Every day countless new restaurants open in India. Our usual scrolling on Instagram is now filled with new launches, menus, and new outlets, making it difficult to pick the best one. That is why, we, at The Lab Mag, are making this task easy for everyone with our #NewInTown list where we share our perfect curation of new restaurants and updates in most cities across India.
April 2024
New Restaurants in Mumbai
Santa Maria
Photo: Instagram
Just when we thought Bandra’s Ranwar Village already had a sandwich shop, Santa Maria popped up to give another option. Known as a ‘local sandwich shop,’ Santa Maria is a cute deli with an old-world Goan charm and interiors that take you back in time with their checkered table mats their music seeped in nostalgia. Their concise menu includes the classic sandwiches, hotdogs, fries, and desserts.
New Tasting Menu at Ekaa
Photo: Ekaa
Award-winning restaurant by Chef Niyati Rao, Ekaa, unveiled their latest Tasting Menu 5.0. This new 10-course degustation menu has dishes that represent empires and dynasties around the globe. It has dishes from The Kingdom of Siam, The Tzars, The Pharaohs, The Qings, The Aztecs, The Marathas, The Rajputana, and many more. The menu is also centered around rare ingredients such as locally grown seaweed from the coast of Ratnagiri, red weaver ants from Bengal, quince from Srinagar, black fungus from Haryana, lion’s mane mushrooms from Delhi NCR, and much more.
New Summer Menu at Kari Apla
Photo: Instagram
Inspired by the Deccan Coast, Bandra’s Kari Apla has launched a new summer menu. From mango to traditional summer drinks and food, the menu has it all. Opt for a summer salad with kairi, cucumber and sprouts koshimbir, avocado, peanut, and curry leaf, or a bowl of classic curd rice with homemade mango pickle, and appalam. If you are looking for something mango then order a mango dessert or a glass of kairi panha.
New Menu at Romano’s in JW Marriott Sahar
Photo: Romano’s
Craving Italian? Award-winning JW Marriott Sahar’s Romano’s is out with its new menu. Chef Alessandro Piso brings forth authentic Italian cuisine. The new menu at Romano’s includes Plin-Plin, Ilusione, Brutto Anatroccolo, Seasonal Root Lasagna, Mushroom Cappuccino, Montanara, Zuppa Del Sole, and Brutto Anatricolo among others.
Mayouchi 2.0
Photo: Mayouchi 2.0
Westin Mumbai Powai Lake has revamped its Chinese and Japanese restaurant into Mayouchi 2.0. The new revamped space features a chef’s special curated menu showcasing the culinary expertise of Chef Golpin Sianipar and his team. With a minimalist design as interiors, expect dim sums, woks, and other classic dishes at Mayouchi 2.0.
Gin Festival at Le Café
Photo: Le Cafe
Le Café in Chembur introduces its first ever Gin festival. The festival will have eleven gin-infused dishes, including a mango menu infused with gin, and ten mouth-watering gin cocktails. Make sure to try their Rhubarb & Gin-Ger Millets, Chicken Ginball with Smoked Paprika Sauce, and Chicken Terrine which contains gin beetroot reduction. Pair each dish with a cocktail from their specially curated menu. This festival is on till May 15.
New Restaurant in Bengaluru
Bastian
Photo: Bastian Website
Mumbai’s popular spot and a regular for celebs, Bastian, opens doors in Bengaluru. A 60-plus-year-old bungalow now houses the 350-seater Bastian Garden City. This 22,000 sq ft space spreads across two floors. Diners can opt to sit in the alfresco section or the mezzanine area of this Bohemian-themed décor. Besides seafood, expect more meat-heavy dishes at Bastian Garden City.
New Restaurant in Kolkata
Dastarkhwan-e-Awadh Food Festival at JW Marriott Kolkata
Photo: JW Marriott Kolkata
Experience Dastarkhwan-e-Awadh, an Awadhi food festival at JW Marriott Kolkata. Through this festival, Chefs Ghufran and Ruhul pay homage to this illustrious culinary heritage by curating an extravagant buffet that transports diners to the royal courts of Awadh. Expect melt-in-your-mouth Galouti kebabs. Awadhi biryani, Tunde ka kebab, Sheermal, and much more. This festival is on till April 21 for dinner service.
