December Checklist: Check Out Delhi’s Newest Openings Before 2026 Arrives

It’s that time of the year again! And as this season of celebration, warmth, and festive gatherings trickles in, it’s high time we start preparing for it too. December is a month like none other. It allows you to take a panoramic view of the past year but also plan for what’s coming. Paired with that are gatherings and catch ups with family and friends that make everything a little more special, before you set foot in a new year. And guess what! Delhi’s restaurants and eateries are all set to welcome you (with some surprises too). If you are wondering where to plan a year-end meal with your friends or a hearty meal with your family, here are Delhi NCR ‘s newest spots that are waiting to be graced by your presence.

It’s full power mode for restaurants. Everywhere you turn, someone in the city is opening a new spot—an intimate wine bar in Vasant Vihar, a maximalist new spot in Aerocity with cocktails taller than your self-control, or a cosy neighbourhood bakery in Noida doing hot chocolate that could fix your entire week.

Year-end Delhi is its own personality: loud, hungry, glamorous, ready to party, and always down for another round. The chefs are experimenting, the bartenders are showing off, and the city’s hospitality scene is churning out launches faster than we can keep up. Whether you want to stay out till 4 AM, lounge somewhere with fairy lights and mulled wine, or simply find a new spot that feels like your winter comfort place—Delhi in December has delivered.

Nara Thai

Nara Thai has long been celebrated for bringing a slice of Thai hospitality to India. Originally founded in Bangkok and now a part of a wider international chain, it’s known for serving great Thai food.

At its newest Gurugram outpost, expect a sophisticated and relaxed setting that is spacious enough for over 80 guests, with seating designed for intimate dinners, group meals, and even private gatherings. The décor, in line with Nara’s signature aesthetic, brings together indulgence with a hint of Thai culture. Think mellow lighting, elegant woodwork , and a vibe that feels both casual and special, perfect for any kind of celebration that your heart desires. 

The bar is a highlight for those who like their nights to linger. Nara Thai’s cocktails draw inspiration from Thai flavours, making them a go-to for pre-dinner drinks or late-night wind-downs. Some of the crowd favourites include their Thai basil martini, mango mojito, and the unmissable classic coconut Thai tea.

Where does our heart stop? The food, of course! The menu at Nara Thai strikes a careful balance between offering reverence to its roots of Thai cuisine, yet catering to Indian palates. It includes standbys like the tangy-spicy broth of tom yum, or creamy-herbal warmth of tom kha, perfect as a starter or to warm up cold Delhi nights. Salads like pomelo salad is another popular starter. Mains range from stir-fried noodles and curry bowls to seafood and tofu options, ensuring both vegetarians and non-vegetarians leave satiated. A standout: butterfly-pea rice, sometimes served with curries or coconut-milk sauces—a nod to Nara’s trademark botanical touches. 

After teasing Delhi diners with a pop-up at MKT Chanakya in 2023, the complete debut of Nara Thai in NCR has quietly slid into place—and if you’re craving Thai flavours that shift mood and temperature in equal measure, this is your cue to book a table.

Address: Unit No.10, Ground Floor, Godrej, Golf Course Rd, Sector 42, Gurugram, Haryana 122002

Timings: Monday to Sunday (12–4 pm, 7 pm–1:30 am)

Price for two: INR 2,000

Madam Chow

Walking into Madam Chow is like stepping into a modern-Asian reverie. The restaurant sits inside a glass pavilion suspended before The Oberoi’s iconic blue reflective pool—perfect for dates, celebrations, or a rather luxe dine out!

By day, sunlight filters through the ceramic tiles and glass, making the place bright, airy, and quite serene. By night, the mood shifts: stone and wood tones warm up under soft lights, and the reflective pool outside lends a shimmer that’s equal parts romantic and cinematic. 

The menu draws heavily from Guangdong and Sichuan traditions, guided by veteran chefs Wong Kwai Wah (Sam) and Mark Lin, whose dim-sum skills are already getting the city talking. The signatures lean into clean flavours and precision. Chef Sam’s Imperial roasted chicken is one of the dishes everyone’s buzzing about. The Zhenglong whole silver pomfret, steamed with aromatics, is delicate but satisfying; and the cheong funs and baos on the dim-sum menu are as refined as they are fun. 

There’s also a lychee bonsai bao that brings together shrimp and mozzarella in a way you don’t quite expect, a silky ocean silk cheong fun, and beautifully pleated siu mai. For those seeking something more dramatic, the “bonfire at the table”(yes, it’s served flaming) leans into all the theatrics you might be craving. And if seafood is your weakness, the Cantonese-style seabass and drunken lobster are exactly the kind of comforting yet elevated mains that make a winter meal memorable.

As far as desserts are concerned, the list is exhaustive. There’s jasmine tea mai lai go that is soft and aromatic and a Sichuan peppercorn ice cream, which is exactly the kind of weird-but-yummy combo that lingers in your head till much after you leave the restaurant. The cocktail list is just as wide—pear, lychee, tea, fire, jade—lots of playful Asian references waiting for you to check them out.

