A cocktail theatre in Bengaluru, a bar using GI-tagged ingredients in Delhi, a popular South Indian chain dropping anchor in Mumbai—March has lots in store
By Arzoo Dina/13 March 2026
Summer is descending upon us in earnest, and though we may feel like we’re the ones being roasted on a tandoor, the new restaurants in India are putting a lot on the table to take our minds off the heat. Mumbai gets a restaurant showcasing live fire cooking, an outpost of a popular South Indian cafe chain and celebrity-led restaurants; Delhi gets easygoing bars and a hidden listening cafe; Goa has a new spot for innovative Indian fare; Jaipur and Udaipur are now home to an elevated cocktail scene; Bengaluru gets a cocktail theatre and Hyderabad a new Nikkei cuisine restaurant.
Mumbai
The Rameshwaram Cafe
Whether you want to get your fix of ghee-soaked dosas and buttery soft idlis after your early morning run, or a late night meal of ghee pudi rice, head over to The Rameshwaram Cafe—Bengaluru’s popular South Indian chain that’s set foot in Mumbai with an outpost at the historic Eros Cinema building at Churchgate. Spread over two levels, the expansive space lets the food do the talking with a restrained approach to decor, featuring temple-style architecture, brass accents and Tanjore paintings. The counter-style seating on the ground level encourages quick meals where you can eat-and-go, while the upper level offers a more relaxed setting. Apart from benne dosas, filter coffee, an assortment of idlis and piping hot sambar, the menu also lists bisi bele baath, gongura rice and other regional specialties.
Address: Cambata Building, 42, Maharshi Karve Road, Churchgate.
Flint
This new culinary venture by Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality is all about live fire cooking, focusing on charring, grilling and flaming techniques in a relaxed setting. The all-day cafe vibe extends to the menu curated by chef Rahul Akerkar, featuring plenty of vegetarian-forward dishes, coastal-inspired bites and hearty mains. Think smoked mushroom potstickers, grilled halloumi tacos, sheet pan nachos, smoked chicken Waldorf sandwich and charred dukkah cauliflower, along with an extensive line-up of desserts like creme Catalan, charred lemon tiramisu and burnt Basque cheesecake. Sip on ceremonial matcha lattes or choose from the list of fire-inspired cocktails. There’s also a deli corner where you can shop for housemade condiments, preserves and more.
Address: Ground Floor, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point. Tel: 08828868555
Sweeney
Sitting snug in Khar’s bylanes, Sweeney is the latest offering from actor Malaika Arora and restaurateur Dhaval Udeshi. A serene courtyard, where the focal point is a century-old mango tree, makes for balmy al fresco afternoons, leading into a split-level space done up in sage green hues, East Asian-inspired murals and statement chandeliers that ease you into slinky cocktail evenings. The menu drifts between European and Thai fare showcasing homestyle cooking, from classic crab cakes and fiery pineapple rice to Limoncello roast chicken and chimichurri prawn risotto. A women-led bar whips up craft cocktails with ingredients such as toasted rice, pistachio brown sugar and som tam reduction.
Address: 759, 5th Lane, opp. Union Bank ATM, Khar, Ram Krishna Nagar, Khar West. Tel: 07304295000
Bastian Beach Club
The city can’t claim to have the cleanest beaches, but you now have a reason to head over to Juhu Beach for picturesque sundowners at the newly opened Bastian Beach Club. Inspired by tropical destinations like Ibiza and Saint-Tropez, Bastian Beach Club emulates a similar aesthetic with tangerine-hued sun umbrellas, day beds and dining scattered around the large pool, as well as indoor seating. Whether it’s a lazy brunch or a sunset soiree, the mood shifts as the day progresses. The menu draws from Bastian classics and favourites alongside Peruvian-Japanese bites from sister restaurant, INKA. You’re also encouraged to be a part of wellness-led mornings with a side of matcha and yoga.
Address: 39, Sun n Sand Juhu Beach, Juhu. Tel: 022 50333555
Coffee Capital
Versova has a new spot for coffee enthusiasts, envisioned as a cosy neighbourhood cafe. Here, you’ll find a firm focus on brews, complemented by a compact food menu. Signatures include brown butter cappuccino, whisky barrel-aged coffee and noble nectar with notes of guava, pineapple and milk chocolate. Beans are sourced from regions across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland and Odisha, while matcha is sourced from Kagoshima in Japan. Pair your brew with freshly-made paninos or sandwiches.
