Where To Dine This September: All The New Restaurant Openings

Left: Pendulo | Right: House of Palmoa

You never really need a reason to step out for a meal or drinks—weekday or weekend, it’s always the perfect excuse. While we all have our go-to favourites, the thrill of discovering something new is unmatched. This September, a wave of fresh openings is taking over the culinary scene in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Goa. From speakeasy bars and innovative culinary experiments to chic new cafés, these additions continue to fuel India’s ever-growing dining culture.

If, like us, you’re craving a break from the usual haunts, here’s your curated list of new restaurant openings this month.

DELHI NCR

Pendulo, Ambawatta One in Mehrauli

If you wish to experience Indian and Mexican cuisine in harmony on a plate at one destination, Pendulo should be the next place you visit. Located in Delhi’s Ambawatta One in Mehrauli. At Pendulo ( the Spanish word for Pendulum), Megha Kohli’s exploration of India comes alive with fourteen courses that tell a story where regional mastery meets Mexican tradition. Adding to that, Noah Louis Barnes (Co-founder of Miss Margarita) brings his Mexican expertise into dialogue with Indian tradition.

The menu swings toward Mexico’s ancient techniques - open flame char, the molcajete’s grind, flavors that travelled continents to meet their match. The menu moves in chapters. From Charred Elotes on the Calle Madero - Kid Corn Elotes finished with three lime expressions: fresh-pressed lime, charred-lime salt, and preserved-lime oil to Dhungaar Avocado Agua Chile Ceviche, and Torched Tuna Shorba Agua Chile, a tomato-shorba interpretation of the classic; from Twin Flames to tacos like the Spice Bazaar Taco, Tellicherry Pepper Mutton Birria, and under Tacos with Pickles of México, Rajas and Cheese.

With a similar vibe at the bar, Fay Baretto created Leche Negra , which wraps mezcal in a midnight robe of coffee and caramel; Rasam Revival transforms South Indian spice into crisp, fresh highball(need citation); Mango Quemando plays with charred mango and agave smoke.

Every element from the space design to the menu each is a reflection of the marriage of Mexican and Indian.

Fromage, Lajpat Nagar

Have you always wished for hand-stretched pizzas, fluffy gnocchi, artisanal focaccia, and indulgent desserts, all served in a warm, modern trattoria-style setting in the capital?   Chef Gopika Agarwal has answered with Fromage, a vibrant new Italian restaurant in Lajpat Nagar.

As you may have already guessed, the Italian restaurant's menu is a celebration of tradition with a fresh, modern twist. Think hand-stretched Neapolitan pizzas with that ideal balance of crunch and chew, fresh focaccia that melts in your mouth, fluffy gnocchi and even a vegan marinara pizza! Adding to the lineup is New York-style pizza, and end with the Amalfi lemon tart is a citrusy kiss of sunshine that’ll transport you straight to southern Italy.

Madam Chow, The Oberoi Gurgaon

Gurugram’s dining scene gets a new culinary gem — Madam Chow at The Oberoi, Gurgaon. Helmed by chefs Wong Kwai Wah and Mark Lin, the restaurant brings a refreshing take on Chinese dining, spotlighting the finest traditions of Guangdong (Cantonese) and Sichuan. Set within a glass pavilion overlooking the hotel’s signature blue reflective pool, the space is designed as a living canvas of contrasts, embodying the timeless philosophy of Yin and Yang. By day, the 86-seater glows bright and open; by night, it transforms into an intimate, dramatic setting.

With the show kitchen as its focal point, the menu boasts iconic dishes such as Imperial Roasted Chicken and Zhenglong Whole Silver Pomfret. Chef Lin also presents one of the most impressive dim sum repertoires in the city, from the delicate Harmony Siu Mai to the playful Lychee Bonsai Bao and the silky Ocean Silk Cheong Fun. Sweet endings include Jasmine Tea Mai Lai Go, Slow-Baked Chinese Red Date Pudding, and Sichuan Peppercorn Ice Cream.

Pair your meal with cocktails inspired by Asian ingredients and stories — signatures like Madam’s Favourite, Pearl of Fire, and Jade Hue are unmissable. On colder days, the extensive selection of Chinese teas, sakes, and international wines elevates the experience further.

