The F&B industry is on a roll! Every month, we are introduced to a bunch of new restaurants so much so that we’re spoilt for choice. Whether you want to enjoy a pan Asian dining feast, indulge in Mediterranean food from the comfort of your home, or overdose on some Neapolitan gourmet pizzas, bookmark this list of 13 new restaurants we’re heading to and delivery kitchens we’re ordering from this July.
1. Akina, Bandra West (Mumbai)
There’s been a sudden increase in Japanese restaurants in India in the last one year. But we aren’t complaining; the more the merrier! Akina is the latest in town but what sets it apart is that it brings the ancient Japanese cooking method called ‘warayaki’ or straw roasted cooking to its dishes. It uses straw at very high temperatures to cook fish and meat which retains the succulent texture and smokey flavour. It doesn’t stop there though. The restaurant goes a step further and brings its own version of tacos. Corn tortillas are substituted with deep-fried nori as the shell. So sit back, relax and binge on some lovely Japanese tapas with cocktails in the luxurious red, black and gold interiors of Akina.
2. Saffron, JW Marriott Juhu (Mumbai)
Named after India’s precious spice, Saffron celebrates Indian cuisine with reimagined flavours in a fine dining setup inspired by the jewelled shades of the peacock. Indulge in a playful yet luxurious flavour fest at the new restaurant. The watermelon and guac chaat is a refreshing start to your meal. You can also try Saffron’s take on the Pani puri, which is served with the usual chilli coriander water and sweet tamarind water but also pineapple water, and that made this dish shine. Head into the lavish mains like dhungar Smoked Buttermilk Lamb, chargrilled Gondhoraj Tandoori Prawns, stir-fried Uttaranchal Saag or velvety Lobster Moilee (which is highly recommended). End your meal on a sweet note with Berry & Brioche Tukda (Saffron’s take on the Shahi Tukda) or 64% Cocoa Mousse (almond, sea salt and berries bar).
3. Mediterranea, Lower Parel (Mumbai)
Beetroot and pumpkin falafels, Greek salad, cold mezze and kebaps–does the mere sound of these dishes have your taste buds to tingling? Then order in from Mediterranea – the new delivery kitchen that brings delicious Mediterranean meals to your doorstep. The Mouhamara and Istanbul Kebap are must-tries. And don’t forget to taste the mouth-melting desserts Pistachio Baklava Cheesecake, Turkish Coffee & Dark Chocolate Mousse, among others.
4. Juliette, Andheri West (Mumbai)
There’s a new spot in town serving European cuisine with a modern twist. Say hello to Juliette. Whether you want to go on a dinner date with your beau or spend quality time with your family over a relaxed weekend, Juliette’s chic, cosy and Instagrammable interiors will provide the right ambience for you. And while you soak in these warm vibes, binge on the hearty meals and refreshing cocktails. We recommend choosing the House rub marinated grilled prawns and Zaatar spice kebabs from the appetisers. You can also choose from their sourdough pizzas or the housemade pasta (the Prawn Cappellini is a must-try). From the mains, Juliette’s Roast Chicken and Cajun Crusted Sea Bass are good picks. And you can satisfy your sweet tooth with the Magma Tart.
5. Toast Pasta Bar, Lower Parel (Mumbai)
Can’t head to Italy any time soon? Just head to Toast Pasta Bar to relish the lip-smackingly good pasta and Italian cuisine. Spearheaded by chef Devika Manjrekar, Toast Pasta Bar is her dream project and is run by an almost all-women team. Dig into plates of spinach & goats cheese risotto, creamy ricotta with the chipotle, pappardelle in a stew of tender six-hour braised oxtail, croquettes, gnocchi pasta, spaghetti with crabs, crispy coccoli, gnocco fritto, and a lot more. And you can’t leave without trying the Vanilla Bean & Rosemary Panna Cotta with mulberries and shortbread. You wouldn’t wanna miss it jiggle jiggle, and not fold.
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6. iHop, Lower Parel (Mumbai)
Experience a slice of American cuisine as iHop sets foot in the city. You must head there for their famous Buttermilk Pancakes and other variety of combos for breakfast. The outlet also serves scrumptious burgers, burritos, milkshakes, and more for dine-in, takeout, and delivery. What’s not to love?
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7. OD Pizza, Fort (Mumbai)
Although the full form of OD Pizza is One Degree Pizza, the pizza offered here is so good that you don’t mind ODing on it. Known for its authentic Neapolitan-style gourmet pizzas, OD Pizza is here to satisfy your last-minute cravings. Their in-house dough is kneaded and stretched by hand, rested for about 8-48 hours, and baked perfectly for that delicious first bite. The delivery joint uses top-notch OO flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh buffalo mozzarella to bring you that authentic Neapolitan experience. Some of the crowd-favourites from OD include the good ole’ Margarita, OD Special pizza with generous toppings of Spinach, Mushrooms, Parmesan and Mozzarella, Marinara, Fiama, Burratin or Quattro Formaggi. But the Truffle Burrata Pizza is the real deal–I mean, who wouldn’t want more cheese on their pizza?
