As the scorching heat calls for a refreshing drink or two, what better way to spend the weekend than by tucking into a satisfying fare while you’re sipping those work and sultry-weather woes away? Lucky for you, we’re back with our curated list of must-visit spots across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Goa for the best grub and glugs. Whether you’re in the mood to indulge in a gastronomical feast all by yourself or with a plus one, one thing is certain: these reccos won’t disappoint.
Drop By The Wolf, Delhi For A Drink Or Two
Cocktail lovers in the capital are in for a treat. The Wolf Delhi— a cocktail lab— is the city’s latest addition that serves up innovative offerings by bartender Giuseppe Stasi, who’s flown all the way from Barcelona with a bagful of secrets to rustle up your preferred choice of concoction. Be it a Tiramisu cocktail or a special find from Lebanon, there’s something for everyone on the menu.
Where: The Wolf, Rooftop at PVR Priya, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi
Timings: Monday to Friday: 12 pm to 1:00 am | Saturday to Sunday: 12:00 pm to 1:00 am
Call: 9319828999
Say Hello To Harp — Delhi’s Newest Speakeasy Bar
What’s a weekend even without dropping by to a fun spot with your pals for a drink, when the sun sets? If you’ve been looking up for cool speakeasy bars to visit this weekend, or the next, we have you covered: Harp, a theatrical speakeasy bar offers a unique experience of handcrafted cocktails, captivating energy, and outstanding live performances on stage. The vision behind the decor is to transport guests to the vintage era of the 1920s, as you relish a feel-good drink of your choice.
Where: Harp, Maruchi, Sri Aurobindo Marg, behind Qutub Golf Course, Kutub Golf Course, Lado Sarai, New Delhi.
The speakeasy bar launches on May 28.
Chef Tarun Sibal Launches KHI KHI In The Capital
Aiming to bring forth an innovative spin to Delhi’s bar culture, KHI KHI is a newly launched resto-bar that serves up contemporary cocktails with a fun streak. The bar menu comprises a volley of cheeky beverages and Indian plates that mirror co-founder and award-winning chef Tarun Sibal’s playful interpretations of his old and new favorites on his home turf. Suggested beverages on the bar menu are The Cinema Highball (a tribute to the location of KHI KHI featuring Tennessee whisky, which is butter washed and popcorn infused topped with cola), The fair-trade paloma (a hyper-local and super sustainable with Indian citrus, ginger, and kokum salt), The good looking spritz ( watermelon shrub guarantees an instant rise in engagement and followers) and many more.
Where:KHI KHI, F-02, first floor, 61, Basant Lok Market, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi (above PVR Priya)
Timings: 1 pm to 1 am
Call: +919810608173
Swan Has A New Spring-Summer Menu
This breezy restaurant— offering idyllic views of the monumental marvel, Qutub Minar— makes for an ideal date night spot in South Delhi’s Mehrauli. The highlights on the sping-summer menu are Pappardelle alla napoletana con polpette and Charred asparagus burrata salad, among several others. To pair with the dishes, the new cocktail menu invites a mix of Japanese tradition made using modern techniques, designed by Engji, the head mixologist from London.
Where: Swan Delhi, 1st Floor, Kharsra No 1501, Kalka Das Marg, Ward Number 1, Mehrauli, New Delhi
Timings: 12 pm to 1 am
Call: 081309 22899
Akina Rolls Out An Izakaya Menu
Akina’s ‘Izakaya social club’ has been making some noise in Mumbai’s pulsating food scene and for all the good reasons. Nosh on plates like Baked potato or fried potato terrine, Pumpkin & cheese okonomiyaki, and Prawn toast okonomiyaki. The menu also features gyoza & skewers, including tofu, mushroom & kimchi dumplings, Chicken & shiitake gyoza, and the Asparagus skewer and Tokyo wing yakitori. End things on a sweet note with desserts like Miso cappuccino or Coconut chawanmushi.
