India’s Most Exciting Restaurant Launches In 2024

India’s vibrant food scene is captivating food enthusiasts worldwide. To add to the excitement is a wave of new restaurant openings, offering an extraordinary mix of flavours, cuisines, and dining experiences. From modern Indian dishes to traditional South American flavours, these new eateries are bringing the global gourmet world closer to Indian diners. With a growing appetite for diverse flavours and experiential dining, India’s restaurant scene continues to evolve, offering food lovers endless possibilities to explore and savour.

Here are some of the hottest and most-talked about restaurant openings in India that you must visit:

1. Armani/Caffe Mumbai

Southeast Asia’s first Armani/Caffe opened its doors in Jio World Plaza at BKC Mumbai adjacent to the Giorgio Armani boutique.The space features a palette of softly muted blues and greens accented with classic Armani motifs and screens featuring a delicate palm tree motif, creating a sophisticated Italian ambience that is both welcoming and refined. The menu has a carefully curated selection of Italian dishes, each reflecting the authenticity and finesse synonymous with the Armani/Caffè experience. Armani signature dishes part of the menu are Carpaccio di Gamberi e Sedano Croccante, Pappa al Pomodoro e Burrata, Insalata Cesare Armani, the rich and flavourful Maiale Con Tonnato, and the classic Ciabatta Con Pomodoro Bufala.

2. Ajji House By Subko,Bengaluru

Ajji House by Subko, located within The Courtyard Community, is the result of a collaboration between M9 Design Studios and Subko’s in-house design team, Studio Substance. Housed in a 70-year-old, refurbished family home steeped in history, this 2,500-square-foot space spans two floors and is divided into immersive areas like the Specialty Wheat Room, Fine Cacao Room, Specialty Coffee Room, and Studio Substance’s Type Room. Ajji House introduces Bengaluru to Subko’s signature offerings, including Lavender Coffee, aromatic Filter Coffee on the Rocks, and their renowned flaky croissants, enriching the city’s vibrant coffee culture.

3. The Brook, Gurgaon

The team behind Cocktails & Dreams and Sidecar, Yangdup Lama and Minakshi Singh, have opened their third bar, The Brook, in Gurgaon. The bar is on a mission to bring to the fore the rich flavours and techniques of the Himalayan belt, spanning from Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal, and Uttarakhand to Nepal, Sikkim, North Bengal, and the northeast. Guests can savor Po Cha, a tribute to Ladakh’s butter tea, alongside creative dishes like buck

4. Dindigul Ponram, Bengaluru

Ponram, a 50-year-old iconic restaurant from Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, has opened its first outstation branch in Bengaluru’s Koramangala neighbourhood—Dindigul Ponram.Famous for its Dindigul biryani, the restaurant uses small-grain seeraga samba rice and tender sheep meat to create its signature dish. The restaurant takes pride in a local supply chain that allows the best of ingredients to be delivered to their kitchen doorstep—pepper from Thandikudi, coriander seeds and dried chilli from Virudhunagar. Dindigul Ponram is also renowned for its mutton chukka, chops, country chicken dishes, and spicy offal preparations.

5. Kopitiam Lah, Bengaluru

India’s first authentic Malaysian café, Kopitiam Lah, celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Malaysia’s iconic coffee shops, known as kopitiams. The café’s interiors pay homage to traditional kopitiams, blending bespoke elements with rustic elegance. The floors feature intricate tile mosaics that reflect classic Malaysian design, while rich wooden furniture and crockery further enhance the authenticity of the space.The extensive menu ranges from breakfast staples like half-boiled eggs with soy sauce and white pepper, and kaya toast made with chilled salted butter and coconut jam, to hearty meals such as nasi lemak, a fragrant rice dish served with assorted sides, and sayur lodeh, a vegetable curry with bread.

6. Otra, Mumbai

Otra is Chef Alex Sanchez’s newest restaurant in Kala Ghoda, a stone’s throw away from his very successful first restaurant, Americano. Sanchez and his partner Malleyka Watsa want to celebrate the former’s Puerto Rican roots with a menu that explores the traditional flavours of Latin America, with house-made masa (corn dough) and cocktails featuring ingredients like Peruvian pisco and mezcal.Sanchez collaborated with renowned New York-based chef Alex Leonard to create standout dishes such as Hamachi Tartare, Watermelon Aguachile, Ceviches, Tacos, Chaufa Sizzling Rice, and Tomatillo Grouper. The bar, curated by Darren Crawford, highlights agave spirits, rum, and pisco cocktails, which are a must-try.

7. Ziya, The Oberoi, Gurgaon

Oberoi Hotels &Resorts opened its doors to Ziya, a modern Indian restaurant, at their Gurgaon property, The Oberoi, Gurgaon. Under the mentorship of Michelin-starred Chef Vineet Bhatia MBE, Ziya celebrates India’s rich and varied culinary heritage with a modern twist. In addition to Ziya at The Oberoi, Gurgaon, ChefVineet Bhatia mentors Ziya at The Oberoi, Mumbai, and Dhilli at The Oberoi, New Delhi.