After The Oberoi’s own Baoshuan in Delhi, could Madam Chow be the city’s next big thing?

OJU by The House of Neuma, Gurugram

It seems like celebrity restaurants are here to stay. Karan Johar and Truepalate Hospitality’s Neuma, which began as a single restaurant in Colaba, Mumbai, has now launched OJU in Gurugram under the House of Neuma. Designed by Aayushi Malik, the restaurant’s interiors are rooted in the Japanese aesthetic of Shibui, with natural stone, wood, and muted tones. The walls are adorned with handpicked art and Kyoto-inspired wallpaper that adds subtle drama, while curated books lend intimacy and warmth. For a touch of outdoor charm, the space extends into a Zen Garden where the indoor dining area flows seamlessly into the open air. On the food and drink front, OJU champions Japanese cuisine and cocktails, helmed by Chef Mohammad, who has honed his craft in Michelin-starred kitchens like Nobu, Mimi Kakushi, and Kodo.

Ensuring power-packed flavour in every bite, must-tries on the menu include Pickled Tomato Maki Rolls, Prawn Tempura, and perfectly charred Grilled Octopus. Don’t miss the sushi bar or the Robatayaki Grill. And of course, what’s a meal without the right tipple? The cocktail program — conceptualised in collaboration with Countertop, India — reflects a dialogue between Japan and Peru. Inspired by the izakaya drinking culture, the menu is anchored by highballs: simple spirits elevated with sparkling bases and thoughtful layers of flavour. For instance, Pisco finds new expression when paired with Japanese yuzu and koshu, while the structure of the menu — built around the lunar cycle — moves from light to dark, mirroring the rhythm of the evening. Highball Rituals pay homage to Japanese izakayas, while House Pours spotlight OJU’s original cocktails, crafted with intention and a cosmopolitan edge.

Street Burger, IGI Airport

Want to enjoy a Michelin-star chef meal the next time you’re at IGI Airport in New Delhi? Head to Gordon Ramsay Street Burger at Terminal 1, marking the debut of Gordon Ramsay Restaurants in India.

This outlet brings Street Burger’s signature menu with exciting new dishes inspired by local flavours — think Tandoori Paneer and The Butternut Bhaji Burger — alongside global favourites like Gordon’s Fried Chicken (GFC) Burger. Other highlights include the signature Hotter than Hell Fries loaded with molten cheese and bold sauces, Crisp Vegan Bites, vibrant chef-crafted salads, and indulgent treats like Sticky Toffee Pudding, creamy milkshakes, and expertly crafted cocktails.

Marièta, Gurugram

The name is familiar, and the restaurant is finally back in action — the all-new Marièta has arrived in Gurugram. A Euro-Asian Kitchen & Bar, it serves classics ranging from Tableside Guac & Chips to Yuzu Chilli Prawns, Sriracha Pull-Apart Bread, Truffle Cream Cheese Dimsum, and Hot Stone Bowl. On the sweet side, don’t miss Mimi’s Tiramisu — a classic reborn with Marièta’s signature twist. The cocktail list is designed to complement the food, the music, and the mood. Highlights include the Bloody Marièta, the Pretty Please — a sake-based, light, and fruity serve paired with crisp beetroot chips in a vivid pink presentation — and Trouble in Paradise, a tropical lemongrass tequila creation with grapefruit and orange, served in a fluted ceramic glass.

Marièta’s interiors have been reimagined to feel like a warm, inviting home — rich in detail and personality. A grand olive tree anchors the room, surrounded by intimate seating, while a mirrored bar makes a bold visual statement. Outdoors, the alfresco area glows with in-lit tables and tropical greenery, carrying the vibrancy under the open sky.

Le Cirque at The Leela Palace New Delhi 

Nestled in one of Delhi's most iconic addresses, Le Cirque at The Leela Palace New Delhi has reopened in a new avatar. The legendary Franco-Italian fine dining destination now features a renewed look and an all-new menu.

The menu draws inspiration from the rich culinary heritage of France and Italy, with highlights such as Yellowfin Tuna Crudo, Wild Mushroom and Black Truffle Tart, Lobster Ravioli “Le Cirque,” the 40-Layer NZ Lamb Lasagna, Salt-Baked Mediterranean Sea Bass, and Mille-Feuille à la Vanille, a classic Le Cirque finale. Complementing the food is a special wine program featuring rare vintages and celebrated international labels.