Where: Akina, Golden Palace, Turner Rd, opposite Mala Sinha Bunglow, Bandra West, Mumbai
Timings: Every Tuesday, 7:30 pm onwards
Call: +91 8976452911 / +91 8976452899
Mumbai Opens Doors To Jhelum
With the menu and interiors inspired by the Northern states of India and the river in the northern Indian subcontinent, Jhelum is a fine-dining culinary spot that exudes a contemporary GenZ-esq vibe and is yet rooted in tradition as far as its gastronomical offerings are concerned. Choose from their signature specialties such as Bhatinda machli tikka, BakarKhani, dal makhni, Galouti kebab, and the likes. And, soak up the cosy vibe as you tuck into the rich Indian delicacies.
Where: Jhelum, Pali Naka, Pali Hill, Mumbai
Timings: 12 pm to 3:30 pm| 7:30 pm to 3:30 am
Call: +91 8591408469
Nksha Is Now Open For Dinner
Indian food loyalists can now drop by and dig into Nksha’s signature comfort fare post-work hours, as the restaurant is now open for dinner. Rooted in the city’s colonial past, Nksha bears a historic vibe and yet fits in well as a trendy culinary hotspot in the bustling SoBo. While there’s an array of delicacies to choose from, the recommended dishes on the menu are Ambala chicken leg curry, Kacchi Mirch ka Paneer, and dal makhani. End your meal on a hearty note with desserts like Mirchi ka Halwa and Paan ice cream.
Where: Nksha, ADCB Rehmat Manzil, 1A/1B, Veer Nariman Rd, Churchgate, Mumbai
Timings: 7 pm to 12 am
Call: 9820475555
Thai Naam Launches A New Summer Menu
While Thai Naam needs no introduction, their freshly-minted summer menu definitely merits a spot on our list. The Summer Menu features a variety of specials, such as the Spicy chicken with chilli garlic, Fresh pomelo salad ( is a colorful combination of fresh pomelo, shrimp, and roasted coconut), Fresh coriander garlic (a rich and aromatic soup) among many others. Other must-haves include Thai yellow curry, Thai-style fried rice, and stir fried Bamee noodles. Order up a side of Jasmine ice tea to stay refreshed and hydrated all through.
Where: Thai Naam by Ananda, F-1, 1st Floor Bay 99 Campus, near JW Mariott Sahar, IA Project Road Chhatrapti Shivaji International Airport, Andheri, Mumbai
Timings: 12 pm to 3 pm, 7 pm to 11:30 pm
Call: 074173 00300
Nava Drops Its Seasonal Tasting Menu
Nava’s summer chef’s seasonal tasting menu pays an ode to flavours of Konkan and Malvan regions. The dishes on the menu scream decadence, and we’d suggest a few top picks: The Bombay Jewel ( Bombay Duck served with Triphala Beurre Blanc and Wood Apple Sand), Sukat (a typical Maharashtrian fried-shrimp side dish served with homemade cracker and sun-dried prawns). For vegetarians, Karvand & Goat Cheese happens to be a must-try, as the sweetness of crystallised Karvand is perfectly balanced with the tanginess of the homemade made goat cheese, among several other noteworthy options on the menu.
Where: Nava, 2nd Floor, Suburbia Building, SV Road, Near Shopper’s Stop, Near Linking Road, Bandra West, Mumbai
Timings: Monday to Sunday 11 am to 4 pm | 7 pm to 1:30 am
Call:+919137588440
Say Yes To Bubble Brunches!
How does the idea of brunching away in the midst of a refreshing effervescence of bubbles sound? If you’re like us, we’re sure you’d want to check-in right away. Curated by the Head Chef of PCO Edjose Fernandes, the bubble brunch menu is a Sunday special. Tuck into a variety of signature egg preparations, such as Croque Madame, Birds in a Basket, Monsieur Fungi, and more, as well as delicacies such as Belgian pork belly skewers, Dynamite water chestnut, Bacon wrapped prawn, and many others. The new menu also features a volley of cocktails such as Negroni, Sbagliato, berry and peach sangrias, and more.
Where: PCO, NRK House, next to Kamala Mills gate, 1, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai
Timings:12 pm onwards
Call: 9920055588
It’s A Mango Bonanza At Salt Water Cafe
There’s ‘aam’azing news for all mango lovers out there. Salt Water Cafe, nestled in Mumbai’s bustling Bandra. The ‘Mango Bonanza’ menu presents a delightful line-up of dishes that pay homage to the sweet, tangy, and utterly delicious fruit. Pick from specials like cheesecake with mango & passion fruit, fish with mango & curry leaf sauce, pork belly salad with mango salad, and mango pancakes with whipped salted caramel.