8. Madras Mail, Bandra West (Mumbai)
Savour authentic Tamilian cuisine at the new Madras Mail. Curated by the makers of The Tanjore Tiffin Room, Madras Mail offers tasty Tamil street food. Think flaky and flavourful Parota Rolls, a wide range of Kothu Parottas (Shredded partitas tossed in different gravies, spices and proteins) and Paniyarams (savoury, spiced dumplings made with different fillings inside them). The menu also features Madurai Bun Sliders made of mini milk burger buns made with a patty of delicious Tamilian flavours. Fun fact: sliders stem from the bylanes of old Madras and have evolved greatly since then. The Raw Banana and Green Peas Slider and the Kadai Fried Prawn Slider are must-tries. Pair your meal with refreshing beverages like Iced Filter Coffee (a take on the classic staple, filter coffee or a lemon drink, Lemon Barley.
9. Eight, Lower Parel (Mumbai)
Taking Pan-Asian cuisine to new heights, Eight launches as the first East & Oriental restaurant at Phoenix Mills’ World of Craft. What the menu offers? Authentic delicacies from Canton, Hongkong, Taiwan, Malaysia and Japan as well as some signatures from forgotten regions of China. But the highlight of Eight is its Sushi Bar which allows you to dine by the counter while watching the chefs handroll the sushi in front of you. Eggplant in Tobanjan sauce, Smoked duck with spicy black bean, the signature Cantonese pork belly and Soft Shell Crab are some of the off-beat appetisers you must try. But if classics are your holy grail, then choose from the extensive menu offering 20 varieties of dim sums, a tempura section, and an assortment of comforting woks and ramen. The team highly recommends tasting the steaming hot bowl of Seafood spiced fried rice or its signature curries – Thai, Malaysian and 8 Spices which are all made from scratch entirely by house-made sauces.
10. Paper & Pie, Indiranagar (Bengaluru)
If you’re still leading the WFH lifestyle and need a change of environment, head to this elegant new cafe that comes with podcast rooms where creative minds can bring their best, conference rooms for holding meetings, workstations and community tables for you to work in peace. The best thing to accompany you here is the indulgent menu with breakfast if you kick in the day early as well as dinner to keep your mind energised and running up until the night. Take your pick from omelette, akuri on toast, classic pancakes, blueberry smoothie, soup, chicken caesar salad, bagels, almond croissant, cookies, japanese cheese cake, burgers, steaks, pizzas, small plates and chef specials which include tabbouleh salad, roasted chicken, seared sea bass and pulled lamb burger. And if caffeine is your answer to keeping those concentration levels intact, choose from the hot and cold brews here.
11. Autumn Leaf Bistro, Assagao (Goa)
Heading to Goa anytime soon? Then you must add this new bistro to your itinerary. Whether you want to enjoy a decadent meal with stunning views of paddy fields or watch the sun go down on your romantic dinner date by the pool area, Autumn Leaf Bistro is created with comfort and relaxation in mind. The culinary offerings include a range of cuisines including Indian, Tandoori, and Indo-Chinese. Telangana’s favourite drink companion, Chicken Majestic, Loaded Chicken Nachos, and Paneer Tikka are a few of the key appetisers. Mutton biryani, spaghetti with lamb bolognese, Lamb Shank, Green Thai Curry and mushroom bruschetta are crowd favourites. Pair your meal with drinks like Spiked Maple Whiskey, Gin Basil Smash, and Goa On My Mind.
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12. The Konkan Cafe, Cuff Parade (Mumbai)
After shutting down in the pandemic, The Konkan Cafe is back in a new avatar. With its refreshing new look inspired by the traditional Nalukettu homes of Kerala and authentic South-west coastal flair and flavour of food, The Konkan Cafe is set to teleport you to the Konkan coast. Another exciting addition is the Konkan Cafe Bar where you can sip on spirited Konkani cocktails. At The Konkan Cafe, the food – sol kadi, fried crisps, thalis and Malabari stew – still tastes the way it first did,” says Executive Chef Uddipan Chakravarthy.
13. Bombay Club, Dhan Mill Compound (New Delhi)
Get the feel of high-street Bombay in New Delhi as the capital brings you the all-new Bombay Club. The minimal decor features white-coloured interiors, vintage photographs, antique pieces, cane furniture and tall windows that allow daylight to seep through–which makes the space exude warm and welcoming vibes. The food menu is as attractive as its ambience. Besides authentic Mumbai treats, you also get to taste delicious Goan, Parsi, Mangalorean and Anglo-Indian cuisines. Must-try dishes include Frankies, Kheema Pao, Bombay Fish And Chips, Signature Bombay Raspberry Soda And Kokum Cooler.
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Missed ELLE’s list of new restaurants and menus from last month? Check it out here.
