Mumbai's Bold Flavours
Mumbai's dining scene welcomes new experiences focused on intentionality and connection. Raasta in Khar elevates the bar experience, centering its concept
around rum and Afro-Caribbean influences, mirroring the kitchen's spice-forward dishes. The cocktail program emphasizes slow enjoyment with smoother profiles and dessert-inspired notes, creating a vibrant atmosphere for relaxed weekends. Meanwhile, Lygon St. offers a tranquil Italian street food ambiance inspired by Melbourne, seating 38 guests and focusing on wine-led dining with table-side sommelier guidance, fresh pastas, and shareable plates designed for unhurried enjoyment. Pomodoro, a beloved Italian eatery, has expanded significantly to accommodate its growing community, maintaining its commitment to quality ingredients and natural hospitality while introducing a dedicated barista counter. August Cafe in Andheri, reimagined by siblings Ruhi and Daksh Gupta, provides a welcoming 60-seater space designed for everyday rituals, blending comfort with a calm, sunlit aesthetic featuring an integrated barista station that encourages shared coffee experiences.
Bengaluru's Cocktail Lab
Bengaluru's nightlife is being redefined by 403 Forbidden, a venue that champions a more deliberate and immersive cocktail experience. Inspired by its name, it encourages guests to disconnect from digital distractions and engage in a 'theatre of cocktails.' A unique offering is the personalized cocktail ritual, where drinks are custom-crafted based on guest input, translating individual memories and emotions into liquid form, guided by intuitive technology and expert mixologists. This establishment operates as a cocktail laboratory, blending scientific approaches with sustainability and narrative storytelling. The accompanying minimal kitchen offers around 20 small plates designed to complement the bar's dynamic, including items like garlic salt nuts, avocado-coconut ceviche, Nikkei lamb chops, and a Miso Basque Cheesecake for dessert.
Kolkata's Festive & Fiery
Kolkata's culinary landscape is enhanced by two distinctive new establishments. La Macario Café introduces its charming Winter Menu, featuring comforting dishes like Corn Chowder Soup with chili oil, a Wine-Soaked Strawberry & Burrata Salad, and the hearty Bhutanese Ema Datshi served with steamed buns. Pasta lovers can enjoy Broccoli Gnocchi in Arrabiata Sauce, and a Festive Christmas Pesto Pizza adds a seasonal touch. Beverage highlights include Matcha Caramel Latte, Hazelnut Praline Hot Chocolate, and Tiramisu Hot Chocolate, alongside a Belgium Strawberry Chocolate Cake and a DIY Christmas Cookie Tree for a festive, interactive dessert. In a different culinary vein, Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences unveils The Ministry of Kebabs (MOK)'s reimagined menu, a celebration of fire-led flavors and Indian kebab artistry. MOK's new offerings delve into regional specialties with dishes like vegetarian Shahi Palak Chilgoza Tikki, fiery Guntur Mirchi Tandoori Paneer, and Bharwan Dhingri. Non-vegetarian options include Dhaniya aur Pudina ke Seekh, Rajwada Kalmi Tandoor, and Kundapuri Byadgi Prawns. The menu extends to slow-cooked mains such as Subah-e-Awadh Nihari and Subz Korma Awadhi, with comforting Dal MOK and diverse biryanis like Kolkata Style Chicken Biryani. The experience concludes with traditional desserts like Phirni and Kulfi, emphasizing a craft-driven, culturally rich dining journey.
