Staying cooped up indoors and sinking your teeth into comfort food—piping hot samosas or bun maska—might seem like a great idea in this weather. But, it’s also that time of the year when restaurants outfit seasonal menus with monsoon-esque delicacies that are hard to resist. Lucky for you, we’ve collated a list of culinary spots that are not only worth visiting this time of the year but also spanking new launches to ginger up your weekend and arouse your palate.
Circle Sixty Nine Is Open To All
Worli’s heritage Kathiawada City House opens its doors to non-members (unlike the rest of the postcard-worthy property that requires a membership) to access Circle Sixty Nine, its newly opened European-style galleria bistro. Nosh on plates like the 69-layered lasagne, charred eggplant brulee, and chilled mocktails from the menu that focusses on rustling up reimagined dishes, made from fresh produce. Reservations are a mandate, so plan in prior and treat your senses to a magical medley of art, food, and culture at this venue.
Reservations: +91 8169894240
Address: 69, Sir Pochkhanawala Rd, B Wing, Worli, Mumbai
The Bombay Canteen Rolls Out Its Annual Canteen Cocktail Menu
The refurbished bar at The Bombay Canteen has rolled out its 5th cocktail menu–Make Mine A Bombay, a customary annual practise that raises a toast to the unrivalled charm of Mumbai via bar offerings that strike the right balance between nostalgia and innovative cocktail-making techniques. With unconventional pairings, hand-crafted libations and house-made infusions, there’s an array of interesting options to choose from. Our picks include the Waiting List (an aromatic coconut fat-washed, back empty-handed Tequila-based cocktail); Paparazzi, (a glamorous combination of rhubarb and burrata); Rear View and Curb Side, (a deliciously fresh, citrus number) among a host of other signature specialities.
Reservations: +91 8880802424
Address: The Bombay Canteen, Unit-1, Process House, S.B. Road, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel, Mumbai
Plural Elevates Its Sunday Brunch Experience
Plural has revamped its lazy brekkie game by dropping a volley of new additions to its Sunday brunch menu. Some of the recommended dishes include Egg Congee, (a rice porridge and fried egg combo with a host of textures), Tempura Veggies, and The Omelette Banh Mi ( a fluffy omelette stuffed with an assortment of sauces). Finish up your meal with a concoction of your choice, as Plural has partnered with Diageo to rustle up cocktails made from Johnnie Walker Blonde.
Reservations: 098923 82740
Address: Plural, Jai Hind Building, Nanik Motwani Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai
Check Out Veronica’s New Breakfast Menu
There’s no stopping this buzzy joint. Veronica’s is still going at it—now luring patrons in with an all-new breakfast menu listing healthy and wholesome delicacies such as granola bowls, fillings-rich avocado sandwiches, buttery croissants and egg specialities. It’s often a full house here and getting a table is hard work, but we believe some hustles are worth it.
Reservations: 093729 81697
Address: Veronica’s Bombay,3R3G+JMX, Waroda Rd, Ranwar, Bandra West, Mumbai
Nappa Dori Launches Café Dori In Delhi
After a successful innings in Mumbai, Nappa Dori now opens its cafe-cum-decor store in Delhi’s Gurugram. Sample a wide selection of popular breakfast options like avocado toast, or better yet, the Harissa Cauliflower with a side of curated list of wines to savour on a lazy afternoon. The attractive combination of good food and inviting decor makes it a space you never want to leave. Contact: +91 8130273270
Address: Nappa Dori, Unit no. 2A, Ground Floor, Grand View High Street, Golf Course Ext Road, Sector 58, Gurgaon. Haryana
The Capital Gets A New ‘Bomba’-stic Haunt
Say hello to a spunky new culinary spot on MG Road in the capital—Bomba ( meaning “the bomb” or explosive in both Italian and Spanish). Known to serve up the best of both worlds, expect a wide mix of tapas, tacos, handcrafted pasta and artisanal pizzas on the menu at this cafe. Bonus points for the wintry ambience that makes it the perfect spot to chill and enjoy the peace and quiet with a cup of coffee by your side.
Reservations:+919911680101
Address: Bomba– Pizza and Taqueria Shop 21, Ground Floor, The Gallery On MG, Sultanpur, MG Road, New Delhi
New Japanese Place Alert: Taido In Gurugram
Calling all Pan-Asian foodies out there, Le Meridien’s newest Japanese culinary haunt Taido offers contemporary and traditional dishes from across the region. If fine dining is your mojo, this could be the place to visit for an indulgent Asian meal. Suggested dishes on the menu include dim sums, robata, and their meat platter. The bar menu offers up a bag of surprises, along the lines of offerings like the Full Moon cocktail amongst a sea of innovative libations.
Reservations:09990213311
Address: Le Meridien, Sector 26 M.G. Road, Gurgaon Delhi, Border, Gurugram, Haryana
Now, Just Be A Little Bit Sober In Kolkata
Housed on a sun-dappled spot in Calcutta’s bustling Chowringhee Road, Little Bit Sober is a cocktail bar that crafts cocktails, using a fusion of old-world charm and modern techniques. With interesting additions like Ghee Rice Old Fashion (a modern classic cocktail using Bengal’s indigenous ingredients like Jharna ghee, gobindobhog rice and gondhoraj), Nolen Coffee( classic espresso martini, where peanut butter washed vodka is paired with in-house cold brew), and Cucumber Jalapeno ( inspired by the classic Old Maid,) on the bars menu, there’s probably a good reason to be a little less sober here.
Address: Little Bit Sober, 2nd Floor, 60 Chowringhee Road, Kolkata
Say Qlay For An Authentic Mediterranean Fare In Goa
When basking in the sun on the shores of this sunny state, what could be better than a mug of chilled beer with a scrumptious Mediterranean platter of Dolmas, mezze, borek, Fattoush and Greek salad? Located in Assagao, widely known for its thriving F&B scene, Qlay is a distinctive Mediterranean spot with a progressive take on authentic Mediterranean cuisine, made using local ingredients and only fresh produce.
Reservations: 080555 00696
Address: Qlay, House no 345/1 Munang vado Assagao, Goa
Beanlore Coffee Roasters Is Now Open In Bengaluru
The weather in the ‘luru calls for multiple rounds of coffee. While WFH gets mundane at times, here’s your sign to drop by this new cafe that offers special brews, great grub and a comfortable space to work from. With free Wi-Fi, and designated pods, you have no excuse but to pack in a good day’s work. We won’t be surprised if you make this your daily go-to.
Address: Beanlore Coffee Roasters, 450, 17th Cross, Sector 4, HSR Layout, Bengaluru
Pilibhit House, Haridwar, Has A New Millets-Based Menu
Raising a toast to the International Year of Millets, The Pilibhit House’s new millet-based menu aims to tantalise your taste buds with speciality offerings like the Barnyard Millet & Basil Konjee with masala jawar crisp, Pahadi kafli with bhanjeer ki chutney and Raagi roti, Ligude or Kachnaar subzi (Guriyal ki subzi), and a well-balanced Churkani Dal (made of diverse types of beans, a flavourful Himalayan red rice idly and more). Maybe, eating healthy on a holiday can’t be a terrible idea in its entirety.
Reservations: +91 72170 25223 or +91 7217024116
Address: Pilibhit House, 38/1, Niranjani Akhara Marg, Sharvan Nath Nagar, Haridwar, Uttarakhand