Ziya at The Oberoi, Gurgaon, presents a modern Indian dining experience designed byArchitecture Discipline. The restaurant seamlessly blends traditional elegance with contemporaryflair, featuring high ceilings, reflective steel, and glass elements that echo the hotel’s distinctivearchitecture. At the heart of the restaurant is a monumental communal tablebeautifully designed and crafted with meticulous attention to detail.

The a la carte menu includes palate pleasers, starters, main courses, heritage bowlsand desserts. Ingredients are seasonal, locally sourced, and emphasise sustainable, organic, premiumquality produce. Some of the signature dishes by Chef Vineet Bhatia include Aloo Toffee, Ghee Roast Lamb, Pan Grilled Sambhar Fish, and Curry Leaf Tofu. For dessert, indulge in the Kulfi Falooda Cheesecake or The Ziya Hug. The cocktail menu and experiential tea service complete thedining experience. Signature cocktails like the Paan Royale, Swarnam Sour, and Royal Botanica elevatethe dining experience.

8. Opus, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai has launched an all-day lobby restaurant, Opus. The name is derived from the Latin word meaning ‘work of art’, Opus offers culinary craftsmanship, while the interiors bask in the sunlight that floods this fresh, art deco-themed, design-forward space, where modern elegance meets timeless sophistication. The menu is European-inspired and created to satiate cravings round the clock, it perfectly reflects the spirit of global culinary excellence. From Smoked Portobello and Eggs Shakshouka to the Camembert Baguette and Calamarata Pasta Squid, an array of small plates and day meals with inventive twists feature in the extensive menu at Opus as true works of art.

The restaurant also offers the finest coffee on tap with Modbar units. The brews are unmatched in precision and artistry that showcase the beautiful engineering, design, and function of this coveted equipment.Alongside single estate teas from Darjeeling and the city’s finest coffees to kickstart mornings, Opus features a stellar selection of wine and cocktails. The Eurocave at Opus is home to an extensive collection of the finest wines.

9. Fiori, Lonavala

Located at the hill station near Mumbai, Lonavala, Fiori is a glasshouse restaurant serving comforting European and Mediterranean flavours. Named after the Italian word for ‘flowers’, Fiori embodies the essence of Mediterranean charm and European sophistication. The glasshouse features innovative polycarbonate sliding roofs that open up the space, complemented by wooden elements crafted by local artisans. This design embraces the area’s natural beauty, offering a delightful contrast in ambiance: outside, vibrant greenery and natural light abound, while inside, a sense of warmth and coziness prevails.

The glasshouse restaurant was founded by sibling duo Suraj and Sanskriti Gupta while the food menu is led by Chef Gracian de Souza. The restaurant offers an effortless vegetarian menu that draws from the rich culinary legacies of Europe and the Mediterranean, curated to showcase the finest organic ingredients and innovative flavours.

10. Riverside, St. Regis Goa Resort

The St. Regis Goa Resort opened its Pan-Asian restaurant, Riverside, while keeping with the unhurried lifestyle of the state. Overlooking River Sal, enjoy the Riverside restaurant’s picturesque river views from the breezy patio or immerse themselves in the culinary spectacle indoors.

The restaurant boasts chic white interiors with a louvred ceiling and an outdoor terrace. The ambience is relaxed yet refined, allowing patrons to savour the passing fishing trawlers while being attended to by warm and hospitable hosts.

The menu takes inspiration from the bustling street markets of SoutheastAsia, offering an array of dishes such as spicy garlicedamame, butter garlic Sichuan tigerprawns that will transport you to the streets of Chengdu, pan-seared char siupork bao, Riverside signature chicken clay pot.

11. Idylll, Bengaluru

Idylll is a new age destination that aims to tell a tale of India’s culinary heritage. Paying homage to the celebratory structures in Jaipur, the space designed by The Purple Ink Studio, reflects the vibrant hues and intricate details of the Pink City’s heritage. The monolithic monotone walls are planned to be the main protagonist elevating the dining experience and creating a sense of intimacy. The subdued colour palette allows the focus to remain on the artistry of the cuisine. The dining spaces are divided into two levels with fine dining at the lower level encompassing a culinary journey.

The restaurant’s menu is based on the essence of fermentation; the culinary team has crafted a menu that pays homage to this age-old technique. From the tang of handcrafted pickles to the complexity of kombuchas and drinks, every offering at Idylll speaks temptingly to thefood seeker within all of us. Idylll has dishes from the vibrant states of Rajasthan, Kashmir, Lucknow, Orissa, and Maharashtra.

12. 2:Fifty9, JW Marriott Kolkata

JW Marriott Kolkata has launched a swanky new bar in the city, 2:Fifty9, that seamlessly transitions from daytime elegance to stylish nighttimeallure, featuring a sophisticated palette of hues such as Sienna, forestry,midnight ocean, peat brown, antique brown, rich reward, and super silver. The signature cocktails like The Living Thai, RSVP and Oh My Ghee, offer a delightful array of flavours.