Address: Shop 12A, Hubtown Premier, Mudran, Kamgar Nagar, Versova. Tel: 07977385527
MIRAI
The Japanese and Korean fine dining restaurant has moved into a brand new space, this time in a more elevated setting. Designed by Minnie Bhatt, the minimalist interiors make way for an intimate 10-seater live teppanyaki counter where guests can enjoy a theatrical meal, a sushi bar for a dedicated Omakase experience, along with live Korean hotpot and tableside barbecue for communal dining. The menu lists comforting ramen bowls, Korean stews and an extensive range of sushi and sashimi, as well as a selection of sake and soju.
Address: 6th Floor, Mansionz One, Linking Road. Tel: 09004618229
Olive Cafe & Bar, BKC and Borivali
The easygoing cafe-forward format of the popular Olive brand has expanded with two outposts in BKC and Borivali, bringing its signature Mediterranean soul to these neighbourhoods. Step into a sunlit oasis with whitewashed walls, soft blues and bleached furniture, paired with earthy tones. The menu offers something for everyone, from mezze platters to banana flower and papaya salad, Calabrian risotto and strawberry tres leches. A robust coffee programme, fun tipples and hand-rolled teas add to the selection.
Address: BKC: 1, Ground Jet Airways-Godrej, G Block BKC. Tel: 07715984679 / Borivali: Unit No. R-10, 4th Floor of Sky City Mall, Devipada, Borivali (East). Tel: 07738811835
Taste of Saigon x By The Mekong, The St. Regis Mumbai
Bringing Saigon’s vibrant spirit to the city, this two-day culinary and cocktail pop-up is all about Vietnamese flavours and finesse, courtesy mixologist Thep Dinh and Chef Nhan Ngo of Stir and Savour Cocktail Club. Complementing the mixology is a four-hands dinner in collaboration with chef Li Qiang of By The Mekong and head chef Nhan Ngo, known for his versatile take on Vietnamese cuisine.
Available on March 13 and 14. Address: By The Mekong at The St. Regis Mumbai, Lower Parel. Tel: 08657522956
Saffron, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu (Eid menu)
Over the course of two days, you can savour an Awadhi feast on the occasion of Eid, with a set meal curated by masterchef Asif Qureshi. Paying ode to the traditional dastarkhwan, you’re encouraged to make your way through a superlative feast of dishes comprising murgh laziz handi, gosht ki galauti, sarson broccoli and noor mahal biryani, concluding with desserts like kulfi crumble. Pair this with cooling refreshers like mohabbat ka sharbat.
Available on 19th and 20th March for dinner. Address: Lower Lobby Level, JW Marriott, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu. Tel: 022 66933344
Karjat
Saltt (new menu)
Five years ago, this farmhouse-style restaurant became a quiet escape for city slickers during the pandemic. Fast forward to today, it is a destination for warm gatherings and intimate meals, catering to a variety of palates. The revamped menu features old favourites and signatures, from malai broccoli and artisanal pizzas to Chardonnay grilled prawns, Katsu curry and moreish desserts. Wrap up your meal with a stroll around the serene premises and you might even spot a flock of ducks flapping their way across the gardens.
Address: Oleander Farms Pvt Ltd, Karjat Chowk Road, Vavarle Village, Karjat, Khalapur. Tel: 022 50022224
Delhi-NCR
Cavity at Barbet & Pals
Tucked away in the basement of the popular neighbourhood bar, which opened doors late last year, Cavity is designed as an intimate nine-seater cocktail-led dining experience curated by co-founders Jeet Rana, Chirag Pal and chef Amninder Sandhu. What can you look forward to? An experiential concept where cocktails and dishes are crafted to mirror or contrast one another using GI-tagged ingredients and techniques like fermentation, heat, cold, smoke and foam. Going forward, the idea is to host tastings, chef-bartender collaborations, workshops and intimate gatherings. Whether it’s shining the light on forgotten Indian spirits, crafting drinks and dishes off-menu or simply serving as a platform for independent producers and artisans, Cavity is meant to shapeshift and be an immersive experience. Seating is limited and available only from Friday to Sunday, so make sure to book a spot in advance.
Address: Ground Floor, M Block Market, M-51, Block M, Greater Kailash II, New Delhi. Tel: 09205645151
Together
Envisioned as a hidden bar, tucked away in an alleyway in Delhi’s Vasant Vihar, Together draws heavily from Japanese sensibilities, taking inspiration from Tokyo’s famed listening cafes. The sleek space caters to audiophiles with vinyls lining the walls, gentle jazz playing in the background and a dimly lit setting for moody conversations and flavour-forward tipples. Themed around music, the cocktail menu shifts from classics to nouveau ones with ingredients like miso butter-washed scotch and wasabi-washed rum, complemented by a food menu featuring crispy tempura, gyozas, Asian tacos, sandos and cold plates. You might just find the resident cat slinking in and out of the premises.
