The Hot List: India’s Most Exciting New Restaurant Openings in January 2026, You Can’t Miss

The Aubrey, Mumbai ; Baroak, Noida ; Sol 55, Bangalore

If 2026 has one resolution worth keeping, it’s this: dine out better. From theatrical cocktail bars in Bengaluru where distraction as denined, ( 403 Forbidden Bar) to "cocktail cinemas" in Mumbai and Himalayan-inspired hideouts in Delhi, the Indian F&B scene is kicking off 2026 with a bang. Whether you are a fan of soulful Indian comfort food or high-concept immersive art bars, here are the new restaurants you need to book in January 2026.

Bengaluru

403 Forbidden, Bangalore

In a city of craft breweries and rooftop lounges, 403 Forbidden arrives as a refreshing, high-concept "stealth" bar that plays on the digital error code for "Access Denied." But once you’re inside, the experience is anything but restrictive.

At this new bar tucked into Bengaluru’s Indiranagar, distractions are deliberately left at the door. Attention, presence, and conscious indulgence take centre stage. Designed as a theatrical experience rather than just a drinking destination, the space subtly weaves phrases and visual cues into its design—gentle reminders to slow down, look up, and truly be in the moment.

As you draw back the curtain and step inside, you’re met with a striking, double-height bar that immediately anchors the room. Behind it, the iconic 404 dinosaur is seamlessly embedded into the façade, ironically impossible to miss, yet great to photograph, quietly nudging you to put the screen away and enjoy what’s happening around you. The layout flows like a performance, connecting both levels and encouraging movement and interaction. The lighting is subtle and well thought out, guiding you where you go without ever feeling harsh or overwhelming.

The first-floor balcony offers an open, three-sided view of the bar below, making it a great spot to sit back and take it all in. The cocktail programme is deeply personal, drawing inspiration from the founders Aman Dua and Rachit Saboo’s own experiences and memories. Think of it as a cocktail laboratory, where drinks are treated as process-led compositions rather than fixed recipes. For those looking for something truly bespoke, there’s a by-request personalised cocktail ritual, where a guest’s personality, preferences, and mood are distilled into a one-of-a-kind drink. The menu reads like a playlist of emotions and moments—names such as Roller Coaster, On and On and On, and Life in a Metro.

The food menu follows the same thoughtful philosophy. Low-carb driven and flavour-forward. Bites take centre stage, with options like cheese edamame dimsum, juicy lamb chops, and perfectly torched salmon. Here, carbs take a back seat, letting bold flavours and good ingredients shine.

Sol 55, Bangalore

Found at 55, 5th Cross Road, KHB Colony, 5th Block, this neighborhood bar focuses on consistency over trends. Their regional thalis—Coastal, Maratha, and Goan—are designed to be enjoyed with a cold beer in a warm, familiar setting.  The cocktail programme leans crowd-pleasing yet clever: favourites include the Smoked Rosemary, a refreshing gin cocktail with cucumber and herbs; Berry I Need, a fruit-forward whiskey mix; and Wildside, a lively combination of gin, basil, elderflower, and pineapple. Adding a modern edge is the clarified cocktail menu, with standouts like the Filter Coffee Negroni and the Coconut Curry Colada—both inventive, yet effortlessly drinkable.

Suka, Bangalore

Bringing craft beer culture to West Bengaluru, Suka is located at 113, Outer Ring Road, Nagarbhavi. This large Brew & Kitchen is known for its wood-fired pizzas and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe that shifts into a lively nightlife spot as the day goes on. Inspired by Zanzibar, Suka is designed as a tropical escape within the city. With space for over 2,000 guests, it stands out as one of the area’s biggest hospitality openings.

True to its name—Suka means happiness in Kannada—the space features palms, water elements, earthy tones, and natural textures. Spread across 1.85 lakh square feet, it offers waterfalls, gazebos, and open zones for laid-back afternoons or festive evenings.

Delhi NCR

Nisaba, Sunder Nursery

After bidding goodbye to Indian Accent last year, Chef Manish Mehrotra is back with something deeply personal. Say hello to NISABA—his first-ever restaurant under MMCA—opening January 17, 2026, inside the stunning Sunder Nursery, Humayun’s Tomb complex.

