For Modern Indian Reinvention: Comorin
If you think of Indian food as just heavy curries and naan, Comorin is here to change your mind. Located in Gurugram, a business hub that’s part of the wider Delhi metro area, this spot from the masterminds behind the iconic Indian Accent is a masterclass
in culinary creativity. The vibe is part-market, part-restaurant, with a chic industrial design. The menu is where the magic happens, transforming comforting, regional Indian dishes into inventive small plates perfect for sharing. Think of dishes like the green chili prawns, which arrive sizzling and savory, or the Cheeni Malai Toast, a sweet, creamy, and utterly addictive dessert. It's the kind of place you go with friends to order half the menu, discovering new flavors with every bite. The food is sophisticated without being stuffy, making it the perfect start to a fun weekend.
For World-Class Cocktails: Sidecar
In a city quickly becoming a global cocktail capital, Sidecar stands tall. Consistently ranked among Asia's and the World's 50 Best Bars, this is no mere watering hole; it’s a temple to the art of the mixed drink. The downstairs has a casual, post-work buzz, while the upstairs is a moodier, library-style den perfect for settling in for the evening. The cocktail menu is a book of stories, thoughtfully divided into originals and loving tributes to the classics. The bar's namesake, the Sidecar, is obviously a must-try, aged in-house for a smooth, complex flavor. But don't sleep on their more experimental creations, which often incorporate local Indian ingredients like gundu chili and Himalayan salt. It’s the Delhi equivalent of finding a truly exceptional speakeasy in New York or London—a place that takes its craft seriously but never forgets that its main job is to show you a good time.
For a Timeless Mediterranean Escape: Olive Bar & Kitchen
For over two decades, Olive Bar & Kitchen has been Delhi’s go-to for a romantic dinner or a lazy Sunday brunch. Stepping into its white-pebbled courtyard is like being transported from the city's hustle to a serene Mediterranean villa. Tucked away in the shadow of the Qutub Minar, the ambiance is the main draw—a sprawling banyan tree, candlelit tables, and a breezy, open-air feel. But the food is far from an afterthought. The menu is a comforting and elegant take on European classics, from wood-fired pizzas to delicate pastas and perfectly grilled fish. It’s the kind of place that feels both special and effortless. In June, an evening table under the stars here is one of the city's most coveted reservations, offering a dose of old-world charm that never goes out of style.
For Dinner with a Side of History: Haveli Dharampura
Dining in a restored 19th-century mansion in the heart of Old Delhi? Yes, please. Haveli Dharampura offers an experience that’s as much about culture as it is about cuisine. After a painstaking restoration, this beautiful haveli now houses a boutique hotel and a stunning rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the Jama Masjid and the chaotic, charming streets of Chandni Chowk below. The menu is a refined take on Mughal-era cuisine—the food that has defined this part of the city for centuries. You'll find elevated versions of kebabs, rich kormas, and fragrant biryanis. A weekend dinner here often comes with a live classical music or dance performance, making it a full-sensory immersion into the heritage of Old Delhi. It’s a perfect contrast to the city's modern hotspots, proving that in Delhi, the past is always part of the present.