The refreshed interiors celebrate its Franco-Italian lineage and iconic New York origins. Design highlights include a dramatic bespoke glass tile feature wall in plum and gold, rich wood panelling, sculptural lighting, and plush textures. The newly renovated 40-seater space opens with an elegant entrance that leads into intimate experiential wine-tasting tables, a grand main dining room, and exclusive private dining areas.

MUMBAI

BANNG in Bandra

After its sweeping success in Delhi, BANNG by Two-Michelin-starred Chef Garima Arora and restaurateur Riyaaz Amlani of Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt Ltd has opened in Bandra, Mumbai. This marks Chef Garima’s homecoming project and her first restaurant in the city, where she steps away from fine dining to create a more casual yet elevated experience.

Designed by Studio RENESA, the space captures Bangkok’s duality through two distinct moods. Upstairs is an immersive, theatrical dining room, while downstairs offers a terracotta-toned, hawker-style street bar. Together, they bring alive Bangkok’s signature balance of relaxed sabai sabai ease and full-throttle energy.

The menu shines a spotlight on fire-forward techniques and fresh curry pastes. Highlights include Tom Kha Pani Puri, Avocado Som Tum, Banng’ing Thai Omelette, Lod Chong Bingsu, Mala Noodle Hot Pot, and the aromatic White Curry (Gaeng Khao) with grilled tomatoes, all designed for kin khao, or communal dining.

At the BANNG Bar, cocktails take center stage with a program split into moods: Fresh & Fizzy, Moody & Boozy, and Umami & Yummy. Signatures include The White Lotus Martini with white turmeric and garlic brine, Yellow with rum, curry, and ginger flower nectar, and The Andaman, a "sea in a glass" with squid-infused vodka and guava. Bar bites complete the experience with dishes like Pattaya Nachos, Crab Cakes, Banng Cup Noodles, and a street-style Ping Bar with skewers.

House of Paloma

Mumbai’s cocktail scene continues to grow, and the latest addition is House of Paloma, an art-driven, cocktail-forward bar in Bandra. Founded by Prathik Shetty, Chethan Hegde, and Samarth Shetty, the concept blends cocktails, food, and design to create a space that feels as much a cultural hub as a bar.

Designed with architect Sumessh Menon, the 2,900 sq. ft. venue features bold canvases, handcrafted details by ZAworks, and signature elements such as the rotating Paloma Man and glowing Agave Lamp. The gallery-like ambience is vibrant and expressive, drawing guests in from the moment they arrive.

The Latin American-inspired bar menu features cocktails like Caliente with Patrón Silver, apple, dill, and chili; Mogo Mogo with rum, raspberry, and coconut jelly; and Paloma 1950, the house ode to its namesake. To pair, the food menu offers playful yet refined bites such as Crispy Eggplant Tacos with smoked pineapple salsa, Butter Kori Rotti reimagined as smoky grilled chicken, and a tandoori-smoked Tan Lobster Risotto.

Cafe Calma

Restaurants across the city are seeing fresh makeovers, and Cafe Calma at The Shalimar Hotel is no exception. Perched on the rooftop, the restaurant has been refreshed with a sharper food-first focus rooted in modern European cuisine. The new menu emphasises balance, with familiar flavours reimagined through refined techniques.

Helmed by Chefs Nitin and Anand, the transformation extends from design to the plate. Interiors now feel warmer and more expressive, setting the tone for a menu that evokes nostalgia while surprising the palate. Standout dishes include Miso-Glazed Mushrooms, the Smashed Bacon Burger layered with molten cheddar, crispy bacon, and sharp pickles for the perfect balance of crunch and richness, and the Mediterranean Olive Dip served with toasted baguette.

Calma’s beloved classics remain, now with thoughtful updates. The cult-favourite flatbreads are elevated with fresh pairings, while signature staples such as the Whipped Feta and house-favourite Tacos return with renewed appeal.