Get yourselves a reservation soon!

Address: The Oberoi, 443, Udyog Vihar Phase V Rd, Phase V, Udyog Vihar, Sector 19, Gurugram, Haryana 122016

Timings: Monday to Sunday (12:30–3 pm, 7–11 pm)

Price for two: INR 7,500

Cortasso

Tucked inside the expanse of Sunder Nursery, just a stone’s throw from the bustle of central Delhi, Cortasso Coffee & Bake House serves history with a side of coffee. And who doesn’t love the sound of that? With its warm vibes and mellow charm, it feels exactly what December called for. 

The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by greenery, soft garden-like seating, and a warm, cosy corner perfect to spend your winter mornings, afternoons, and even evenings. For those craving a slow morning—maybe post a walk through the Nur­sery’s monuments or after a lazy weekend lie-in—Cortasso promises just that. Its doors open bright and early at 8 am. Its menu keeps it simple and classic: think a solid cup of coffee, well-made bakes, breakfast bowls, and comforting desserts, all paired perfectly with the garden-side ambience. Their dark-chocolate granola bowl is much loved by everyone already, and there’s lots more waiting to be discovered. 

What makes Cortasso particularly endearing in this season of year-end rush is how it flips the usual restaurant energy on its head. It’s a place that invites turning off your phone (or at least muting notifications), breathing in a few deep morning breaths, and letting time slow down a bit. For anyone looking to sneak away from the noise, wrap their hands around a warm cup, and soak in some unexpected calm, Cortasso might just be your favourite new escape in Delhi.

Address: Site Museum, World Heritage, Sunder Nursery, Nizamuddin, Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi, Delhi 110013

Timings: Monday to Sunday (8 am–8 pm)

Price for two: INR 700

Lord Vesper

Lord Vesper has arrived for all those in the capital seeking fun drinks and an even better night.

Walking in, you enter through a mysterious passage into a circular vestibule that acts as a subtle mood-setter that and builds anticipation before the main reveal. Inside, a central elliptical bar arcs under a sweeping ribbon of light, while dark marble, walnut teakwood, brushed brass and glass merge into a vibe that’s equal parts luxurious and inviting. Outside, a semi-covered terrace—known as the “Night Garden”—opens onto water views and greenery. A highlight is its fold-away roof that makes the space relevant for both winter evening and balmy nights. 

The best part, however, is of course the drinks. Crafted in collaboration with world-renowned beverage consultant Giancarlo Mancino, the drinks menu is built around creativity, balance, and playfulness. Cocktails like Vespertini, Lady Yuzu, The Fallen Banana, and Mr Fennel & Mrs Dill, mix flavour-forward ingredients with lighter alcohol and seasonal ingredients. There are also inventive zero-proof drinks for those opting out of spirits but still wanting to sip something special.

And the food is equally inviting. Peruvian chilli avocado tartare with quinoa crackers, Kerala coin paratha tacos stuffed with jackfruit roast and curry-leaf cream, or tandoori chicken potstickers with tomato-fenugreek sauce, are some of the most-ordered delights. For a more indulgent bite, the Jack Daniel’s chicken wings with house-smoked BBQ sauce, and truffle-dust Berliner with mushroom fonduta make for crowd-pleasers.

At night, this spot turns into a dance party, for all those who hate to see their night end without flowing to some beats!

Address: The Oberoi 443, Udyog Vihar Phase V Rd, Phase V, Udyog Vihar, Sector 19, Gurugram, Haryana 122016

Timings: Monday to Sunday (4 pm–12 am)

Price for two: INR 7,000

Riches’

If the name isn’t enough of an indication, this new hotspot is all about sophisticated luxury, from the food to the interiors. Focusing on food and hospitality through a modern European lens, Riches’ is doing everything right towards becoming South Delhi’s favourite outing spot, very soon.

The menu leans on contemporary European-inspired comfort food. Begin with something like spicy guacamole taquitos that crack delightfully with every bite.  Follow it up with the smoked-duck umami éclair or a coal-grilled cracked-pepper prawn starter that wipes the notion of “safe” out of your mind. Mains? Think chicken schnitzel à la vodka, perfectly crisp on the outside and tender within; lamb chops balanced with buttery sides and soft purées; even a pizza with a deft twist of hot honey and spice. Some of the other much-loved items include tomato and truffle tartare, chive butter lobster roll, cracked Tellicherry pepper prawns, and slow-cooked chicken pot pie. 

The drinks span 3 categories: neo-classics offering a twist, The Ingredient Studio, which includes the more experimental orders, and light aperitifs. There’s everything from smooth, smoky concoctions to floral, sunny spritzers — perfect for a long night out or an easy Sunday afternoon.

No matter the occasion, this one might just make it to the top of your go-to list, in spite of the reservation queues!

Address: 4, Greater Kailash Part 3, Masjid Moth, Greater Kailash, New Delhi, Delhi 110048

Timings: Monday to Sunday (12 pm -1:30 am)

Price for two: INR 4,000

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