Address: D 12, 3rd Floor, Near Street D7, Vasant Vihar. Tel: 09217914124
Second Born
A playful reference to the co-founders being second-borns in their respective families, this new rooftop bar is built around the concept of unhurried evenings and easygoing conversations—one where you can take a pause, slow down and enjoy drinks and food in a convivial setting. Cocktails take centre stage, designed as an ode to sibling ingredients that naturally pair well together. Think cacao and chocolate, mogra and jasmine or milk and yoghurt. Pair these with bar bites like tacos or sandos made with freshly baked milk bread.
Address: M 82, Fourth Floor, M Block Market, Inder Mohan Bhardwaj Marg, Greater Kailash 2 (GK 2), New Delhi. Tel: 09818336778
Anvaya (new menu)
There’s something about summer that heralds leisurely meals and a languid pace of doing things. At Anvaya, a boutique retreat tucked away in Chattarpur, you’re invited to sip, savour and slow down with the all-new menu celebrating seasonality, curated by chef Maxime Montay. Housed inside a glass pavilion, the restaurant overlooks landscaped greens—the perfect canvas for your meal featuring glasses of crisp champagne and dishes like roasted garlic, pumpkin and leek veloute, beetroot and brûléed chevre salad and handcrafted cappelletti with roasted burrata sauce. End with the delicate almond and vanilla petit gâteau with fresh berries.
Address: C5VV+GR Amaara Farms, A-12, Chattarpur Mandir Rd, Regency Farms, Bhatti Kalan, New Delhi. Tel: 08448303345
Café Fleur (new menu)
Couturier Varun Bahl’s design-forward cafe has launched a new menu for the summer season—perfect for catching up over an unhurried meal. Think fresh, crunchy salads, fluffy ricotta pancakes, grills, pastas and pizzas with the signature mille-feuille crust. Also new to the menu is a selection of artisanal breads. Sip on fruity, fizzy coolers and end on a sweet note with desserts like gooey chocolate skillet or banana and chocolate sponge cake.
Address: One, Seth Sarai, Mehrauli, New Delhi Tel: 09309353053
Goa
Vaarta
Housed in a restored 160-year-old Goan home in the village of Sangolda in North Goa, this new restaurant reinterprets Indian street food with an interactive lens. The setting is elevated, retaining the vintage accents, aged flooring and original arches, while the food is meant to be familiar and approachable with an assortment of live counters. A live counter dishes out crispy puchkas filled with tangy waters, and a barf ka gola cart is wheeled to your table for you to choose a popsicle from. Signature dishes include chelo kebab, spinach chop, dalcha gosht and chicken roast kulcha, while cocktails are playful with libations like masala chai martini and aam panna sour.
Address: House – 280, Livrament Vaddo Casa Livrament, Sangolda. Tel: 8856003380
Jaipur
Dupion
The city has a new cocktail room that draws inspiration from Jaipur’s rich design legacy. Deriving its name from the Indian silk fabric, the sensibilities extend to the interiors that are intentionally designed as dark and moody with statement chandeliers and intimate corners. The cocktail programme sets the tone for what’s in store with housemade infusions and flavours inspired by the Silk Route, be it teas, spices, florals and ferments, along with a menu complementing the pours with plates like plum-glazed chicken wings, spicy salmon sushi and noir pistachio cloud.
Address: A -524, Siddharth Nagar, State hanger Road, Jawarhar Circle. Tel: 09829221891
The Sarvato & The Gallery Cafe (new menu)
A collaborative venture between HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur and restaurateur Abhishek Honawar, The Sarvato and Gallery Cafe has reopened for the season until April of this year. Diners can look forward to a refreshed menu for season two of the restaurant and cafe in the picturesque setting of City Palace. Continuing with the exploration of Rajasthan’s diverse landscape, the new menu draws from the desert, local farms and folklore with dishes like laal tamatar ka arq, slow-cooked deg ka laal maas, macchi ka soola and goat milk rabri. Also new this season is an expanded champagne and caviar service, as part of their cocktail and wine ritual.
Address: Gangori Bazaar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City. Tel: 08905551192
Udaipur
Dore
The next time you’re in Udaipur, you might want to swing by this tasteful cocktail bar that opens its doors in the evening to views of the shimmering City Palace and Lake Pichola. Twenty cocktails span the crisp menu that is a deep dive into Rajasthan’s traditions, folklore and regional ingredients, but with a contemporary twist. Each concoction is layered with a deeper story behind the origins and the threads that tie all the ingredients together. Take, for instance, the Kuldhara cocktail—an ode to the abandoned village of Kuldhara, or Pushkar blue lotus, which pays homage to the temple town with notes of floral, citrus and spice. Nosh on regional-inspired fare like tandoori bater, kadhi kachori and khargosh ka kheema.