At Bar 2:Fifty9, good times are served, and camaraderie is formed. The stylishinteriors and meticulously crafted drinks ensure that every moment until closingtime is cherished.

13. Avatara, Mumbai

Dubai-based Michelin-starred vegetarian Indian fine dining restaurant Avatara has opened an outpost in Mumbai. Avatara Mumbai can seat 65 guests at a time, offering intimate spaces such as the Wine Cellar, Private Dining Room, and the Main Dining Room. Each space is meticulously designed to provide an unforgettable dining experience, complemented by impeccable service and attention to detail.

The culinary geniuses Chef Himanshu Saini and Chef Rahul Rana wanted to challenge culinary ideas and create a pure vegetarian Indian fine dining restaurant with a menu that surpassed all expectations since its opening in Dubai. The 14-course vegetarian degustation menu has a story in every bite. The experience starts with Naivedhya (holy offering) of makhan malai, popping mishri, and panchamrita. Alpahara snacks feature okra chilli thecha, alu vadi, and sol kadi, stimulating your senses and preparing you for a symphony of flavours with dishes likeShikhalu, where grilled babycorn, missi ghevar, and corn and tomato shorba come together; Badak, savours Dal vada, beetroot kanji, and black lemon pickle; Kadalika, where raw banana chaat, avocado chutney, and khakra.

14. Taupe By Titlie, Goa

Created by the team behind Titlie and Barfly, Taupe By Titlie merges contemporary Indian cuisine with ancient traditions, delivering a truly unique culinary journey. The restaurant is located in a 150-year-old Portuguese villa and is a reflection of Goa’s rich cultural heritage. The innovative menu reinvents Indian classics with a European flair, featuring dishes like Creamed Burrata Chaat, Koshimbir Poke Bowl, and Chorizo Kulcha.

15. Bastian Garden City, Bengaluru

Located in Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, this is the third Bastian in India (after two in Mumbai). The décor is inspired by chic holiday destinations across the world with a boho-chic vibe in neutral tones in shades of beige, white and taupe. The statement design elements of Bastian Garden City include a soaring bar, vertical ceiling fans, and a modern chandelier.

The menu features flavour-forward American and Asian-inspired dishes. Athoughtfully curated bar has kept Bastian at the top of the list of nightlife spots with eye-catching, Instagram-worthy cocktails made using extraordinary techniques.

16. Carnival By Tresind, Mumbai

Carnival By Tresind is recognised as one of the best Indian restaurants in UAE and is now open in Mumbai. The restaurant boasts a capacity to accommodate 120 guests in a luxury atmosphere with metal abstracts that evoke the spirit of Dubai to Mumbai’s fun dining experience. The menu is innovative and features dishes such as Chaat Sundae, a fusion of yoghurt ice cream, coriander, and tamarind granita and Carnival Kale Salad, made with fresh kale, avocado, strawberry, pomelo, and citrus dressing. A well-stocked Carnival bar pays homage to the pulsating energy and colourful charm of carnivals worldwide.

17. Ness, Trident Nariman Point

Trident, Nariman Point has a new bar, Ness, overlooking the Arabian Sea that is derived from the Gaelic word for a land mass jutting into the sea.Crafted with the ethos of fluidity and adaptability, Ness’s design embraces open, airyspaces seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor elements. Lush foliage and anexpansive sea-facing deck create an inviting ambience, while mustard and green furnishings add a stylish yet cosy touch.

Cocktails like Marines Sour and Saffron Sunset Sipper are inspired by the city while EOS and Tsukemono Hi-ball have a more international profile. The food menu features sharing plates crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients like theAvocado ‘Bhajji’ with blue cheese and celery dip, and ‘Roots ‘n’ Shoots’ sweet and purple potatoes, topped off with mung bean sprouts and pink salt, Lamb Merguez and Prawns Aglio Olio to name a few.

18. The Sanctuary Bar And Kitchen Goa

Hyderabad’s The Sanctuary Bar and Kitchen opened an offshoot in Goa nestled amidst 250-year-old ruins. The Sanctuary Bar and Kitchen Goa is a blend of global comfort food and exquisite cocktails led by culinary executive and brand ambassador, Sarah Todd and bar consultants Agnieszka Rozenska and Louness Ducos.

The restaurant’s architecture pays homage to its historic surroundings, providing an immersive ambience. With a capacity to accommodate over 350 guests, Sanctuary boasts dishes like Xacuti Crab Cakes and signature cocktails like Its Peanut’s Thyme.

19. Rü Hyderabad

Rü, located in Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills, sprawls across 14,000 square feet and multiple levels. Guests are welcomed by a charming lobby featuring chequered flooring and a staircase lined with pencil bricks. A large boulder in one corner subtly guides the flow of the space. The earthy colour palette of browns and beiges complements natural stones and woods, creating a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.

Rü’s culinary inspiration, like India’s heritage, spans thousands of years, blending tradition with modern innovation. Whether your taste leans toward the timeless Dum Aloo, the classic Dal Bati Churma, or the comforting Sausage and Mash, Rü seamlessly bridges the familiar with the new, offering an experience that delights and surprises.