Where To Eat, Drink And Hang Out: The Best New Openings This August

The hardest part about eating out right now isn’t finding somewhere new, it’s deciding where to book first. Just when it seemed like cocktail bars had become the country’s biggest dining obsession, cafés, neighbourhood wine bars and experience-led restaurants are quietly taking over. From homegrown favourites expanding into new neighbourhoods to globally inspired concepts and India debuts, there’s no shortage of exciting new tables to discover. Here’s our edit of the newest restaurant, cafés and bars openings worth booking this month.

DELHI

Let’s Kiss, Greater Kailash 3

Every visit to Let’s Kiss begins the same way: without a menu. That’s the philosophy behind Let’s Kiss, where every drink is crafted around the guest rather than the menu. Guided by mood, palate and conversation, the experience feels instinctive and deeply personal. Warm hospitality, intuitive bartending and an atmosphere designed for unhurried evenings make it the kind of bar you’ll want to linger in long after the first sip.

yyaki, Gurugram

From the team behind Japonico, yyaki is a hyper-exclusive Japanese counter dining experience built around live-fire cooking, precision and theatre. Conceived by Sahil Sambhi and Chef Roberto Blondi, the intimate concept puts guests right at the counter, where Teppanyaki unfolds as a carefully choreographed performance. One of its biggest draws is the Duck Bar, where a nine-course menu explores duck in different cuts, textures and cooking styles. There’s also a full Robata grill built into the counter, with skewers cooked over live charcoal from start to finish.

With a limited number of seats, yyaki offers a close-up look at the cooking while keeping the food, rather than the theatrics, at the centre of the meal.

Café Athyeka, Lodi Colony

More than a café, Café Athyeka feels like stepping into a contemporary South Indian home. Inspired by founder Sheetal Saxena’s travels across the region, the menu explores the flavours of India’s five southern states through regional favourites such as the signature Athyeka Plate, Karimnagar Wings, Vegetable Stew with Appam and Chettinad Chicken Curry with Malabar Paratha. Ikat-inspired interiors and handcrafted details rooted in South India’s rich cultural heritage make the experience as memorable as the food.

Jimbu Thakali, Gurugram

Nepal’s celebrated Thakali cuisine has officially arrived in Gurugram. After building a loyal following across Kathmandu, Jimbu Thakali makes its India debut with a menu centred on the signature Thakali Thali, alongside Mutton Momos, Chicken Choila Wings, Sukuti Sandheko and Buckwheat Fries.

With a menu rooted in the family recipes of founder Vivek Sherchan, the highlight is the Thakali Thali served with rice, jimbu-flavoured lentils, seasonal vegetables, potatoes, gundruk, radish pickle and tomato chutney, along with a choice of chicken, mutton, fish or a vegetarian preparation. Distinctive Himalayan ingredients such as Jimbu and Timur bring an authentic taste of Nepal’s Mustang region to every plate.

The 80-seater space takes its cues from Mustang, with warm natural materials and handcrafted Newari-style wooden windows inspired by traditional Himalayan homes.

Kai OOTA, Lodi Colony

Kai OOTA puts Karnataka’s comforting flavours in the spotlight. The 25–30-seater has minimalist interiors, jazz-inspired music and a contemporary take on South Indian dining in Lodi Colony. The menu celebrates Bengaluru favourites including Benne Dosas, Thatte Idlis, Mangalore Buns and rotating regional rice specials, rounded off with Filter Coffee and Tender Coconut Soufflé, all served in a relaxed café-style setting. It’s a refreshing take on regional South Indian cuisine that balances authenticity with a modern neighbourhood café atmosphere.

YOUMEE, Aerocity

Manga meets mealtime at YOUMEE’s newest address in Aerocity. The restaurant pairs comic book-inspired interiors with handcrafted sushi, ramen, baos and dim sums, creating a playful Pan-Asian dining experience equally suited to business lunches, pre-flight meals and dinner with friends. The menu spans Japan, China, Thailand and Korea, with sushi, ramen, dim sums, baos, wok-tossed dishes and desserts making up the line-up.

NAO, Noida

Noida’s Pan-Asian dining scene has a new addition. NAO – Next Asian Outing brings Korean, Japanese and Southeast Asian flavours under one roof. Expect favourites such as Tom Yum Udon, Tteokbokki and Bulgogi Grills, served in a vibrant space with neon accents and curated art walls. Designed as a premium-casual dining destination, the new restaurant continues the brand’s contemporary take on Pan-Asian cuisine.