Address: Manuscript Udaipur, 104 Bhattiyani Chohatta, City Palace Road. Tel: 092567 23879
Bengaluru
The Theatre, ZLB23, The Leela Palace Bengaluru
The award-winning Kyoto-style speakeasy recently unveiled its latest concept—a bar-within-a-bar where mixology is more about storytelling than just serving eclectic tipples. The Theatre is a 7-seater cocktail room, ensconced within the premises and designed to unfold as a two-hour live performance with a cocktail menu that’s structured as a cinematic prelude. Whether it’s drawing inspiration from Daisy-style cocktails that emerged sometime in the early 20th century or Prohibition-era ones, each cocktail is presented as an act and an immersive journey for guests. There’s no ordering off a menu here; rather, you’re treated to flavour profiles that shift from bitter and sour to savoury and sweet.
Address: The Leela Palace, HAL 2nd Stage, Kodihalli. Tel: 09632060433
KICO
Trying to shift away from being labelled simply as a bar or a cafe, this new kid on the block sits somewhere between promoting cultural dialogue and community-led activities—be it art collaborations, streetwear, merch drops and music programming. The interiors feature cosy armchairs, custom leather chandeliers and graffiti-style artwork, lending to its warm vibe. As the mood shifts through the day, so does the food and beverage programme. Sip on light tea, matcha and coffee-infused cocktails, and as the evening progresses, switch to bolder spirits with regional ingredients and dessert-led tipples. Savour all-day breakfast plates, from fluffy Japanese pancakes and smoothie bowls to mains like Naga-style skewers and lamb ghee roast.
Address: Marks Square, St Mark’s Road, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar. Tel: 07411199404
Comal (new menu)
The Mexican cantina, known for its experiential fare, has completed a year and launched an all-new menu that traverses Mexico’s diverse flavours and landscapes. Forty new dishes and cerveza cocktails make up the list, curated by chef Varun Pereira, from a fresh and flavourful tostada camote featuring smashed sweet potato, salsa macha and cilantro lime aioli to churros del mar, which is a chilled lump crab salad with nori salt, banana hot sauce and hibiscus gel on a spiral churro. Drinks include pickled beer and churro float featuring cinnamon syrup, cold brew and vanilla soft serve.
Available from March 17. Address: MG Road, Ashok Nagar. Tel: 08123240555
Sattvam (new menu)
Known for its vegetarian fare since it first opened doors in 2013, the chain has now launched a new à la carte dinner menu crafted by chef Aditya Fatepuria. Nosh on fare like zucchini-wrapped ravioli, jhol dumplings served in a warm broth, betel leaf tartare, which is an interpretation of the popular palak patta chaat and dal sattvam finished with sandalwood smoke. End your meal with the silky daulat ki kulfi.
Address: 35, Sankey Road, opposite Shell Petrol Bunk, Sadashivanagar, Armane Nagar. Tel: 07813002550
Hyderabad
Yuzu, Hilton Hyderabad Genome Valley Resort & Spa
There is a new destination for Nikkei cuisine in Hyderabad at the spanking new retreat by Hilton. The zen-like interiors provide a serene escape from the bustle of the city, in addition to an al fresco section to enjoy balmy evenings. Chef Palden Sherpa helms the menu, which is anchored by Japanese bites, robata grills, sushi and sashimi along with an assortment of Thai, Chinese and Nikkei influences. Start off with the salmon bonito ceviche, as you make your way through plates like yuzu maki finished with 24k gold leaf, herby salads and a seven-day cured beet ceviche with miso soy mousse.
Address: Karimnagar, Hyderabad Hwy, Shamirpet, Turkapally, Telangana. Tel: 040 23778899
Bhojanam
This Telugu cuisine restaurant in Jubilee Hills takes you on a culinary trail across the Andhra and Telangana regions. Here, cooking is inspired by home kitchens with a focus on serving thalis rooted in comfort fare. You have a choice of region-forward thalis, be it the Godavari thali with its classic staples and coastal fare, Krishnamma thali with specific influences from the Krishna region or Rayalaseema featuring robust masalas and flavours. Think dishes like gongura mutton, fish pulusu, palakova samosa and mutton kura.
Address: 1200, Bhojanam, Road No. 36 & 59 junction, Jubilee Hills. Tel: 09838844999
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