India’s culinary landscape is booming with unmatched quality and flavours, setting new standards. HELLO! showcases fresh dining hotspots in Mumbai, New Delhi and Goa for your next reservation.
New Dining Hotspots In Mumbai
Bastian At The Top
The widely-celebrated Bastian recently reopened at a new address in Mumbai and is now Bastian — At The Top. It towers 48 floors above the city at Kohinoor Square in Dadar, an area quickly becoming a bustling F&B hotspot, offering panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Designed by Minal Chopra of ineedspace and Ranjit Bindra (CEO of Bastian Hospitality Private Limited), Bastian – At The Top has been created to resemble a cave on top of a high-rise.
The 450-seater space is loosely divided into sections; guests arrive into a Cappadocia-esque entrance area with soaring ceilings that are both rugged and smooth at once. The entire restaurant stands out in its use of tone-on-tone, singular colours — beige, taupe, earthy shades and neutrals punctuated by strikingly oversized wicker ceiling lamps, camouflage netting on the roof, and a chicly-distressed vibe that is signature Bastian. The flooring is a deliberate design of unfinished cobblestones and travertine marble, and every element of the restaurant has been designed with a wabi-sabi approach: one fine design element juxtaposed against one rustic one.
The ‘Forest’ area of the restaurant features a 39-foot plunge pool, surrounded by lush foliage. In this space, one of the restaurant’s two DJs blast beats of the season that create the sexy, laid-back vibe that the Forest is designed to convey. In contrast, the Main Bar and Fine Dining area exude a more relaxed and intimate ambiance.
Open for lunch and dinner (with brunch making a comeback!), the cherished classics, such as the Market menu, featuring a variety of proteins or vegetables in selected sauces, maintain a prominent position on the dinner menu. Don’t miss the Instagram-famous desserts, highlighted in the Best of Bastian section, featuring favourites like Lotus Kunafa Cheesecake, Baked Alaska and Pull-Me-Up treats, including Hazelnut Crunch and Mille-Feuille.
Perfect for a night out, even if you’re just in the mood to grab a few drinks in a fun setting, the bar menu offers Crystal Clear, clarified cocktails which are a masterful fusion of mixology and science, a Farm to Glass section offering libations crafted using locally sourced ingredients, and of course, don’t miss the Best of Bastian, especially if you’re a Negroni lover!
What to order: The Mac & Cheese and Lobstaa Bomb.
Bawri
Following huge success in Goa’s Assagao, Bawri has now brought its magic to BKC by renowned chef, Amninder Sandhu. Spanning an impressive 4,500sq ft, the menu consist of everything you’d want on an Indian menu; from kebabs and biryani, to kulchas and dals, along with a robust range of Indian breads and cosy desserts.
What to order: The Lakhnawi Kakori Kebab and Smoked Mutton Chops.
Axo Mezze Lounge & Grill
For those craving Greek and Mediterranean food with a desi twist, AXO in Andheri is the latest restaurant serving up a cool fusion of flavours. It’s more than just a restaurant. Vibrant culinary traditions of Greece are playfully woven into the fabric of Mumbai’s dining landscape, blending traditional recipes with innovative cooking techniques.
What to order: The Laal Maas Kleftiko and the Lamb Gyro.
Ladurée
The iconic French pâtisserie that every dessert lover swoons for, Ladurée has (finally) opened an outlet in the luxurious Jio World Plaza. While its counterpart in the capital is vibrant with florals, the one here in Mumbai is beautifully minimalistic with the brand’s signature sage green and gold accents. The café is the perfect spot for a mid-shopping spree break where you can enjoy warm croissants, macarons and hot chocolate. And if savoury dishes are what you’re after, they have a cute menu to select from too.
What to order: An assortment of their signature macarons, of course!
Araku
Championing several varieties of indigenous coffees, Araku, a café native to Bengaluru, has in addition, started a full-service dining experience its Mumbai outlet. Complete with the concept of regenerative agriculture, the menu has on rotation seasonal, hyperlocal ingredients from around the country. You can even skip coffee in favour of some innovative cocktails if you’re in the mood for something stronger.
What to order: The Purple Sweet Potato Gnocchi and Beetroot Brûlée.
Ode
Spread across 3,000sq ft in Worli, the city’s favourite chef Rahul Akerkar is back with Ode that celebrates food in a very special way. Comprising of a bar, lounge, an open kitchen, a community table and a spacious dining room, Akerkar’s menu showcases Indian ingredients treated with the philosophies of Western cooking — and it’s already difficult to get a booking, so you know the fare is simply fantastic.