New Restaurants in Delhi-NCR
Wilde
Photo: Instagram
A new rooftop kitchen and resto-bar has opened in Delhi’s Punjabi Bagh. Wilde is a tropical oasis that transforms the diners int a jungle-themed interior. lush greenery, hanging vines, and natural textures to give the space a chic, yet tropical look. The menu, curated by Chef Agnibh Mudi features global flavours with inspiration from Medditerranian and Turkish cuisines.
Canvas V
Photo: Instagram
Canvas V in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar is trying to redefine plant-based food. A brainchild of Chef Divij Agarwal, Canvas V moved beyond the imitation or mock meat and ahs curated a menu where seasonal produce takes the centre stage. From Kimchi Eggplant, Tomato Fettucine, to Bombalinis, and more, this place has a vegan rendition of most dishes.
Cactus Lily
Photo: Instagram
Gurugram just got a new sandwich shop! Cactus Lily in DLF Phase 4, is gaining popularity for its variety of authentic sandwiches with no fluff. With options such as a fried chicken sandwich, grilled cauliflower, braised lamb, crinkle-cut fries, garlic coriander fries, and more, there’s something for everyone.
New Menu at Perbacco at The Lodhi
Photo: Instagram
Fine-dining Italian restaurant, Perbacco at The Lodhi is out with its new menu. This new menu takes inspiration from classic dishes and blends them with innovative techniques. The tasting menu includes Caprese with Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella, Potato Gnocchi with Gorgonzola and Frosted Walnuts, Lamb Risotto, Sous Video French Farm Chicken with Parsnip, and much more.
Begam
Photo: Instagram
Begam is the newest spot in Delhi’s Defence Colony from the House of Khubani, by brothers Sharad and Naresh Madan. The restaurant celebrates the cuisine of the countries surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea including Italy, Israel, Greece, Turkey, Spain, and Morocco. With am outdoor and indoor seating, Begam’s decor has hints of Rajasthani and Mughal design.
February 2024
New Menu at Taftoon
Photo: Taftoon
Pankaj and Avinash Gupta’s Taftoon is known for its regional Indian cuisine. Their new menu showcases unexplored regional recipes of India and draws inspiration from the Grand Trunk (GT) Road, one of Asia’s oldest range stretching from Kabul to Chittagong. The menu offers Awadhi, Afghani, Bengali, Kashmiri and even Tibetan-inspired cuisines with dishes such as Thentuk, Zafrani Qursi Kebab, Kalari and Arugula Khachapuri, Tigada Prawns, Baati Chokha, and more.
New Restaurants in Mumbai
Kembara
Photo: Kembara
After a success in Hyderabad, Kembara by Shilpa Datla and Chef Seefah Ketchaiyo finally opens its doors in BKC. Kembara translates to ‘To Wander’ in Malay is home to Asian cuisines such as Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Malay, Korean, and more. From classics such as a variety of dim sum, sushi, baos, udon noodles, turnip cakes, glass noodles, and much more, paired well with their signature cocktails! Their desserts include lemongrass cheesecake with berries and tempered-fried banana with vanilla ice cream.
Megumi
Photo: Megumi
Bandra’s newest Japanese Pan-Asian restaurant, Megumi is spread across 6,000 sq ft. and is inspired by the Japanese Nikkei resto-bar culture and Japanese philosophy. Dubai’s ex-Zuma chef Raman Udas, aims to push boundaries to make dishes visually stunning and flavourful. Expect a live Sushi bar, Lobster Roll, Corn on Cob, Mushroom Hotpot, Duck Yakitori, and much more. Pair these with their signature cocktails such as Wabi Sabi, Kintsugi, and Mitching Margarita.
