A curated run-through of December’s most exciting new restaurants and bars across Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru and Kolkata—fresh openings that are redefining the season’s dining and nightlife mood, one neighbourhood at a time.
As the year glides into its final stretch, India’s dining scene seems to be gathering its own festive momentum—late nights feel lighter, calendars are packed, and every city is making a last, delicious dash toward the finish line. It’s been a remarkable year for homegrown hospitality, marked by splashy marquee openings as well as intimate, chef-driven neighbourhood spots that have quietly reset expectations. And now December arrives with a new crop of restaurants that feel confident, creative, and unmistakably rooted in their cities. From Mumbai and Delhi to Bengaluru and Kolkata, these are the fresh tables kicking off the season—and closing out 2025—with flair.
MUMBAI
Kohana
Powai has a new dining standout, and it’s already stirring up the neighbourhood’s restaurant circuit. Kohana arrives with an easy sense of style—warm lighting, modern lines, and intimate corners that make the room feel instantly inviting. The menu leans into comfort with finesse: a fragrant Penang Curry paired with jasmine rice, a cloud-soft burrata pizza, smoked-salmon sushi plated with quiet elegance, and cocktails that strike that perfect, unhurried balance. It’s the kind of place that works effortlessly for a date night, a family dinner, or a lingering weekend catch-up—an understated new gem adding a fresh pulse to Mumbai’s ever-evolving food map.
The Penang Table
The Penang Table steps into the former Miss Margot space with a sprawling 34,000 sq ft tribute to Malaysia, shaped by bamboo blinds, vintage door and window frames, hand-painted tiles and portraits celebrating the region’s Chinese, Indian, Malay and Peranakan communities. The menu draws from these diverse culinary roots—flaky roti canai with veg or meat fillings, street-style satay with pineapple sambal, Chinese-inspired pan-seared dumplings in curry, and staples like char kway teow, nasi lemak and rendang. Cocktails lean into Southeast Asian aromatics—pandan, kaffir lime, lemongrass—with inventive mixes like a mezcal drink laced with tamarind and galangal, or a coconut-washed tequila riff on kopi. The flavours are bold, abundant and transportive, making The Penang Table a lively new chapter in Kishore DF’s growing restaurant universe.
Call Me Sofia
Tucked inside Olive Bar & Kitchen in Khar, Call Me Sofia is the group’s newest bar-within-a-bar concept, an intimate 20-seater Italian-style aperitivo spot with its own entrance, kitchen and low-ABV cocktail programme built around Campari, Select and vermouth. Sabina Singh’s design brings a breezy Mediterranean charm—lemon trees, ocean-blue tiles, soft curves—while keeping the space cosy with bartender-facing seats and a mood that’s lively but never loud. Chef Alessandro Piso crafts a separate menu of shareable “salty” and “sweet” small plates, from crisp montanara and chorizo-stuffed bomboloni to fungi meatballs and a lush sun-dried tomato risotto, all priced under ₹800. The cocktails playfully riff on Italian aperitivo culture—think milk-washed Fernet with merlot, Islay whisky with clarified strawberry, Earl Grey–infused gin with Amaro—and even the zero-proof options feel thoughtfully built. It’s stylish, intimate, and effortlessly neighbourhoody—the kind of place you slip into for a drink and end up staying far longer than planned.
Luna Et Sol
Stepping into Luna Et Sol feels like slipping into a Swiss or French chalet, complete with walnut-beam ceilings, hand-carved accents and a soft, cinematic glow from the fireplace. Kept at a crisp 18 degrees, this newest venture from Prasuk Jain Hospitality leans into escapist romance without ever tipping into excess—a space designed for evenings that unfold slowly and indulgently. The menu is broad and European-leaning, built for both comfort and curiosity. Early bites include garlic crostini, house-made fries in multiple styles and an artisanal cheese board with brie, blue cheese, parmesan and a streak of marmalade, while lighter proteins like chicken escabeche and mini tuna Niçoise pair effortlessly with early-evening cocktails.
Hearth
Hearth, perched on the first floor of the iconic Eros Cinema Building in Churchgate, brings a contemporary sheen to one of humanity’s oldest rituals—coming together around a fire. The restaurant leans fully into smoky, wood-fired flavours, each dish carrying the unmistakable imprint of flame and craft. From the chef’s table, you can watch the heat at work in the open kitchen, transforming ingredients into deeply layered, elemental plates. The Lamb Pastrami Steak is a standout—succulent, slow-smoked, and richly perfumed with the kind of flavour only real fire can deliver.
Mezcalita Cantina Y Tequila Bar
Mezcalita Cantina Y Tequila Bar brings its Mexico-meets-Mumbai flair to Bandra with a bigger, brighter menu. Expect street-style favourites—chilaquiles nachos, elote, stuffed Poncho Potatoes—and a generous lineup of tacos on masa, flour or hard shells, alongside hearty burritos, house-baked Telera tortas and comforting plates like fideo seco and flautas ahogadas. Vegetarians get thoughtful options too, from a portobello avo-burger to a chilaquiles-inspired torta. Bandra also debuts an ambitious cocktail menu tracing the tequila-making journey, featuring everything from black-rice horchata with mezcal to a peanut-butter-washed mezcal finale. With hummingbird murals, milagros walls, cane lamps and bold folk-inspired details, the space is vibrant, textured and unapologetically maximal.