The menu celebrates the "grain" in all its forms, offering elevated versions of regional street food.  Inspired by everyday Indian food—from homes, small towns, bylanes, street stalls and dhabas—NISABA is all about honest flavours, simple cooking and dishes that feel familiar yet fresh. Expect clean, well-balanced plates, thoughtful drinks, and a warm space that feels relaxed by day and cosy by night.

“At NISABA, we bring dishes from across India, some known only in their own bylanes and towns, and others more familiar. Much of my inspiration comes from the people who cook quietly and skilfully across India, the street vendors, dhabas, thelas and many more. We cook with care, minimise waste and work with producers we trust. Good food, done honestly,” said Chef Mehrotra.

LoCol By Subko, Lodhi Colony

Mumbai’s cult-favorite Subko Coffee Roasters has finally landed in Delhi, located at Lodhi Colony, New Delhi. Called LoCol — a nod to localisation and the creative fabric of the neighbourhood — the space brings all of Subko’s core verticals together under one thoughtfully designed roof. Set inside a heritage structure, the space blends exposed brick, bold posters, and a design language that feels like a true cultural bridge.

The menu stays reassuringly familiar — honey cappuccinos, gur flat whites, Vietnamese brews — with hits like the Espresso Croissant, Veggie Stack Sandwich, and that iconic Bacon & Caramelised Onion Grilled Cheese. The flaky croissants still win hearts, the 70% hot chocolate is pure indulgence, and Delhi gets a first taste of Subko’s matcha menu.

LoCol is built as a multi-sensory journey: quick brews at Jaldi!, retail discoveries at Dukaan, pod-to-bar craft chocolates in the Cacao Cellar, and a design-led dine-in experience that celebrates Delhi’s layered culture, history, and neighbourhoods. Upstairs, murals, a sunny outdoor corner, and the mezzanine Diwan-i-Khaas turn coffee into a community experience — think screenings, conversations, and slow afternoons overlooking the bakehouse below.

Barbet & Pals, GK2

Bartender-led bars are clearly having their moment in India, and Delhi has a new one to add to the list. Barbet & Pals has just opened in Greater Kailash II, at M-51, Ground Floor, M-Block Market, and it’s already drawing attention. Founded by industry experts Jeet Rana and Chirag Pal, the bar takes inspiration from the Himalayan foothills and brings that mood into the heart of South Delhi.

The cocktail menu focuses on local ingredients like pine needles, wild berries, and regional flavours, with Kumaoni-style drinks and pickled shots leading the way. The food menu is curated by chef Amninder Sandhu, offering elevated comfort dishes that pair well with the cocktails. The space feels like a modern mountain cabin—warm, relaxed, and intimate.

From the blue entrance door to the playful bird-themed artwork and handwritten-style menu, Barbet & Pals blends storytelling, design, and drinks into a fresh new bar experience.

She’s Here

She’s Here has finally opened in Gurgaon, and it’s already creating a buzz. From the team behind Call Me Ten, this new Japanese restaurant and omakase bar is located at HQ27. Designed like a performance space, the restaurant brings live cooking to the forefront with omakase counters, teppanyaki grills, and robata stations filling the room with heat and smoke.

Chef Vaibhav Bhargava leads the kitchen with a modern Japanese menu that’s easy to enjoy yet full of flavour. Expect dishes like truffle mushroom arancini, soft chicken buns, yuzu butter prawns, miso squash risotto, sushi, yakitori, and grilled skewers straight from the robata. The bar adds a Japanese twist to classic drinks, serving yuzu highballs, miso-washed Old Fashioneds, and shiso martinis.

With moody lighting, grounded interiors, and energy that builds through the night, She’s Here is one of Gurgaon’s most exciting new dining and bar openings.

Bar Painkiller, Hauz Khas

Delhi has a new bar opening that doesn’t take itself too seriously—and that’s exactly the point. Located in Hauz Khas Village, Bar Painkiller is the bar version of the popular Savage Sandwich Shop. Inspired by old-school apothecaries, the space plays with the idea of cocktails as “cures” for city stress. It’s small, lively, and focused on good drinks and a fun mood, not fancy rules.