Torii
Photo: Torii
Restaurateur Abhayraj Kohli, along with entrepreneur Tanaaz Bhatia and celebrity interior designer Gauri Khan unveiled Khar’s latest progressive Asian restaurant, Torii. Besides its al-fresco dining area, the interiors are designed in a way to feel like a perfectly crafted jewellery box, with a mirrored ceiling, fluted glass windows, shiny red and green tables and bar fronts. Besides dim sums and gyozas, Torri also offers dishes such as truffle mushroom ramen, caramelised pork belly, yakiniku lobster, and more.
New Restaurants in Delhi-NCR
Cafè Però in Gurugram
Photo: Instagram
Però in Knox, Gurugram, aims to bring a fresh take on the cafe culture where they serve delicious food without any fuss. With a focus on sustainability and community, they also use organic and locally sourced ingredients, thus catering to everyone. Their all-day breakfast and meals include Avocado and Pumpkin Toast, Chicken Teriyaki Poke Bowl, Shrimp Buckwheat Noodle bowl, classic breakfast options such as fried eggs, bagels, sausages, and more.
Ebisu in Delhi
Photo: Instagram
After a successful outlet in Gurugram, Ebisu launched a new outpost in New Delhi’s Saket. This fine-dining Japanese restaurant is on an aim to serve authentic Japanese taste in the heart of Delhi. With traditional floor seating, Ebisu serves classic food options such as sushi, shashimi, yakitori, gyoza, osusume, tempura, and more.
The Pit in Gurugram
Photo: Instagram
Vasant Vihar’s American-style BBQ spot, The Pit, opens its doors in Gurugram’s Global Foyer Mall. The Pit is the brainchild of Sumeet Rewari and Manharan Singh and features authentic barbeque with slow smoked and grilled meat. This is a meat-lovers’ paradise with burgers, subs and seafood, chicken, pork, buff, and lamb.
New Restaurants in Ahmedabad
Foo
Photo: Foo
Foo’s Fiery Edit menu is sure to tickle the spice taste buds with flavour. The menu includes spicy sushi rolls, dim sum such as Jalapeño & Brie Cheese, Lamb Thai Chilli Dumpling, and other Pan-Asian dishes such as Ghost Pepper Prawns, Fierce & Fiery Ho Fan Noodles, and more. They also have spice in their cocktails and desserts with options such as Pickled Picante and Flaming Sunset cocktails and pineapple and guava chili ice cream. This limited-edition menu is available in all Foo outlets pan-Indian till March 31. The Ahmedabad outlet of Food does not provide alcohol.
New Restaurants in Bengaluru
Phurr
Photo: Instagram
Bengaluru’s newest spot, Phurr, is pure vegetarian and also has many vegan and Jain dishes. They also have an in-depth mocktail menu for all the teetotalers out there. Their menu features the classics such as Masala Papad, Fries, Hummus platters, a variety of soup and salad, an elevated chat section and other North Indian and continental options.
New Restaurants in Pune
SOCIAL
Photo: SOCIAL
The New Irresistible Menu is SOCIAL’s latest collaboration with Nestlé India which is available at 42 SOCIAL outposts and 40 BOSS Burger outlets across Delhi (NCR), Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Dehradun and Chandigarh. This new menu is to test launch their plant-based range which includes dishes such as vegan Seekh Kebabs, Chili #NotChicken, Baida Roti and more.
January 2024
New Restaurants in Mumbai
Nashville Fried Chicken
Photo: Nashville Fried Chicken
Nashville Fried Chicken (NFC) is the new stop for fried chicken cravings in Mumbai. NFC is founded by Zorawar Kalra’s Massive Restaurants Pvt Ltd, the same company behind Louis Burger and Slyce Pizza. Their fried chicken burger comes with peri peri chilli garlic, chilli habanero and hot and spicy dressing. They also have eight different variations of chicken tenders and burger options as well. What elevates their chicken is their house-made gourmet sauces such as the Comeback Sauce, Secret Sauce, Honey Mustard Sauce and the Hot n Spicy Sauce.
