Snapshots
The festive season is officially here, and Mumbai’s culinary scene is unwrapping a gift basket of a spectacular new opening this December! From glamorous fine dining spots to cosy, culturally rich cafes, the City of Dreams is buzzing with fresh flavours. Get ready to explore everything from royal Indian fare to thrilling Japanese concepts and playful international bars. Your December dining calendar just got a luxurious upgrade. Let the feasting begin!
New restaurant openings in Mumbai this December
This December, Mumbai’s most anticipated culinary debuts are finally here. Bringing everything from sophisticated Nariman Point cocktails to soulful, fire cooked regional Indian fare, the year-end is surely transforming the city into a culinary playground.
1. Hearth
More than just a restaurant, Hearth is a deeply personal culinary journey from memory shaped by open fire, and powered by intent. A venue that stands at the compelling crossroads of heritage and innovation, Hearth reimagines Indian cuisine by honouring time-tested, ancestral techniques, resulting in a completely gas free, open kitchen where every dish is touched by charcoal and wood. Expect slow cooked family recipes and elemental flavours, all set in an ambience that is unguarded, and where hospitality feels intuitive.
2. OJU
Tucked away in the historic Neuma in Colaba, OJU is a multi-specialty hospitality collective co-owned by filmmaker and tastemaker Karan Johar together with Truepalate Hospitality founders Ankit Tayal, Anshul Goel, and Vartik Tihara. Boasting of an ambiance that is intimate and high design, this new culinary spot is led by Chef Moh, who has a recognised Michelin-starred background. A space that beautifully converges Japanese clarity and Peruvian vibrancy, the best of OJU can be experienced through their signature cocktails. Offering a graceful and compelling dining experience, OJU proves to be Colaba’s most exciting dining space.
3. Akina
Following its much celebrated debut in Hyderabad, Akina brings a refined, high energy take on modern Asian cuisine to Worli. Designed with Japanese minimalism and organic lines, this sprawling fine dining space serves up an ambitious fusion menu that blends Japanese techniques with Indian and pan-Asian influences. Boasting of a cinematic ambience along with an inventive cocktail menu, trust Akina to truly elevate the pan-Asian experience.
4. 8ish
Rachel Goenka’s latest venture is the neighbourhood cocktail bar that South Bombay has been waiting for. Ditching the loud, theatrical pub vibe, 8ish is a moody, conversation forward sanctuary that is anchored by a dramatic maroon marble bar. The cocktail programme is fiercely inventive yet comforting, with the drinks built around three moods, that range from comforting, experimental, and ritualistic. Paired with their elevated bar food like the Buff and Bone Marrow Sliders, and Pão de Queijo, this place is the perfect spot to transition from a corporate evening to a sophisticated night out.
5. Houdini
Step into Houdini, a bar dedicated to the art of illusion and unexpected delights. This new venue in Lower Parel is a playful, high-energy space where the cocktail program is the true magic show. Expect drinks that utilize inventive techniques, theatrical presentation, and a global pantry of unique spirits and infusions. The food menu has been crafted in such a way so as to complement the high octane atmosphere, featuring modern international bites that are perfect for sharing.
6. Suma
Offering a curated culinary journey that spans the historic Grand Trunk Road and the fragrant spices of Arabia, Persia, and Afghanistan, Suma creates a bridge between two worlds. A dining spot that truly celebrates the historical exchange of flavours, this is where you can indulge in robust North Indian curries and kebabs alongside dishes that feature Arabic techniques. Suma is the perfect place for those seeking a grand, and deeply flavourful meal that is both familiar and exotic.
7. Nanna House
Moving away from the city’s Udupi-style staples, Nanna House brings the comforting, distinct flavours of authentic Andhra breakfast to Bandra. Conceived as a tribute to family and home, ‘Nanna’ means father in Telugu. From regional classics to punchy chutneys, and a dedicated filter kaapi station, Nanna House is carving out a niche for Mumbaikars craving a true taste of a home kitchen from Vijayawada.
8. The Penang Table
The Penang Table arrives as a landmark opening, claiming the title of Mumbai’s first true Malaysian bistro-style restaurant. Spearheaded by a team with a deep connection to Southeast Asian cuisine, the menu here is a vibrant celebration of Malaysia’s culinary melting pot, blending Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. This place makes for a bright and refreshing new flavour story for the city.