Inja: Where India Meets Japan
Tucked away at The Manor hotel, Inja is more than a restaurant; it's a bold culinary statement. The name itself—a portmanteau of India and Japan—perfectly captures its ambitious fusion concept. Helmed by celebrated Chef Adwait Anke, the menu is a masterclass
in balance, pairing Japanese precision with the robust, complex flavors of Indian spices. Think Goan pork with Udon noodles or Khari, a flaky Indian puff pastry, served with a side of yuzu kosho cream. The ambiance is minimalist and elegant, letting the food take center stage. It’s the kind of place that generates buzz for a reason, representing a globally-minded Delhi that’s confident enough to deconstruct and reimagine its own culinary heritage alongside another.
Ceto: A Sip of the Mediterranean
In a city known for its powerful Mughlai flavors, a breezy, modern Mediterranean restaurant feels like a fresh sea breeze. Ceto, a recent addition to the tony neighborhood of Vasant Vihar, delivers just that. With its bright, airy interiors and a menu that champions coastal flavors, it's the perfect escape from the city's summer intensity. The focus is on high-quality ingredients and clean, vibrant tastes—think whipped feta with honey, perfectly grilled octopus, and delicate seafood pastas. But the real draw might be the cocktail program, which is as thoughtfully curated as the food. It's a spot that embodies a lighter, more international side of Delhi's dining scene, catering to a palate that craves both sophistication and simplicity.
Pincode: Celebrity Chef, Neighborhood Feel
Celebrity chef Kunal Kapur, a familiar face to fans of cooking shows, brings his expertise back to his roots with Pincode. Located in the Civil Lines neighborhood, this isn't about inaccessible fine dining. Instead, Kapur elevates the street food and regional dishes he grew up with, serving them in a space that feels both modern and nostalgic. The menu reads like a love letter to the diversity of Indian cuisine, from pressure-cooked mutton curry that tastes like a family secret to chaat that pops with unexpected textures and flavors. Pincode’s success lies in its ability to feel both special and deeply comforting, making it the kind of new-school neighborhood joint that quickly becomes an old favorite.
Glass: Cocktails in a Crystal Palace
Sometimes the mood isn't about a full meal, but the perfect drink in the perfect setting. Glass, a stunning new cocktail bar in the Ambawatta One complex overlooking the Qutub Minar, is designed for exactly that moment. As the name suggests, the space is a striking glasshouse structure, creating an immersive, almost magical experience, especially as dusk settles. The bar program is inventive and playful, featuring classic cocktails with Indian twists and signature creations that use local botanicals and spices. It represents Delhi’s growing obsession with experience-driven nightlife, where the ambiance, the view, and the drink itself are all part of a single, curated story. It’s the city’s new go-to for a glamorous night out.
