13 new restaurants and menus in India you should add to your must-try list

Summer means a string of new restaurants and refreshing menus to try out. So, if you’re wondering where to eat out, we’ve rounded up the latest openings and menus across India that you should bookmark. 

Mumbai

Nksha

Mumbai’s Churchgate neighbourhood has a new culinary address that is on a mission to bring the myriad regional dishes from across India under one roof. Nksha opened its doors to diners on April 23 and offers a wide range of dishes that include indulgent cheese kulchas (Persian for leavened bread), rosted sweet potato tikki chaat, lobster curry, and more. 

folक

The brainchild of well-known home chef Jasleen Marwah who’s, known for her unique twist on Kashmiri food, folक serves up regional Indian food—think rich mains like Bihari Champaran mutton curry, kokum fish fry, and Sindhi kadhi with lighter snacks like papad churi (crushed papad tossed in ghee and spices), Kasauli tikki pav (a fried snack between bread) and Indian-inspired salads. 

Koishii—new menu

Koishii, the St. Regis Mumbai restaurant that is known for serving up Nikkei cuisine, which is a delicious mix of Peruvian and Japanese cuisines, has a new menu this summer. Begin your meal with appetisers like robata avocado salad, mushroom ceviche, and more, before moving onto the mains that include a variety of maki rolls and dishes like salmon robata tare (grilled meat with barbeque-style thick, sweet soy sauce), chicken saltado (chicken stir fry), and Peruvian udon. End the meal on a sweet note with special desserts like the moreish Lima limon sour or the Amazon cacao. 

Woodside Inn—summer menu

The summer specials menu at Woodside Inn is every bit fresh, light, and delicious. From cold soups—the watermelon and cucumber solkadhi gazpacho is one of the highlights—and salads like the raw mango and fresh plum salad, to substantial mains like goat cheese and chilli pesto pizza. Sweet lovers shouldn’t miss the seasonal mango and pistachio tiramisu. 

Toast Pasta Bar—summer menu

Helmed by chef Devika Manjrekar, Toast Pasta Bar is known for its traditional Italian fare made using fresh local produce and ingredients. As part of the restaurant’s first-ever summer menu, dig into dishes like pizzettes, pasta made using seasonal ingredients, and light desserts like mango-based sundaes and panna cotta. The special summer bar menu features cocktails that will go perfectly with your meal. 

Plural X Blanchette 

Plural, the vegetarian-forward Vietnamese-inspired restaurant has teamed up with bakery Blanchette for a limited-edition dessert menu that will run until mid-May. Savour desserts like the Mango Coconut and Lime, which is made with coconut lime cake, fresh mango jam, and Kerala vanilla ice cream and the Reverse Affogato which is a take on Vietnamese coffee and features coffee ice cream and warm vanilla custard topped with coffee nibs and honey biscuits, among other treats. 

OPA—new menu 

Opa has a refreshing new menu for the season, which unsurprisingly brings summery Greek classics to the forefront. Their avocado hummus and truffle galotyri dips are delicious. However, their main courses are the star. The Dakos, considered to be one of the oldest dishes in Greece, has barley rusk, tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta, mint, and lemon. Another must-have is the chicken and truffle bourek, where braised chicken and cheese is encased in crunchy phyllo pastry. Round off your meal with sokolatopita, which is a hot chocolate fondant that comes with crispy kataifi (a Greek dessert made with shredded phyllo dough), Greek yoghurt ice cream, and a white chocolate biscuit. 

Out of The Blue—summer refreshers

Summer means seeking an endless supply of cool, refreshing drinks that will help beat the heat, and Out of The Blue has come to the rescue with its new menu of summer refreshers. Offering a mix of cocktails and mocktails, the menu includes concoctions that have seasonal fruits like mango and watermelon as the stars. Sip on the mangotini, which adds a tropical twist to the traditional vodka-based drink. From the mocktails section, try the powerhouse drink, which is made using watermelon, basil, kaffir lime, and soda. 

Cacio e Pepe—new menu

Delivering fresh, small-batch, and artisanal pasta all over Mumbai, Cacio e Pepe has a new summer-appropriate menu that features everything from potato and tomato paste-stuffed tortelli, fig and cheese filled cappellacci, to vegetarian lasagne. It’s best to order in advance; for same-day deliveries check with them over Whatsapp. 

More Often Pan-India (Gujarat, Mumbai, Pune and Delhi)

Lovers of smoothies are in for a treat, as there’s a new brand on the block delivering plant-based read-to-blend smoothies, bowls and energy bowls right to your doorstep. More Often has a wide range of offerings that are all gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free, which is something those who have dietary restrictions or are being conscious about their diet will appreciate. Choose from smoothies like the classic strawberry and chocolate or the pineapple and matcha variant that tastes like a tropical paradise in a sip. For something heartier, go for their bowls—we loved the choco berry chia bowl. 

Delhi-NCR

Pincode by Kunal Kapur

Post the successful debut of his restaurant in Dubai, Kunal Kapur has brought Pincode to India. Located in Civil Line in Delhi, the interiors of the restaurant pay homage to the country’s diversity. During your visit, sample dishes from the many pin codes in India, from Gujarat-inspired dhokla chaat, home-style chicken curry, to decadent Bengali malai prawns. 

Bengaluru 

The Kind Roastery—summer menu

The recently launched cafe in Bengaluru has a new summer menu that features mango-based dishes and summer-appropriate brews. Try the flaky mango Danish or dig into the mango cheesecake if cold and creamy desserts are more your preference. For drinks, take your pick from the floral rose relish cold drip, the coconut cold brew or the iced Vietnamese coffee. 

Hyderabad 

Pink Elephant 

The expansive 180-seater restaurant looks like an eccentric museum—with its bold, colourful, and maximalist decor. Shades of rose, fuchsia, and hot pink punctuate the four dining spaces, divided between a lounge, a courtyard, a private dining room, and the monument room. The food is just as elaborate—the menu finds inspiration from all over the country and features indulgent dishes like kormas, curries, and more. 

Lead image: Woodside Mumbai/Instagram