Idoru
Perched above Izumi in Bandra, Idoru is neither an izakaya nor a traditional listening bar, but a moody 28-seater that channels the energy of both. Built around a turntable and striking electric-blue horn speakers, the space feels like an elevated house party—servers in pinstriped waistcoats weaving through sake pours, Japanese gin and whisky lining the bar, and a soundtrack that leaps from Lauryn Hill to Parliament Funkadelic. Conceived by Nooresha and Anil Kably, the bar celebrates a shared love for music, with an eclectic vinyl collection drawn from partners’ personal crates and programming that keeps genres fluid and conversation lively. Sake anchors the drinks, guided by Kyoto-born expert Maaya Takaoka through a nine-part tasting, while Koki Ito’s highball menu reimagines the Japanese classic with yuzu, shiso, frozen lemon, even Bombay duck–infused tequila. Chef Nooresha’s small plates—tempura-style fish and chips with matcha salt, dashi mascarpone flatbread, forest mushrooms in tare, a decadent “overload” maki—playfully orbit izakaya traditions. Idoru is a deeply personal project: part audiophile haven, part cocktail bar, and entirely the sound of Bandra after midnight.
DELHI
Mr Button
If you’re in the mood for something classic—cocktails included—step through door number 27 and into Mr Button, an old-world bar in GK3 that channels the charm of another era. Dim wooden panels, soft lighting and a cleverly crafted menu draw you into the tale of Henry J. Button, an 1880s Savile Row tailor whose story threads through the space. It’s intimate, warm and quietly theatrical. For bites, the stuffed mushrooms and crispy calamari are easy favourites, pairing beautifully with the bar’s polished cocktail list.
Upstairs by Indian Accent
Upstairs by Indian Accent is the intimate new cocktail bar perched above the restaurant’s Lodhi outpost, a late-night hideaway that extends Indian Accent’s modern Indian sensibility into the world of drinks. Varun Sharma’s tightly curated programme reimagines classic cocktails through Indian flavours—think coconut fat–washed mezcal blended with sol kadhi, an oolong-infused chai Manhattan and a martini trolley that adds subtle Indian nuances without disturbing the original form. Chef Hitesh Lohat crafts a quarterly rotating food menu, opening with Markets of Delhi, a tribute to neighbourhood favourites like Old Delhi Fried Chicken, a kabab sando on shokupan, and pork belly with timur and dale chilli. Low candlelight, Sabyasachi upholstery and a tall central bar give the room a moody elegance, while live jazz by Alyse Pascoe adds a listening-room intimacy. Currently open to regulars and invited guests, Upstairs is set to evolve into a late-night, members-only sanctuary.
Popes’ Southwest Cantina
At M3M Broadway in Sector 71, Popes’ Southwest Cantina blends Mexican flavours with American Southwest comfort, offering Gurugram a broad, easygoing spot for groups. The menu spans all the tex-mex essentials—hand-pressed tortillas, fresh salsas, slow-cooked meats, smoky grills—alongside burgers, wings and New York–New Jersey–style pizzas. The space channels a warm, rustic cantina vibe with splashes of neon, while the bar leans into tequila and mezcal, serving clean, unfussy cocktails built for easy sipping. From restaurateur Swadeep Popli (The Chatter House, Flow), Popes’ carries forward his signature formula: hearty food, friendly service and a lively, relaxed atmosphere.
Thamel
Gurugram’s AIPL Joy Central welcomes Thamel, a Himalayan-meets-Western dining space founded by Piyush Agrawal and developed with CYK Hospitalities. The menu pairs Himalayan favourites—momos, laphing, soothing broths—with crowd-pleasing continental dishes like pasta, grills and European-style mains, all anchored in clean technique and locally sourced ingredients. The space channels the warmth of Himalayan hospitality with earthy materials and an easy, informal mood, while the drinks list centres on coffee and all-day sippers. Set in a high-footfall corner of Sector 65, Thamel introduces diners to a more nuanced, modern interpretation of Himalayan cuisine without losing the comfort that defines it.
The Flying Trunk
Delhi’s newest rooftop perch, The Flying Trunk, rises above Connaught Place with sweeping 360° views—Jama Masjid on one side, CP’s white colonnades on the other, all framed by an infinity pool that wraps the terrace. Its menu, Silk, Spice and the Stories Between, draws inspiration from Asia’s great street markets—Xi’an, Bangkok, Lahore, Kabul, Chandni Chowk, Nishiki—recasting their flavours into snackable small plates like beetroot galawal, kung pao lotus root, assorted tempura and Thai-style fried prawns. The cocktails, however, steal the show: pandan gin with smoked honey, a Clarified Chai Spritz, yuzu–kaffir highballs and a Tokyo Old Fashioned, all showcasing Asian ingredients with a light, confident touch.