Cosy Box
Photo: Cosy Box
Known to be the official food partner at the Cannes Film Festival, Cosy Box made its way to Mumbai after a successful launch in Delhi. The Mumbai outpost of Cosy Box spans 10,000 sq ft and is the brainchild of restaurateur Aashish Begwani. The menu is diverse, including Mediterranean, European, Oriental, and Modern Indian. Their signature cocktails highlight their creativity.
New Restaurants in Goa
Tanjore Tiffin Room
Photo: Tanjore Tiffin Room
After two successful outlets of Tanjore Tiffin Room, in Mumbai, the Tamilian cuisine restaurant has made its debut in Goa. This 6,500 sq ft space in Anjuna is situated in a 150-year-old Portuguese bungalow. This venture, led by restaurateur Kishore DF, will provide the same experience as Mumbai in Goa with their taster samples of their curries and the classics such as mushroom pepper fry, madras tiger prawns, and more.
Sarvaa in Goa
Photo: Instagram
New restaurants are opening in Goa like wildfire. Sarvaa is the newest spot in Goa’s Fountainhas in Panjim. Sarvaa serves Indian coast cuisine and is known to cook with a parrilla grill. Their menu includes Bengal-inspired lobster malai curry, Wayanad pepper butter garlic crab, and more. With coconut jaggery-infused negroni, and Kozhikode Mai Tai with coconut oil-washed rum; their drinks menu is diverse and unique.
New Restaurants in Delhi NCR
Altogether Experimental (Ate) in Delhi
Photo: Instagram
Altogether Experimental also known as Ate which was originally in Saket, Delhi has opened a new outlet at Deer Park. Ate is known for its pastries such as eclairs. Cheesecakes, swiss rolls, mini desserts, cakes along with savoury baked goods such as croissants, bagels, and more.
Melt House in Delhi
Photo: Instagram
After Gurugram, Melt House expanded to New Delhi in GK II- M Block. Besides being a café, brasserie and library; known for their sandwiches, cookies, all-day breakfast, and baked goods, Melt House is also known as a wine and absinthe bar which was founded by Rohit Beniwal. The menu includes piri piri chicken cheesesteak, handmade pasta, and desserts such as skillet cookies, toffee walnut pudding pancakes, and more.
Chica Loca in Noida
Photo: Instagram
Sunny Leone adds another feather to her cap with the launch of Chica Loca, a progressive world cuisine restaurant with craft cocktails in Noida. Leone opened Chica Loca in collaboration with Singing Bowls Hospitality. The restaurant offers everything—from modern Indian, Asian, European, Italian, tacos, to burgers and more.
New Restaurants in Bengaluru
Kari Theory
Photo: Kari Theory
After a success in Chennai, Kari Theory, a South Indian gastronomic fine-dining experience opens in Bengaluru’s Radisson City Centre in Ulsoor. This #newintown restaurant amalgamates South India’s flavours across the Carnatic and Deccan regions to offer dishes such as Coorgi Chicken Roast, Udupi Neer Dosa, Kundapur chicken curry, Bannur mutton pepper fry, and more. Kari Theory pays homage to the diverse range of flavours that define South India.
New Restaurants in Pune
Agave Bar at Aasmana
Photo: Instagram
Pune’s Ritz Carlton introduces Agave Bar at Asamana, as part of their newest rooftop lounge and bar experience. The bar has a specially curated range of agave-based cocktails. Some that stood out for us were the Quiote, a bold fusion of Tequila reposado, mezcal, Aperol, pink grapefruit juice, ancho chilli, yuzu juice, bitters, and grapefruit soda, Plantinotos is a unique blend of clarified mescal, tequila blanco, Chinese salad sauce, and ginger honey, and many more.
New Restaurants in Kolkata
Griffin Bar
Photo: Instagram
Kolkata’s JW Marriott gets a new bar—Griffin Bar. The newly revamped cocktail bar was redone by designer and mixologist Varun Sudhakar. Their premium cocktails such as The Griffin’s Kiss are made with dry rose blooms in gin, blue pea flower, grapefruit juice and vodka.