What to order: The 48-hour Aged Atlantic Salmon and Tarte Tatin.
Cosy Box
First opening in New Delhi, Cosy Box has now opened its first Mumbai outpost in the heart of in Mumbai. Encompassing a vast 10,000sq ft, the space boasts a luxurious bar, diverse seating options and even a stage for live music performances. The menu is a mélange that boasts Mediterranean, European, Italian, modern Indian and pan-Asian cuisines, so there’s something for everyone.
What to order: The Quattro Formaggio Pizza and the Lamb Urfa.
P.F. Chang’s
Located at Lower Parel’s One Lodha Place in Mumbai, the US import P.F. Chang’s is a hugely popular classic Asian restaurant. The 140-seater restaurant is the brand’s first foray into India, and has retained its familiar essence and flavours while adapting to the local palate and provides a robust offering of vegetarian dishes as well.
What to order: The Mongolian Tenderloin and the Chicken Dumplings.
Aamchee
Celebrating the heritage of Mumbai, Soam’s Pinky Chandan Dixit and Charoli Food’s Anuradha Joshi Medhora have come together to bring Aamchee, a curated space that evokes serious nostalgia. Think after-school treats and street snacks you enjoyed as a child, but with a more sophisticated flair.
What to order: The School-wala Khatta Thela Salad and the Parle-G Cheesecake.
Pompa
Helmed by the famed Tham brothers and chef Jason James Hudanish (a veteran from Miami) Pompa is yet another Mexican restaurant that is enjoying success in the city. The menu has something for everyone (including Jains) and has aced their plates of ceviche, tacos and queso fondue, leaving you intrigued to come back for more.
What to order: Ceviche de Salmon and Chipotle Lobster.
Larrikin
A homage to The Godfather, Larrikin in Juhu is an elegant yet relaxed space designed in shades of deep red and emerald green, with paintings of moments from the iconic movie adorning much of its walls. This English bar, started by Ankit Tamang (second-gen owner of the China Gate Group), has a tantalising menu with mouth-watering, sophisticated dishes that draw inspiration from European cuisine.
What to order: The Fire-Smoked Lamb Chops and Artichoke Tortellini.
Tango Tamari
A recently opened spot for Nikkei cuisine in the city, (a fusion of Japanese immigrant culinary traditions and the vibrant flavours of Peru), Tango Tamari features both indoor and outdoor seating and a mezzanine floor for private dining or intimate gatherings. Each dish brings a carefully executed balance of flavours and can be paired with divine cocktails.
What to order: The Juhu Beach Sushi Roll and Chinese Greens in XO Sauce.
New Dining Spots To Explore In Goa
O Lar
O Lar, Goa’s new-ish restaurant, is nestled within a two-storey building with distinct Portuguese influences that also extends to its menu. Features Portuguese-inspired dishes with a hint of Mediterranean flavours, each dish is better than the last and will have you floating back for more.
What to order: The Seafood Ravioli.
Fireback
Getting its moniker from the national bird of Thailand, Fireback is the newest addition to Siolim’s vibrant collection of restaurants and is running packed each night for good reason. David Thompson, the celebrated chef renowned for his impeccable Thai cuisine, is at its helm and brings the greatest Thai hits to the sandy shores of Goa.
What to order: The Scallop Salad and the Massaman Lamb Curry.
Marāi
Taking pride of place in the relatively quieter village of Arpora in North Goa, Marāi is a now popular go-to for elevated comfort food with global influences. The design is inspired by Māori culture and the name translates to ‘courtyard.’ You will find the kitchen, bakery, deli, store, lab and bar in the courtyard, giving a sense of communal living through the restaurant’s unique concept and delectable European cuisine, that spreads itself generously over 5,000sq feet.
What to order: The Mahi Mahi Ceviche, Choriz Gold Bars and The Feni Fried Chicken.
Greenr
With a refreshing approach to dining and an emphasis on conscious consumption, Greenr Goa (Panjim) is a California-inspired concept that focuses on plant-forward food for those seeking a more holistic and greener lifestyle, as the name suggests. A space that lends itself to responsible, ethical and quality-oriented food choices by embracing global health values while weaving in indigenous approaches, Greenr is packed with both locals and expats.
What to order: The Cassava Root Fries and Hand Cut Chips and the Tres Mushrooms Risotto.
