There’s an evident nip in the air and albeit, the New Year is in full swing, the hazy holiday spirit continues to lure us. On that note, it’s only fair you soak up the good vibes and usher in new tidings by indulging in a volley of new dining options across the country, and also, at old ones with new menus and offerings. Doesn’t matter where you’re cooped up — be it Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru or Goa, this trusty guide should have you covered. 

Mumbai 

Feast On A Culinary Love Child

Drawing inspiration from the global travels of founder Anushka Pathak and chef Akash Deshpande, this newly-launched spot in Bandra, Nava serves ingredient-driven, zero-waste food. Binge on plates like kokum prawns that come with fresh tiger prawns cooked in the subtle flavours of kokum and coconut sauce, served with pickled prawns and house-made prawn crackers; lamb tacos made with 8-hour cooked lamb; and slow-cooked pork belly among several other options. Recommended picks for the mains are celeriac steak — it comes with red wine reduction and lemongrass velouté — crab cakes; and jackfruit pie,a delectable combination of five-hour cooked and pulled jackfruit in a red wine reduction. End the meal with a dessert menu that boasts of interesting options like the edible Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night’made from jasmine custard and passionfruit jelly and tadgola. 

Where: 2nd floor, Suburbia Building, Swami Vivekananda Road, Bandra West. 
Timings: Monday to Sunday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm | 7:00 pm – 1:30 am 

Call: 091375 88440 

Tick Tock, It’s Gin O’Clock 

India’s celebrated drinks festival, The Gin Explorer’s Club is back in Mumbai this weekend. This marks the second edition of the festival and there’s so much to look forward to and sin… sorry we mean gin! If you don’t have any plants as yet, we’d suggest dropping by to get a taste of some of the most exciting international and homegrown gins and a range of cocktails, while you groove to exciting music acts and immerse in different experiences and food. 

Where: Jio Garden, BKC 
Timings: 12 pm to 10 pm (January 7 and 8) 
 

Tuck Into A Delightful Asian Fare

It’s time to welcome the first weekend of 2023 with a hearty lunch, paired with better drinks and good company.  So, what better way than to do it in style with KOKO’s lavish brunch that comes with signature drinks, food, music and festive décor, to boot? Tuck into delicious Asian delicacies such as hot and steaming dim sums, freshly hand-rolled sushi, noodles and wontons from the live bar and more. 

Where:  C Wing, Trade World, Kamala Mills Compound, Ground Floor, Lower Parel.  
Timings: 12 pm to 1 am 

Call: 077159 63030 
 

Delhi 

Get A Taste Of Desi-Styled Tapas In The Misty Capital

There’s a freshly minted spot in South Delhi’s GK — The Amaltas Indian Tapas and Bar that promises to serve a refreshing take on modern Indian food,. Helmed by chef Udit Maheshwari, the elegant dining space offers a multitude of desi vegetarian and non-vegetarian). Highlights include specials like Kachampuli chicken wings, an Indian take on barbecued wings; kutt kofta, made with plant-based meat; sweetcorn momos with lebu broth inspired by Kolkata’s momos and soup;, Bandel cheese seekh kebab and Mangalorean cauliflower roast. For desserts, treat yourself to specialities like Kalimpong cheese tart and jalebi chaat.  

Where: M25, First Floor, GK2, M Block Market (Above Nik Bakers) 
Timings: 12 pm -11 am 

Call: +91 8595324189 

It’s Time To Weekend Well Via With A Scrumptious Winter Menu

The weather might be chilly, we agree. But, there’s no better time than now to soak up the crisp and breezy winter air at a rooftop terrace. At Delhi’s Fig&Maple, you can do that while digging into an expansive winter spread featuring a mix of European dishes, local staples and cocktails. If you’re in the mood for comfort fare this weekend, pick from classics like the spinach-basil and chicken risotto, a heart-warming bowl of thukpa or  fluffy paniyarams . .  

Where:  M-27, E Block Rd, Block M, Greater Kailash II, Greater Kailash, New Delhi, 110048 
Timings:11.30 am to 4 pm, 6:30 pm to12 am (Monday to Friday), 11:30 am to 12:30 am (Saturday and Sunday) 

Call:  099711 74576 
 

Up For Flavorsome Authentic Spanish Cuisine?

While visiting Spain might not be an immediate plan, how about getting a slice of the European country right here in Dilli? Sevilla’s opulent yet idyllic indoor and outdoor setting continues to draw patrons by the hordes. And this weekend is a great time to indulge in their classic paella, tapas, ravioli misti di mare and a Sevilla special: the seafood medley. 

Where:  12, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road, Tees January Road Area, Motilal Nehru Marg Area. 
Timings: 7 pm to 11 pm 

Call: 09871294834 
 

Bengaluru 

Chug Away At A Chocolate- Cum- Coffee Bar

Inspired by the holiday season, co-founder Ashish D’abero has whipped up different iterations of chocolate coffee to bring you that perfect melange of flavours in each beverage. Highlights on the new menu are the Candy Cane, a blend of espresso, peppermint, chocolate, cacao nibs, and cream; Happy Holidays, (an iced drink made of drinking chocolate, cold brew coffee, and Christmas fruit; and the crowd-puller: Full of Beans, which features naturally processed coffee  in espresso form, paired with a dark zesty orange chocolate barnd served with cream. 

Where: Maverick and Farmer, located at South United FC, Ulsoor  
Timings: 8:30 am to 10:30 pm. On till January 31, 2023  

Call: 9845067233 
 

Begin The New Year With A Brand New Menu

HRC loyalist or not, the all-new menu at this pub features 26 new dishes and is worth checking out. The delectable line-up of new offerings includes options such as, Cuban sliders, char-grilled quesadilla, mezze platter, prawns Koliwada, Maharashtrian chicken sukha, chingari murg tangdi, surf and turf burger, Asian noodle bowl and grilled Norwegian salmon. 

Where:  Hard Rock Cafe Whitefield 
Timings: 12 pm to 12 am 

Call: 080 6122 4722 
 

Goa

‘Tis The Season For Tapas

MAAI is Goa is a 125-year-old villa turned into a diner that specialises in Portuguese-inspired dishes, which are perfect for a lazy brunch on a weekend. Their latest menu pays homage to tapas, but they come with the added twist of locally sourced spices and ingredients. Expect surprises and classicss, and pick from  favourites like the MAAI burger, crispy skin sea bass, slow-baked cottage cheese, the MAAI chorizo lasagna, porcini mushroom risotto and the chef-special: seafood paella.  

Where: H.No 491, Bouta Waddo, Assagao, Goa 403507 
Timings: 12:00 pm - 1:30 am 

Call:  096997 72306 

For The Love Of Asian Food

Frequent visitors of the sunny state are well-acquainted with Yazu’s exquisite contemporary dining experience — a roomy restaurant with multiple seating options including, beach beds, set against the backdrop of relaxing sunsets. The Candolim-based eatery has a new menu crafted by head chef Vadim that features note-worthy additions like the poke bowl, which comes in 4 different varieties, alongside pan-Asian delicacies such as the ramen noodle, chocolate souffle, dimsums, baos, dumplings, and sushi platters.  

Where: Marquis Beach Resort Dando, Dando, Candolim, Goa 403515 
Timings:  6 pm onwards 

Call:  074477 09661