This one’s not just for the new restaurant, but quite rightly for the one to have managed to capture the hearts, eyes, and tastebuds of the cognoscenti within months of opening.
These are establishments that did not just open their doors, but disrupted the status quo, dominated social media feeds, and earned their place on every critic’s must-visit list. For the category of the “Best New Restaurant”, we are celebrating the bold newcomers who are setting the pace for the future of dining in India. From soul stirring regional revivals to high octane global concepts, these eight nominees are redefining what it means to make a grand entrance.
1. HOSA, Gurugram
Expanding its legendary Goan footprint to the capital, HOSA, which literally means ‘new’ in Kannada is a vibrant exploration of South Indian flavours beyond the stereotypical. Located in the bustling heart of Gurugram, HOSA brings a creative and high energy bar and a kitchen that treats regional ingredients with avant-garde respect. Whether it's their signature Tellicherry Pepper Crab or innovative cocktails that draw from Southern botanicals, HOSA is proving that the new can also bring a fresh perspective on the familiar.
2. Ikk Panjab, Chandigarh
A deep dive into the culinary soul of an undivided Punjab, Ikk Panjab in Chandigarh is a nostalgic masterpiece. Designed to feel like Colonel Saheb ka Ghar, it serves up history on a plate with forgotten recipes from Lahore and Rawalpindi. Their Kunna Gosht, slow cooked in clay pots for hours, has already become a local legend. It is a space that celebrates resilience and heritage, proving that sometimes the best way to move forward is by looking back.
3. Farro, Pune
Nestled in Pune’s trendy Koregaon Park, Farro is Chef Vardaan Marwah’s bold solo debut. Built around the philosophy of an ancient grain, the restaurant offers modern nostalgia through a menu that spans the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and the Indus Valley. From the playful Parmesan Jalebi to their wood fired Baba Ghanoush flatbreads, Farro eschews the typical entree-main course structure for a story driven dining experience that feels intimate, moody, and exceptionally refined.
4. SoBo 20, Mumbai
Positioned along the iconic Marine Drive, SoBo 20 is a sophisticated dialogue between French elegance and American Southern soul. A collaboration between Atelier House Hospitality and Graviss, this Franco-American sanctuary features Art Deco lines and a jazz-inspired soundtrack. Whether you are indulging in Ginger Brulee Beignets with a salty pop of caviar or their Creole-Cajun inspired mains, SoBo 20 captures the cosmopolitan, high energy rhythm of contemporary Mumbai perfectly.
5. Bang Bang Noodle, Mumbai
Goregaon’s hottest secret, Bang Bang Noodle has turned the humble noodle bowl into a high art form. This buzzy spot specialises in hand-pulled textures and fiery flavours, with their Classic Ma La Chili Oil Noodles and Pork Fried Rice earning a cult following almost overnight. With its slurp-and-go energy and unapologetic use of spice and aromatics, this place represents the new wave of a focused and product-driven dining that Mumbai’s foodies cannot get enough of.
6. Mister Merchant’s, Goa
Housed within Moira’s buzzing Club Solene, Mister Merchant’s is Chef Picu’s love letter to his travels through Georgia and Azerbaijan. This contemporary Indian mezze is a spot that feels more like a plush living room than a restaurant, boasting of mustard walls and vintage books. The menu is delightfully playful! Think Gunpowder Hummus with warm ghee and curry leaves. It is a space where Middle Eastern traditions are reimagined through a uniquely Indian lens, creating a vibe that is equal parts romantic and revolutionary.
7. The Sarvato, Jaipur
Perched atop the City Palace of Jaipur, The Sarvato is a modern royal dining experience co-conceptualised by His Highness Maharaj Sawai Padmanabh Singh. This Relais & Chateaux member offers a six-course tasting menu that bridges the gap between palace pantries and village fire pits. With its minimalist yet opulent design and a view that is pure poetry, Sarvato is a masterclass in how to modernise heritage without losing its soul.
8. Samaa, Fairmont Mumbai
The newest jewel in the Fairmont crown, Samaa is a celebration of global flavours that meet all-day indulgence. Located in Mumbai, it has quickly become the go-to place for those seeking a grand and immersive dining experience that does not compromise on intimacy. With its interactive live cooking stations and a menu that balances authentic Rajasthani flair with international classics, Samaa is the epitome of the neo luxury dining experience.