Praca Prazeres
Chef Ralph Prazares and his wife Stacy Gracias, the duo behind Goan café Padaria Prazeres, are back with Praça Prazeres — a new traditional European restaurant in Panjim. The 1,300sq foot restaurant with a dining area on the ground floor has a warm and cozy atmosphere, with the space being infused with a European as well as Goan ambience, including furniture from Ralph’s grandfather’s house. The menu is an intoxicating selection of classic dishes that have been mastered at this restaurant.
What to order: The Pork Belly and Pan-Roasted Fish with Beurre Blanc.
New Dining Places To Try In New Delhi
Mesa Lodhi
Located at the Lodhi Art District, renowned for some of the most acclaimed gourmet restaurants in New Delhi, Mesa Lodhi is a cool concept space where patrons can select the wines of their choice, which is then dispensed from a machine. Sandeep Namboodiry, the chef here, believes that cuisine and wine go hand in hand, paying homage to his classical French culinary training. The menu offers ingredient-driven cuisine, with a signature Wine and Tapas Tasting Menu — and also features innovative dishes like Roman-style pizza, a variety of in-house pasta and mains served in a modern European setting.
What to order: Pineapple Under The Sea and the Green Spartan Pizza.
The Saddle House
After a visit to the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), head over to The Saddle House, a restaurant located within the gallery’s premises. The pan-Asian and European restaurant is the perfect place to eat at after a cultured few hours looking at art. Serving a range of small eats as well as large plates, the tastefully designed restaurant, with a vintage European touch and Chinese, Japanese and European artworks on the walls, is not to be missed.
What to order: The Sicilian Truffle Mushroom Arancini and New Zealand Lamb Chops.
Plum Coffee and Cocktails
Plum Coffee and Cocktails is a unique day-to-night hotspot in Connaught Place that welcomes patrons to a captivating blend of classic sophistication and contemporary allure. The restaurant’s plush interiors, highlighted by ornate ceilings, grand chandeliers and lush green hangings create an immersive dining experience. The menu is a culinary adventure, featuring vibrant salads, flavourful soups, mouth-watering bar bites, signature sushi, cafe-style tacos, gourmet pizzas and a tempting selection of global cuisines.
What to order: Schezwan Chicken Fries and the Chicken Seekh Tacos.
April by Kay
Nestled in Greater Kailash-2, the cozy April by Kay champions the beauty in simple things. With the décor of the space a soft beige palette with light wood furnishings and pops of green from indoor plants, the food mirrors the sense of lightness and freshness in a beautiful way.
The menu has bits of both — quick eats, as well as more substantial fare, comprising of Asian and European cuisines.
What to order: The Baked Whole Himalayan Trout.
Qavalli
Old-world charm and the imagery of the lilting sound of qawwalis, Qavalli in Aerocity prides itself on the culinary prowess of khansamas to bring a menu that celebrates the very best — from the tawa to the tandoor, soulful curries, rich breads, and aromatic biryanis; with interiors that are plush and dramatic. Reinstating the legacy of lost recipes, forgotten techniques and culinary treasures of yore, Qavalli is an unfiltered flex of Old Delhi’s Mughlai cuisine.
A joint venture by Dinesh and Pooja Arora, Qavalli is an expansive 3,500sq ft area, and prides itself on introducing a distinctive boutique concept restaurant that offers a quintessential Indian dining experience. Enveloped in the essence of ‘Mehmaan-nawazi,’ it celebrates the ‘Virasaat’ of Indian food culture and the ‘Zaika’ of prized Indian spices.
Qavalli’s design draws inspiration from Moroccan themes, featuring captivating arches, a vibrant red palette and intricate patterns. The gold and auburn oasis with lavishly upholstered walls, dramatic drapes, and glistening chandeliers creates a regal setting where every guest is treated like royalty. The restaurant is also home to an Indian botanical bar, blending authenticity with innovation to craft cocktails that awaken the senses.
The menu here is a journey inspired by the tales of Samurais and the exploits of Sultans, focusing on Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. Notably, the restaurant boasts a unique Mediter-Asian fusion section, pushing culinary boundaries with familiar dishes presented in delighfully innovative ways. Dinesh’s love for Bollywood also manifests itself on the menu, that create a delightful blend of flavours and stories. The immersive experience continues with the captivating central chandelier in the Dining Room, composed of 250 pieces of burnt glass in shades of rose, sage and white.
Similar to Dinesh’s other restaurant, Chica, these are not just dining establishments but immersive experiences that seamlessly blend culinary artistry, architectural brilliance and a dedication to preserving cultural legacies.
What to order: The Daal-e-Khaas, Murgh Biryani & Junglee Maas.
This interview has been adapted for the web from our February 2024 issue. Grab your copy here.