The Black Shepherd, Mumbai

Looking for a spot that channels a royal British-esque charm? Rahul Kotak’s The Black Shepherd in Bandra, Mumbai, brings Britain to you. An intimate 26-cover restaurant, it serves authentic British cuisine that is unapologetically un-Indianised.

The menu is a love letter to timeless British comfort food, starting with freshly baked breads served warm with butter, to Fish and Chips with triple-cooked chips, mushy peas, and a bright tartare sauce. The Shepherd’s Pie comes with layers of slow-cooked meat topped with pillowy mash, while hearty Jacket Potatoes add a rustic touch. For indulgence, try the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burger, delicate madeleines, or rich brownies. From teas to iced teas, the beverages reflect British tradition, while the bottomless hot chocolate is worth every calorie.

Uppu Bandra

The Ahuja family, founders of Oleander Farms, Saltt Karjat, and Common House Microbrewery, bring a slice of the South to Bandra with their newest venture, Uppu, a pure-vegetarian South Indian kitchen.

Tucked away in the charming lanes of Bandra, Uppu is a 36-seater neighbourhood restaurant serving nostalgic, soulful, and deeply comforting South Indian fare. Expect homestyle breakfasts, hearty lunches, and leisurely dinners, with cocktails inspired by regional ingredients launching soon. The dining menu takes you on a journey through the South of India, one plate at a time. From Tamil Nadu’s rich curries to Kerala’s coconut-laced gravies, Andhra’s fiery spice to Karnataka’s mellow warmth, each dish feels honest, familiar, and soulful.

GOA

Mister Merchant’s Goa

Set inside a beautiful bungalow in Club Solene, Moira, Mister Merchant’s has officially arrived in Goa. Already a hit in Pune, this Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant is helmed by Chef Picy along with Rakshay Dhariwal of Passcode Hospitality.

Begin with small plates such as the Gunpowder Hummus, flaky Truffle Sambusek, or fiery chicken wings, before moving on to smoky dips, mezze platters, and standout mains like Za’atar Lamb Chops and Egyptian Koshari. The bar menu features agave-based cocktails with Goan soul, blending bold Indian spices with Middle Eastern flair.

Quinta Cantina, Panjim

Panjim has a new gem in Quinta Cantina, a modern cocktail bar dedicated to feni and agave by Pankaj Balachandran. Mexico and Goa come together here through tastings, cocktails, and a food menu that celebrates both regions.

With just 35 seats, the space feels like a speakeasy while maintaining an approachable charm. Designed by restoration architect Rochelle Santimano of Studio Praia, the interiors feature earthenware, patterned crockery, terracotta accents, rattan detailing, and burnt orange walls paired with wooden furniture for a warm, earthy look.

The single-page bar menu highlights GI-certified feni, single-estate expressions, premium mezcals like Tobalá and Pechuga, and infused cocktails. On the food side, Chef Kartikeya Ratan and Chef Ines of Ourem have reimagined Goan dishes with a Mexican twist. Think Pork Amsol Tacos, Guac and Choriz with Totopos, a playful Ros Omelette x Huevos Rancheros crossover, and smoky Cafreal Chicken Tacos. A must-try is The Mango, a refreshing mix of fresh mango and cashew feni balanced with citrus and sugar.

Bengaluru

Mai Mai

Founded by Yash and Megha Bhatia, Mai Mai is a 30-seater restaurant in Indiranagar serving modern East Asian cuisine. The minimalist design keeps the focus on the food and easy-flowing conversations.

The menu is playful yet comforting, featuring sweet potato pepper dumplings, aburi salmon rolls, sizzling oyako donburi with silken broth and jasmine rice, and desserts like dark chocolate and mandarin cake. Pair your meal with craft beverages such as kombucha or a bourbon tea julep for a satisfying finish.

EDO Restaurant & Bar, ITC Gardenia, A Luxury

EDO has reopened with a refreshed identity and an elevated menu at ITC Gardenia. The Japanese-inspired restaurant draws from izakaya culture while incorporating bold pop art and design details that channel the energy of Tokyo after dark.

The redesigned space now includes four private dining rooms and an extended outdoor section, perfect for balmy evenings. On the menu, guests will find teppanyaki, a live sushi counter, ramen bowls, robata grills, matcha tres leches, and even set meals designed for a quick working lunch.