Indian Accent, Lodhi Road

This monsoon, Indian Accent turns one of India’s most beloved street food traditions into a refined tasting experience. Executive Chef Shantanu Mehrotra’s limited-edition Chaat Tasting Menu reimagines nostalgic favourites including Nadru Ki Chaat, Puchka with Five Waters, Aloo Tikki Hash and Dal Samosa, before ending on playful desserts inspired by Orange Chuski and Aam Ras Poori. Available for lunch until the end of August, the seasonal menu celebrates regional flavours, childhood memories and Indian Accent’s signature contemporary approach

MUMBAI

The Gated Community, Juhu

In a city that’s always in a hurry, The Gated Community offers a reason to slow down. This new social dining spot in Juhu brings together globally inspired sharing plates, thoughtfully made cocktails and spaces designed for lingering. There’s a striking marble bar, a piano-anchored dining room and an intimate private dining space.

Flavours travel from Italy and Spain to Japan and Mexico, with handmade pastas, Thai steamed fish and shareable grills making up the menu. At the bar, cocktails take a more experimental route, using techniques such as fat-washing, whey clarification and smoke. Whether you’re dropping in for Sunday brunch or settling in for a long dinner, it’s a space built around good food, easy conversation and staying a little longer.

Pique, Fort

Inspired by the wine bars, bistros and trattorias of Europe, Pique brings a more relaxed approach to wine culture in Mumbai. Pairing an approachable wine programme with generous, shareable plates, the menu features Truffle Chips with Cheese Foam, Steak Tartare, Chicken Caesar Pizza and a Parmesan Cheesecake with Red Wine Reduction. Designed for lingering conversations, not just special occasions, it makes wine feel like an everyday ritual.

Vincenzo Capuano, Lower Parel

Bringing one of the world’s most celebrated contemporary Neapolitan pizzas to India, World Champion Pizzaiolo Vincenzo Capuano makes his India debut in Lower Parel. The restaurant is best known for its signature Cloud Pizza, featuring a light, 30-hour fermented dough served with the brand’s iconic golden scissors. Alongside classics such as the Margherita con Bufala and Diavola alla Nonno Enzo, the menu also introduces India-exclusive creations including the Chicken Tikka Pizza and Paneer Chimichurri Pizza.

Gaijin Ramen Shop, Khar West

Late-night ramen culture has arrived in Khar. Gaijin’s new Alleyway Ramen Shop transforms its iconic out

door space into a Tokyo-inspired noodle counter, complete with handcrafted ramen, Japanese small plates and signature cocktails. Highlights include the Triple Pork Tonkotsu, Black Garlic Lamb Paitan and Smoked Duck Matcha Yuzu, alongside karaage and temaki designed for easy sharing. The result is an immersive dining experience that captures the energy of Japan’s bustling ramen alleys.

GOAT Brew, Andheri West

Designed as an all-day social destination, GOAT Brew brings together fresh brews, comfort food and community under one roof. Chef Allen Gomes’ comfort-food menu is complemented by signature cocktails, craft beers and regular live music, while workshops, artist showcases and a pet-friendly atmosphere encourage guests to linger long after their first coffee. Whether you’re stopping by for a morning meeting or settling in for dinner and drinks, the space is designed to evolve with the day.

Fi’lia & Black Lacquer, Andheri East

Fi’lia and Black Lacquer bring together Italian hospitality and Japanese-inspired listening bar culture — two distinct dining concepts under one roof at Roswyn. Fi’lia celebrates home-style Italian cooking with handmade pastas, Neapolitan-style pizzas and an Italian-forward beverage programme, while Black Lacquer comes alive after dark with vinyl-led music, handcrafted cocktails and Japanese-inspired bar bites. Together, they transform Roswyn into as much a dining destination as a luxury hotel.

Amichi, Bandra

Authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas take centre stage at Amichi in Bandra. Founded by Italian native Angelo alongside Mishal, the restaurant focuses on slow-fermented dough, traditional recipes and authentic techniques, with a kitchen team trained by a chef brought in from Italy. End your meal with desserts inspired by regional Italian flavours, created in collaboration with an Italian pastry chef based in Mumbai.

Angry Toast, Bandra

Bandra’s newest café is rethinking the humble sandwich. Angry Toast is built around a signature 3-inch toastie served on a custom-developed eggless brioche that took a year to perfect, alongside a specialty coffee programme led by World Barista Championship contender Suhas Dwarkanath. Expect inventive brews like the Taro Latte and Vietnamese Egg Coffee, alongside fillings ranging from Mumbai Toastie and Anda Ghotala to Chicken Katsu and Smashed Lamb.

HYDREBAD

Vayu

Set above the city, Vayu is a new rooftop spot in Hyderabad built around food, cocktails, music and long evenings with friends. The open-air space mixes intimate corners, communal tables and a lively bar, making it easy to drop in for an after-work drink or stay through dinner and beyond.

