New Culinary Destinations Across India
India's vibrant food scene continues to evolve with several exciting new restaurant openings across major cities. From Mumbai to Shillong, restaurateurs are bringing diverse culinary traditions to Indian diners, offering everything from authentic Malaysian street food to innovative cocktail experiences and regional Indian specialties.
Mumbai Welcomes Malaysian Flavors and Global Bistro Fare
The Penang Table has opened in Bandra West, representing seasoned restaurateur Kishore DF's latest venture. This establishment celebrates Malaysia's rich culinary heritage, which draws influences from Indian, Chinese, and colonial-era traditions. Head chef Mitesh Rangras has crafted a menu featuring ingredients like lemongrass, pandan leaves, tamarind, galangal, turmeric, and candlenut.
Diners can explore soups, salads, cold plates, Malaysian-style crunchy dumplings, satays, and street-food classics including Nasi Lemak, Curry Laksa, Char Kway Teow, and Mee Goreng Mamak. The bar program, designed by Pranav Modi, complements the food with cocktails incorporating pandan, kaffir lime, and lemongrass.
Meanwhile, Kaspers has arrived in Bandra from Gauri Devidayal and Jay Yousuf, the team behind The Table. Chef Will Aghajanian brings his international experience from esteemed restaurants like Mugaritz in Spain and Per Se in New York to this new bistro. The menu features playful interpretations of French bistro classics, Spanish pintxos, and Italian neighborhood dishes, including burgers, steaks, salads, and pastas. The restaurant honors American artist Kacper Abolik, who created artworks specifically for the space.
Churchgate welcomes Hearth, helmed by chefs Mehul Sabharwal (Sabby) and Dhriti Mankame. Located in the historic Eros cinema building, this restaurant focuses on open-flame cooking, delivering smoky, deep flavors through dishes like Pork Toast, Hearth Stir Fry, Pork Belly & Rice, and Fire Grilled Fish. The space features handcrafted ceramics, embroidered napkins, Marine Drive-inspired centerpieces, and a custom-built elevation grill.
Andheri West now hosts Time to Sea, a coastal restaurant showcasing seafood traditions from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Mangalore, Goa, and the Konkan region. The menu includes flame-grilled Tiger Prawns with butter sauces, Goan-style grills, Malvani curries, Mangalorean sukka, Kerala fish curry, thalis, southern-style biryanis, and spiced fish fry.
Bengaluru and Delhi's Evolving Bar Scene
Bar Sama in Bengaluru's Ulsoor area has officially launched after quietly operating since August. This 50-seater neighborhood bar features a glamorous modern interior and a casual, cozy verandah. Chef Vichita Kumar serves Thai-inspired dishes like minced pork skewers and Dirty Fried Rice, while Singapore's Cat Bite Club has designed the cocktail program featuring innovative drinks like the Chilli On (tequila and mezcal with chilli tincture) and Velvet Eclipse (a twist on Irish Coffee). Founder Pratheek Reddy aims to deliver international quality while maintaining community connection.
In Delhi's Greater Kailash II, Barbet & Pals has opened as a new cocktail bar from Chirag Pal and Jeet Rana. The establishment focuses on storytelling through cocktails inspired by their travels, particularly memories from Kumaon (Rana's home region in Uttarakhand). Notable drinks include Bodo Savior (inspired by Assam's Bodo region), Panache (reflecting Pal's Kashmir trip), and an elevated version of lugdi fermented beverage with passionfruit, mulberry, and peppercorn. Chef Amninder Sandhu curates the food program with bar nibbles inspired by her Northeast upbringing.
Regional Specialties and International Flavors
Orlo in Hyderabad, launched by longtime restaurateur Vickas Passary, celebrates India's canteen culture. The name plays on "Aur lo," encouraging people to eat more. The menu features honest, homestyle regional dishes from Punjab, Rajasthan, eastern India, and the Northeast, including Bengali churmur snacks, Bombay ragda pattice, Khasi Dohneiiong chicken with black sesame seeds, and jungli maas, accompanied by assorted pickles and condiments. The space transforms into a bar in the evening with stunning city skyline views.
Goa welcomes Lizard King Brewing Co. from award-winning brewmaster George Jacob, who brings experience from England and popular Indian breweries. The lineup includes Mango Cider (Alphonso mango with apple), Best Bitter (inspired by British pubs), crisp Pale Ale with biscuity malts and citrus hops, and Belgian Wit with citrusy, spiced notes. The food menu features pies and steaks designed to complement the beers.
In Shillong, Nonna Mei draws parallels between Italian nonnas and Khasi female elders (mei). Mumbai-bred chef Niyati Rao, known for eclectic tasting menus celebrating India's regional produce, leads this venture offering primarily Italian cuisine with clean flavors that highlight Meghalaya's local ingredients and traditional curing and fermentation techniques.
Bengaluru's Indiranagar now hosts Rosmarino Neapolitan Pizza & Trattoria from chef-restaurateur Abhijit Saha, showcasing his three-decade love for southern Italian cuisine. The menu features wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas, sourdough garlic breads, handcrafted pastas, and small plates. Signature dishes include Jay's Ravello with caramelized onion and goat cheese, Prosciutto di Parma pizza with stracciatella cheese, Asparagus & Blue Cheese Arancini, and Rigatoni with Lamb Ragu. Desserts like Torta Caprese or Cannoli Siciliana complete the experience.
