Mumbai, Delhi & Bengaluru Welcome Exciting New Dining & Drinking Venues
India's major metropolitan cities are witnessing a surge of innovative culinary and cocktail establishments, each offering unique experiences that blend food, art, and ambiance. From intimate chef's tables to vibrant alfresco dining and neighborhood bars, these new spots are redefining the social dining scene.
BARE: Mumbai's Intimate Food-Forward Cocktail Bar & Art Gallery
Nestled in Mumbai, BARE presents an exclusive 11-seater chef's table experience that seamlessly integrates culinary artistry with visual arts. This intimate venue features a rotating art gallery showcasing contemporary art, sculpture, digital installations, and design-led experiences across its 700 sq. ft. space. The launch collection is curated in collaboration with A&H Colab, founded by Amrita Kilachand and Hina Oomer Ahmed.
Adding to its appeal, the space includes an espresso bar by Boojee Café and promises dynamic evolution with guest chefs, menus, and art exhibitions changing every three months. Chef Aman Singhal leads the inaugural menu, complemented by a dessert programme crafted by chocolatier Prateek Bhaktiani.
Where: Gate No.3, Altimus, Dr GM Bhosale Marg, Worli, Mumbai.
Samaa: Fairmont Mumbai's Breezy Alfresco Mediterranean Escape
At Mumbai's Fairmont hotel, Samaa emerges as a new alfresco restaurant designed to encourage leisurely dining with its breezy atmosphere and vibrant coastal plates. The menu artfully blends Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavours, progressing from small plates and handmade breads to authentic Turkish grills.
Highlights from the cold mezze include Smoked Moutabal, Shankleesh, and Crispy Lamb, while the hot mezze features delights like Halloumi and Figs, Spiced Squid, and Mushroom Baklava. The grills section offers falafel rolls and pirzola chops, with the meal culminating in the Pistachio Chibuse dessert.
Where: T2 C06 At C T S No 1405 (Part), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport T2, Mumbai.
Iki & Gai: Delhi's Versatile Day-to-Night Dining Destination
In the heart of Delhi, Iki & Gai offers a versatile 1,000 sq ft space that transforms from a casual all-day restaurant into a lively bar as evening falls. Helmed by Sarthak and Vikrant Batra, the establishment maintains a classic bar programme with playful iterations while presenting a diverse food menu.
Culinary offerings range from Asparagus Salad and Silky Smooth Edamame Soup to antipastis like Salmon Tataki and the irresistible Cauliflower Steak. The menu also features artisanal pastas and pizzas, with dessert innovations including the Coffee Cream Toast.
Where: Ground Floor, Sangam Courtyard, Unit No. G8 & G10, Major Somnath Marg, KD Colony, Sector 9, R.K. Puram, New Delhi.
Aahii: Mumbai's Modern Take on North Indian Cuisine & Cocktails
Mumbai's Prabhadevi neighborhood welcomes Aahii, a new restaurant headed by chef Vikram Arora that focuses on elevated north Indian cuisine presented in a contemporary format. The culinary approach emphasizes modern plating, ingredient selection, and execution that brings thoughtful clarity to classic dishes.
Expect comforting yet elegant Butter Chicken and balanced kebabs that avoid heaviness. The cocktail programme shines with innovative creations like the Smoked Ghost Pepper Picante, Surya Sol (gin with fresh turmeric and smoked rosemary), and Jasmine's Secret (rose-touched gin with jasmine). Bar plates such as Chilli Cheese Churros and Smashed Burrata Chakhna Chaat complement the drinks perfectly.
Where: Aahii, Sobo 25, 4th Floor, Bengal Chemical Bhavan, SV Swatantryaveer Savarkar Road, Opp Century Bazaar, Prabhadevi, Mumbai.
Sol 55: Bengaluru's Easygoing Neighborhood Bar with Regional Thalis
In Bengaluru's Koramangala area, Sol 55 continues the city's trend of easygoing neighborhood bars, positioning itself alongside popular spots like Bob's Bar and Quarter House. This polished yet unpretentious venue offers premium experiences at comfortable prices, ideal for post-work drinks and casual gatherings.
A standout feature is the regional thali selection, including Coastal Thali with coastal-inspired flavours, Maratha Shivaji Thali, and Goan Thali. The cocktail menu goes beyond basics with offerings like Smoked Rosemary (gin with cucumber and herbs), Berry I Need (fruit-forward whiskey cocktail), and Wildside (gin with basil, elderflower, and pineapple).
Where: 749, 10th Main road, 80 Feet Rd, 4th Block, Koramangala, Bengaluru.