The menu takes a tour across India, with dishes inspired by five regional traditions. Andhra’s gongura mamsaam sits alongside Kundapur ghee roast from Karnataka, Kerala’s meen pollichattu, Kolhapuri mutton sukka and Old Delhi-style butter chicken. Smaller plates include shrimp pickle with masala brioche, chicken wings vepudu, steamed Kalimpong momos and jeedipappu pakoda.

Cocktails follow the same spirit of discovery, with The Paper Plane’s Logbook drawing inspiration from places, memories and regional ingredients. Gongura finds its way into Crimson Wind with tequila and salted agave, while Kokum Cloud combines gin, kokum and passionfruit, and Firestorm Ember brings together ginger-infused tequila and fermented chilli agave. Sweeping city views and a lively rooftop setting complete one of Hyderabad’s newest social dining destinations.

Qaffeine, Banjara Hills

Hyderabad’s coffee scene has a new neighbourhood favourite. Qaffeine brings together specialty coffee, handcrafted bakes and all-day dining in the heart of Banjara Hills, pairing genuine hospitality with an Indian take on café culture. Signature brews such as the Kaapi Nariyal, Mysore Silk and Iced Indian Filter Coffee sit alongside handcrafted bakes, Eggs Benedict with Nihari Hollandaise, Avocado Sev Puris and the Baaghini Espresso Tiramisu. Whether you’re stopping in for a morning coffee or settling in for an afternoon of work, Qaffeine is designed to feel like your neighbourhood bistro.

BENGALURU

Nonnina Pizzeria, Seegehalli

Roman-style pizza al taglio finds a new home in Bengaluru at Nonnina Pizzeria. The restaurant celebrates recipes inspired by the founder’s Italian heritage and family traditions. The menu pairs artisanal pizzas by the slice with handmade cheeses, including fresh mozzarella, ricotta and burrata crafted in India using traditional Italian techniques. Alongside signature pizzas, highlights include the Rustic Tomato Bread Salad, Fig & Feta and Creamy Pesto, offering a taste of everyday Italian comfort.

Barnhouse, Seegehalli

Rooted in the philosophy of Praana, Barnhouse brings a thoughtful approach to farm-to-table dining in Bengaluru. Celebrating hyper-local ingredients, seasonal cooking and a predominantly vegetarian menu, the restaurant draws inspiration from cuisines around the world. Standout dishes include the Mushroom Chettinad Bao, Indonesian Nasi Goreng with Satay, Melanzane al Forno con Mozzarella and the delicate Muhallabia, proving ingredient-first dining can be every bit as exciting as it is sustainable.

Scoop Room, Indiranagar

Scoop Room is giving premium ice cream a more thoughtful spin in Bengaluru. Founded by hospitality entrepreneur Pallavii Gupta, the new vegetarian and eggless concept focuses on ingredient-led flavours, in-house waffle cones and sauces, and a menu of 24 signature scoops ranging from Cookie Dough Hour and Paan-tastic to Pick Me Avo and Nutty Basil. A playful, pet-friendly space completes the experience.

GOA

Mini Bar, Assagao

At The Passport Hotel, the lobby has been reimagined as a neighbourhood cocktail destination. Mini Bar brings together travellers and locals over cocktails inspired by tropical produce, Indian ingredients and coastal flavours. Signature serves such as the Passport De Picante, Madame Rosita and Hot Girl Club are paired with a relaxed, conversation-led atmosphere that proves hotel bars can be destinations in their own right.

JAIPUR

Carbon Coffee Bar, Vaishali Nagar

Jaipur’s homegrown coffee favourite has expanded with a third outpost in Vaishali Nagar. Staying true to Carbon’s signature dark, industrial aesthetic, the new café pairs specialty coffee with a design-forward space built for lingering. Alongside its much-loved cold brews, espresso drinks and coffee mixology, guests can expect matcha creations, gourmet sandwiches, croffles and artisanal pizzas. With its latest opening, Carbon continues to shape Jaipur’s evolving café culture, bringing its distinctive blend of coffee, food and community to a new neighbourhood.

PUNE

Momoka, Prabhat Road

Japan’s beloved kissaten culture has found a home in Pune at Momoka. The city’s first Japanese kissaten pairs Yoshoku-style comfort food with handcrafted desserts and a speciality coffee and tea programme. Expect in-house shokupan sandos, Katsu Curry Udon, the signature Risoni and the iconic Shibuya Honey Toast, alongside ceremonial-grade matcha drinks and artisanal treats to take home.