KOLKATA
Yours Truly Coffee Roaster
Bhowanipore’s newest culinary address, Yours Truly Coffee Roaster, unfolds inside a beautifully restored aristocratic bungalow, where old-world charm meets a bright, contemporary dining mood. With room for 250 guests, the space feels expansive yet warm, offering a menu that caters to both vegetarian comfort-seekers and lovers of hearty non-vegetarian plates. The real star, however, is its coffee programme—an extensive lineup brewed from beans roasted in-house on their own machine, ensuring every cup arrives impossibly fresh, fragrant and full of character.
Zucca Lounge
Tucked behind a discreet side entrance near Lake Girls High School, Zucca opens onto a breezy rooftop terrace that feels part secret garden, part lounge bar. White-curtained gazebos, garden chairs and high tables set a light, romantic mood—an easy escape from the city’s pace for couples or small groups. The menu blends comfort with playful twists, from the signature Murg Malai Tikka Waffle to a clay-pot–roasted chicken steeped in a tangy curd marinade. It’s stylish, airy and quietly one of the neighbourhood’s most inviting rooftops.
The Royal Jharokha
If you’re in Kolkata and craving rich North Indian flavours, this new Salt Lake spot is an easy addition to your must-visit list. The kitchen turns out indulgent North Indian plates that anchor the menu, but the offering stretches wider—punchy Asian favourites, comforting Italian classics and a range of dishes designed to make leisurely, curious ordering part of the fun. It’s the kind of place you walk into hungry and leave happily unhurried, having tried far more than you planned.
Scarlet
After winning over Theatre Road, Scarlet brings its café-and-patisserie charm to Southern Avenue, carrying over the warmth, easy elegance and crowd-favourite flavours that made the original a hit. The menu highlights remain irresistible—the Iced Tiramisu Latte, Honey Cold Foam Latte, Roasted Bell Pepper & Chilli Sandwich, Garden Fresh Pizza and those dangerously addictive Sweet Potato Fries—making the new outpost feel instantly like a neighbourhood favourite.
Perima’s
Named after the South Indian word for “aunt,” Perima brings a warm, home-style spirit to its new Kolkata neighbourhood, reimagining regional flavours through a playful fun-dining lens. The menu is vibrant and inventive—think Sabakki-Moz Vada, Maddur Falafel, Uttapam Tacos, Banana Doffle and a pitch-perfect Filter Kappi—each dish delivering a bright, flavour-packed twist on familiar South Indian comfort.
Rumors
The buzz was real—Rumors on Chowringhee has arrived, and it’s already reshaping Kolkata’s high-energy cocktail bar scene. The space strikes that sleek dine-and-party balance with kinetic lighting, crafted cocktails and a soundtrack that moves effortlessly from lounge to retro to house. The menu pairs global comfort with Indian twists, featuring dishes like the Tex-Mex Prawn Skillet, Khari Brie Bruschetta, Sarma Veggie Rolls, Blue Pea Prawn Uttapam and Beetroot Tortellini. Add in a playful cocktail list, and you get a bar built for long nights, lively conversations and a crowd that doesn’t want the evening to end.
BENGALURU
Zarqash
Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai brings his signature pan-Indian sensibility to Bengaluru with Zarqash, a restaurant that marries princely durbar grandeur with contemporary finesse. The menu balances nostalgia and innovation—classic dishes like Raan Sikandari and Murgh Kala Masala sit alongside modern interpretations such as Khaman Dhokla Apple and a richly imagined Cauliflower Steak Makhani. For diners seeking familiar flavours elevated with technique and elegance, this is the reservation to make.
33&BREW
The team behind Record Room takes its vinyl-first philosophy into microbrewery territory with 33&BREW at Prestige Technostar in Brookfield. Here, Bengaluru’s brewery culture meets a curated 200-plus vinyl collection spanning funk, soul, hip-hop and rock, played on turntables throughout the day. Master brewer Stephen Nelson helms a beer programme that moves from crisp session ales to hop-forward IPAs and rotating seasonal brews, while chef Saby Gorai’s menu brings global comfort with an Indian undertone—think mushroom mille-feuille, corn kataifi pies, gambas al ajillo, Goan prawn arancini and Hokkaido bun keema. Cocktails are playful, weaving beer into bourbon sours, tequila coolers and espresso-hazelnut riffs. Exposed tanks, warm lighting, album art and communal seating tie the space together, striking a balance between industrial brewery and vinyl lounge.
Bar Sama
Tucked into the quiet lanes of Ulsoor, Bar Sama brings a serene, art-deco charm to Bengaluru with glass panels, leafy surrounds and just 50 seats, giving it a composed, intimate feel. The menu leans into Thai-inspired small plates—like soft-shell crab dressed in mango and tempura—designed to pair seamlessly with a cocktail programme crafted in collaboration with Singapore’s Cat Bite Club. The result is a space where clean flavours, thoughtful drinks and understated elegance come together effortlessly.
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