From Mumbai’s ambitious, sound-inspired Pan-Asian sanctuaries to the secret speakeasies of New Delhi and the artisanal pizza workshops of Bengaluru, here are the essential coordinates for your May social
calendar.
Gong, Mumbai
Specialty Restaurants Limited brings its progressive Pan-Asian vision to Bandra with Gong. Designed by Sumessh Menon, the space is an architectural translation of sound, moving from brass-toned lobbies to fluid, organic dining zones. Chef Sahil Singh’s menu is equally rhythmic, featuring one of the city’s most ambitious sushi programs—the Aburi Toro Nigiri and Scallop Dynamite Roll are already essential orders.
Nadoo, Delhi
Restaurateur Sahil Sambhi and Chef Sri Bala are eschewing the cliché “South Indian” tropes for something far more refined. Nadoo is a deep dive into the royal kitchens and coastal hamlets of the South. Expect Chettinad Raan layered with complex masalas and Donne Biryani that pays homage to ancestral recipes. Don’t miss the live-mixed Hot Stone Rice Pots or the playful reinterpretations at the dedicated Kaapi Bar.
Mokai, Mumbai
Mokai has migrated to a more expansive, split-level home that bridges the gap between a high-octane espresso bar and a tranquil wellness retreat. While the ground floor buzzes with the alchemy of manual pour-overs, the upper level houses a “wellness matcha bar” where one can sip a collagen-infused latte under the restorative glow of red light therapy. To order? Simply pick up the retro telephones bedside. The menu remains a clever Asian-inflected romp: think Gochugaru fermented honey French toast and Laksa chilli wontons.
Alba / Pasta Bar, Mumbai
For those seeking the rusticity of a Roman trattoria, Alba offers a cozy, green-hued sanctuary. Watch through the open kitchen as handmade Agnolotti with fresh truffle and Four-cheese Tortellini are tossed to perfection. It is unpretentious, intimate, and precisely what a neighborhood haunt should be.
Alta Stella, Mumbai
Andheri’s skyline welcomes a celestial newcomer. Alta Stella is a sprawling, 250-seater rooftop inspired by the zodiac. While the interiors sparkle with sculptural lighting, the kitchen serves grounded comfort: Podi butter prawns and Malabari fish tacos. Order from the “twelve signatures” cocktail list—each a liquid tribute to a different star sign.
Comorin x Moët Hennessy Pop Up
On the evening of May 8th, Comorin Mumbai transforms into a laboratory of high-proof storytelling. Khushnaz Raghina of Moët Hennessy India takes over the bar, shaking up spirit-forward curiosities like the Hot & Dirty Mango Tini (Belvedere and jalapeño) and the smoky, tropical Peaty Paradox. It’s a masterclass in mixology for the discerning imbiber.
Drift Sunday Picnic Brunch At The Orangery, Mumbai
The Orangery at Nilaya Anthology introduces the ‘Drift Sunday Picnic Brunch’—a leisurely, sun-dappled affair that feels delightfully removed from Mumbai’s kinetic energy. Seated at communal tables amidst lush greens, guests can indulge in Linguini alla Nerano and Pulled Jamaican Jerk Chicken Tacos. It is bohemian luxury at its most unhurried.
Top Banana, Delhi
GK II’s speakeasy scene has a new protagonist. Top Banana is an unpretentious, vinyl-forward bar designed to feel like a chic friend’s living room. Chef Tarannum Sehgal’s Euro-Japanese plates—try the Crispy Octopus or Gougere Soufflé—pair beautifully with CounterTop’s beverage program. The Breakfast Theory (Campari and coffee-infused vodka) is the ultimate day-to-night transition.
Rumour, Delhi
Sussanne Khan’s The Charcoal Project has lent its signature “New York loft” aesthetic to Rumour. This discreet lounge is tailored for post-work wine-based cocktails and sophisticated bites like Togarashi salmon pate and Hot honey brie crisps. It’s the city’s best-kept secret, at least for now.
Bartender’s Bunker, Goa
Tucked upstairs at The Second House is a five-seater cocktail room that defies the traditional menu format. There is no list; only a conversation with the mixologist amidst walls lined with house-made cordials and bitters. It is intimate, experimental, and purely artisanal.
Lisa’s Lanka, Mumbai
Chef Lisa Sadanah and Kishore DF have brought the vibrant, punchy spirit of Sri Lanka to life. With tropical accents and memorabilia, the space feels like a coastal escape. Dive into the Kottu, the Banana Flower Salad, and cocktails that put a spotlight on the island’s beloved Arrack.