Where: Salt Water Cafe, Chapel Rd Rose Minar, 87 Annel, Church St, Bandra West, Mumbai
Timings: Open Monday to Sunday | All day dining
Call: 086575 31985
Amiel Gourmet Now Delivers Wholesome Breakfast Boxes
And on some Sundays, nothing compares to the joys of lazy Sunday brunches right? In keeping with a similar ideology, Amiel Gourmet a gourmet dining spot that specialises in French cuisine is delivering breakfast boxes.Curated by Chef Amiel Guerin, executive chef & founder, these boxes come in various options and include salads like Fruity greek and Quinoa & orange and other choices like Spinach and ricotta quiche, Tomato and mozzarella sandwich, Ratatouille & semolina, Chicken roulade, seared fish in saffron sauce, caramelized onion & goat cheese tartlet and delightful desserts such as Apple tart, lemon tart, Chocolate eclair and more. Available for takeaway or delivery, enjoy these thoughtfully curated meal boxes for breakfast or lunch.
Where: Amiel Gourmet, Sahakaranagar Outlet, Bengaluru
Call: 8884441259
Secret Story Adds Exciting Dishes To Its Menu
If you have made no plans yet, make one to Bengaluru’s popular cocktail hotspot aka Secret Story, a tropical-themed bar, which has recently rolled out a few new additions to its menu: Crumb fried fish, Mexican chicken burger and fries, and a whole new range of pancakes among many more. And did we forget to mention the pulsating DJ nights? Clearly not. So, drop by to shake a leg, and down some glugs.
Where: Secret Story, 968, 3rd & 4th Floor, 12th Main Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bengaluru
Timings: 12 pm to 1 am
Call: 70000 43549
Burma Burma Opens New Outlet In The ‘Luru
Foodies in the luru with an eye for Burmese cuisine are in for some good news: Burma Burma has opened its doors in the heart of Bengaluru’s shopping district— Brigade Road. Expect an array of new small plates menu with dishes like The crunchy shiitake fingers, Taro and tempeh pan-seared bao, and Soba noodles with Tea leaf resto, alongside mains such as Mandalay noodle bowl and Smoked chili rice bowl and plated desserts including Street-style Burmese falooda, Saffron and samuza cheesecake and a selection of artisanal ice creams including Pineapple energee, Dark chocolate & Olive oil, Avocado & honey, Honeycomb & sweetcorn, and Durian fruit.
Where: Burma Burma, Unit No.109, Forum Rex Walk, Brigade Road, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru
Timings: 12 pm to 3 pm, 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Call: +91 9920240092
Brunch Like A King At Sao
When all else fails, pack your bags and get on that road trip to the sunny shores of Goa. And, if that sounds like a wild pursuit, let your folks in and around Goa know about the scrumptious brunch that’s on offer at Sao by the Shore. The quaint cafe brings the flavours of summer to your plate. Recommended dishes on the menu are Dill tempura prawns served with Balchao sauce, pickled carrot, radish, and cucumber, and their signature tiger prawns served with toasted broccoli fresh fennel, and Green avocado goat cheese salad among many others.
Where: Sao By The Shore, Ashwem Beach, North Goa
Timings: 11 am to 11 pm
Call: +91 77968 41749
Cobbler&Crew Joins Forces With Moonshine Honey Project
Pune’s widely-loved cocktail bar Cobbler & Crew has collaborated with Moonshine Honey Project, on the occasion of World Bee Day. Patrons can now savour delectable cocktails at Cobbler & Crew made using ethically sourced honey from Moonshine Honey Project to enhance and elevate their cocktail flavors, incorporating it as a natural and delightful substitute for sugar syrup. The week-long partnership ends on May 20th, 2023.
Additional Dope
Smoke House Deli Launches A Range Of Sundaes
It’s always a good idea to sink your teeth into a decadent sundae, more so during the sweltering summers. So, satiate those dessert cravings with Smoke House Deli’s new sundae offerings in unique flavors like The Knickerbocker Glory, the Drunken sundae, the Affogato, and much more. Dig away, and don’t fret too much about the calories as you only live once.
Available across all outlets.