The bar is founded by four millennial partners—bartender Annu Jha, chefs Hanisha Singh and Jamsheed Bhote, and entrepreneur Ananth Kumar—who wanted to create a relaxed bar for grown-ups. The cocktail menu looks like a medicine shelf, with drinks named after familiar pills. Dolo 650 is a tequila-based cocktail with a spicy yet smooth finish, while Ciplakiller is lighter and herb-forward. Other picks include coconut-kissed rum drinks and tropical blends that feel comforting without being heavy. Bar Painkiller is playful, bold, and perfect for an easy night out.

Cafe Dori Bistro, Sunder Nagar

Located at the Sunder Nursery Management Trust Facility Block in New Delhi, Nappa Dori’s café is a beautiful extension of the lifestyle brand’s design-forward world. Tucked into the historic Sunder Nagar and Sunder Nursery area, this latest outpost feels like a calm, pet-friendly escape from the city’s rush. With airy high ceilings, clean lines, and warm minimalist wood accents, the space is effortlessly inviting. It’s the kind of place where time slows down—perfect for lingering over a well-made flat white or easing into a relaxed, European-style breakfast after a peaceful morning walk through the park. Thoughtfully designed yet wonderfully unpretentious, the café blends style, comfort, and quiet charm, making it an easy favourite for slow mornings, casual catch-ups, or simply soaking in the calm surroundings.

Tranzit, Khan Market, Delhi

A sleek addition to Delhi’s favourite market at 41, Middle Lane, Khan Market, Tranzit specialises in global Asian bowls and high-quality cocktails, perfect for a mid-shopping lunch or a high-energy evening transition.

Tranzit is a stylish new space serving global Asian bowls and well-crafted cocktails—ideal for a relaxed lunch after shopping or a lively evening out. Created by Shivani Vardhan along with chef Gurmehar Sethi, the team behind KLAP and Aajuni, Tranzit is designed to shift with your mood through the day.

The food menu draws from global flavours, while the cocktail list features 12 drinks inspired by different forms of travel, adding a fun storytelling element to the experience. Spread across two floors, the space includes large windows, a terrace, and an omakase-style cocktail bar.

During the day, Tranzit feels bright and easygoing. As evening sets in, the vibe turns energetic and social. With seating for 98 guests and hours from noon to 1 a.m., it’s set to become a new Khan Market favourite.

MUMBAI

Soraia

Set inside the green surroundings of Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Soraia is a new bar and restaurant that feels calm, open, and quietly luxurious. It’s the kind of place you discover rather than stumble upon—away from noise, yet right in the heart of the city. Designed by Gauri Khan, Soraia blends European garden charm with an Indian sensibility, featuring indoor and outdoor seating that flows effortlessly together.

Founded by Afsana Verma, Amit Verma, and Dhaval Udeshi, the space is meant for slow meals, long conversations, and relaxed evenings. Lush plants, soft natural light, wood and stone textures, and a central fountain create a peaceful, almost escape-like mood.

The menu focuses on seasonal, nature-led dishes by Chef Hitesh Shanbhag, paired with a thoughtful cocktail program curated by Fay Barretto. With its omakase-style cocktail bar and serene setting, Soraia brings a refined yet easygoing dining and drinking experience to Mumbai’s nightlife scene.

Fielia, Mahalaxmi

Mumbai has a striking new bar opening, and it’s unlike anything the city has seen before. Designed by Gauri Khan, Fielia is India’s first “Cocktail Cinema,” located inside the Members Enclosure at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse. This invite-only bar blends cocktails, theatre, and storytelling into one immersive experience. The space feels cinematic from the moment you step in, with dramatic high ceilings, mezzanine balconies, and seating that mirrors a classic theatre layout. The bar itself becomes the stage, where every drink is part of the performance.

The cocktail menu is built around the seven sins, with each drink inspired by iconic scandals and moments of temptation. Crafted by Beverage Director Fay Barretto, the cocktails focus on layered flavours, dramatic presentation, and playful storytelling. The food menu mirrors this theme. Chef Hitesh Shanbhag has created aperitivo-style dishes designed for sharing—think rich, indulgent plates alongside lighter, fresh bites. From burrata and gnocchi to pork belly, tenderloin, and burnt Basque cheesecake, the menu encourages slow grazing through the night. Fielia is all about indulgence, mood, and cinema-worthy evenings.

