invigorating. CUP is not just another coffee joint aimed at brewing lattes but also at innovatively presenting coffee. In a city where time is often of the essence, CUP has successfully made time spent there feel luxurious, and we are not complaining.

OG Brews & Bakes, Kolkata

Park Circus just got a new go-to for slow mornings and long catch-ups. OG Brews & Bakes, the latest from the house of OG by the Lake, has opened on Darga Road near Don Bosco School—and it’s serving calm, coffee, and carbs in equal measure. This space, spanning two levels and housing over 50 seats, offers soft and warm neutrals paired with cosy corners where you can actually have a conversation (yes, the kind where you put your phone away). Enough said. Now, let's talk about the menu.

Chef Sneha Singhi Upadhaya offers a curated selection of offerings that are equally decadent and artisanal. The Biscoff Lotus Cold Foam is a winner–a coffee drink topped with a lightly sweetened and spiced foam that tastes like dessert without over-accessorising it. And the Spanish Latte, served with frozen coffee cubes and condensed milk, is one that changes with every sip. Fresh breads are a big deal here (don’t skip the Cheddar Jalapeño), and dessert tubs like Tres Leches and the crunchy chocolate-infused Dubai Kunafa are designed for sharing–or not. It’s your new living room, but with better coffee.

Khyber X Patina, Maldives

From the heart of Mumbai to the pristine beaches of the Maldives, the legendary Khyber is taking its iconic flavours global with a special culinary showcase at Patina, Maldives. For six days, starting March 1 to 7, the renowned North Indian restaurant brings its signature open-fire cooking and heritage recipes to the island nation with a unique culinary extravaganza at Patina, Maldives. The culinary extravaganza features Khyber’s signature live charcoal tandoor with its iconic dishes like smoky paneer tikka, chicken tikka, reshmi kebabs, mutton seekh kebabs, and tandoori pomfret grilled to perfection over live charcoal embers.

The menu also features some of Khyber’s most popular dishes like Khyber Raan, butter chicken, paneer korma, and the colourful navratan korma, all paired with Khyber’s signature hand-rolled romali rotis, freshly baked in the live charcoal tandoor. The limited-time collaboration between Khyber and Patina Maldives gives guests a chance to indulge in a traditional Indian feast with a luxurious twist in one of the most picturesque settings in the world.

Lead image: Beyond Marketing

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