The Penang Table, Bandra

Restaurateur Kishore DF brings the bold, vibrant flavours of Malaysia to Mumbai with his latest opening at the Ground Floor of Manorama Chambers on S V Road, Bandra West. Designed as a tribute to Malaysia’s lively street-food culture, the space captures the spirit, heat, and comfort of its bustling hawker stalls. The menu shines with classics like smoky Char Kway Teow, rich and aromatic Laksa, and other soul-satisfying favourites that feel both nostalgic and exciting. Casual yet full of character, this new spot finally gives Malaysian cuisine the spotlight it deserves in the city—perfect for quick lunches, relaxed dinners, or anytime cravings for deeply comforting, flavour-packed food.

Kojak, Juhu

A fresh Continental and cocktail destination located on Juhu Tara Road, just steps from the beach. With its refined European flavors and intimate, sophisticated ambiance, it has quickly become a go-to for Juhu’s elite and discerning foodies alike. KOJAK arrives as an immersive drinking space that blends storytelling, design, and craft-led cocktails—filling a long-missing gap in the suburb’s nightlife. Inspired by the mysterious legend of a man called Kojak, the bar reveals itself slowly, with moody interiors, layered lighting, and hidden details that make every visit feel a little cinematic.

At the bar, Head Mixologist Ratan Upadhyay leads a cocktail menu inspired by coded diary pages and untold stories. Expect inventive drinks using techniques like clarification, fat-washing, and distillation, each cocktail designed to feel expressive yet easy to enjoy. The food menu matches the mood, offering refined bar plates with global flavours. Highlights include tuna tartare with avocado cream, Turkish lamb kebabs with garlic yoghurt, butter chicken gnocchi, togarashi-crusted sea bass, and roasted vegetable dishes made for sharing.

Goa

Drop Dead Sexy, Assagao

Goa has a new bar that’s as much art as it is nightlife. Drop Dead Sexy, at House No. 493, Deulwada, Assagao, is an immersive art bar designed by Siddharth Kerkar, where the space interacts with guests in playful, unexpected ways. Mechanical eyes track movement, giant hand-shaped lamps descend from the ceiling, and contemporary artworks by Subodh Kerkar add depth to the provocative, immersive setting. Here, you’re part of the experience, not just a visitor.

The cocktail menu is just as inventive. Launching its first seasonal programme, Extraction Interaction, the bar focuses entirely on one ingredient at a time. Season one celebrates strawberries, used in nine completely different cocktails—from soft milk-washed creations and lacto-fermented tangs to textured strawberry ice and gel infusions. Each drink tells its own story, balancing fun, sophistication, and curiosity.Complementing the cocktails is a small menu of artful bites, crafted to match the season’s mood. Drop Dead Sexy is a bold, playful, and unforgettable new destination for Goa’s bar scene.

Masaya, Goa

Masaya is much more than just a place to eat; it is a tropical escape located on the Anjuna Mapusa Road. Set within a beautifully restored, old-world villa, the restaurant feels like a secret garden hidden away from the busy streets of Vagator. The space is designed to make you feel like you are dining in a lush jungle, with plenty of greenery and open-air seating that perfectly captures the relaxed spirit of Goa.

Kolkata

Cove, Kolkata

Kolkata’s most unique aesthetic can be found at 1st Floor, 1, Ho Chi Minh Sarani Road. With a cave-inspired interior reminiscent of Cappadocia, Cove offers global small plates in a monochrome, sandy-toned space that feels worlds away from the city. Founded by Aditya, Abhishek, and Ambrish Agarwal, Cove is designed as a modern hideout—part restaurant, part bar, part nightlife destination.

The 4,000 sq. ft. space includes a main floor for lively evenings, a mezzanine VIP lounge called The Director’s Den, a social bar, and a private dining room for intimate gatherings. The culinary menu features globally inspired small plates like beetroot corn cream dim sum, semolina-fried bhetki, and sticky blue pea fried rice with yellow Thai curry. Cocktails are inventive and crafted with care, with highlights like the Himalayan Whisper. Cove evolves with the day, offering relaxed lunches or intimate dinners, before transforming into a high-energy evening spot.