From hidden bars to high-energy speakeasies, Delhi’s food scene has just gotten a lot more interesting—these are all the spots you must put on your lists immediately
The capital’s dining scene has always been all about reinvention, and there’s always something new, unique, and far beyond the ordinary propping up in the city. The only fresh breath of air, away from the mundane? Spaces that move away from the old and overdone. And lately, it feels like the city has collectively decided to level up!
As we’re finally settling into calling the year 2026 instead of repeatedly saying 2025, the new year has declared itself as the Year of the Horse. For those not pop-culturally literate, this means that 2026 is all about rapid movement, 24/7 energy highs, bold, decisive action, and favouring progress over careful planning. And it seems like all the newest entrants into the capital’s culinary scene are catching up to what year of the horse is really all about! These openings are sharper, their concepts more immersive, and their energy, of course, unmistakably electric.
In a city that moves fast and gets bored even faster, staying relevant is no small feat. But right now, there’s a fresh crop of openings injecting momentum into the capital’s food and nightlife circuit. If your group chat has been asking, “Where next?”, consider this your cue to start making this weekend’s plans well in advance!
One of the most talked-about new additions to Vasant Kunj’s café scene is Coffee Under Palms, affectionately known as CUP. It’s a space built around one core idea: the act of slowing down. Opening just on February 22, the café was conceived as a deliberate pause from Delhi’s usual rush; a place where coffee isn’t just another item on a to-go list, but something you experience. Founders Kanav Kumar, Arpit Marwah and Sanyam Kalra envisioned CUP as a sanctuary away from glorified hustle culture, where long conversations, relaxed mornings and stretched-out evenings are the norm rather than the exception.

Set within Vasant Kunj, the space immediately signals comfort. There’s an emphasis on natural light, warm seating and an overall vibe that feels like a weekend brunch spot rather than a quick midday stopover. Their greenery and mellow aesthetics encourage visitors to linger over their coffee, creating a sanctuary for caffeine lovers to relax.
While the full menu is still rolling out, CUP’s focus is clearly on speciality coffee made with care, using quality Arabica beans and crafted beverages that go beyond the usual espresso-and-latte routine. There’s even a bright, citrusy coffee creation served with soda—a refreshing nod to how contemporary cafés are reimagining coffee culture with ingredients we’ve never paired with coffee before.
At a time when many spots feel designed for quick clicks and quick exits, Coffee Under Palms doubles down on slow moments. With its intentional vibe and café culture that puts presence above everything else, CUP is shaping up to be on our personal lists of the city’s neighbourhood cafés.
Address: Oasis Bhawan Local Shopping Complex, Plot 11, opposite Delhi Jal Board Road, Pocket 7, Sector 81, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, Delhi 110070
Timings: Monday to Sunday (9 am–12 am)
Price for two: INR 1,000
Tucked away behind an unmarked entrance down an alley in Vasant Vihar, Together feels less like a bar and more like a secret you’re meant to discover—yes, it’s a lot about theatrics and the experience of a hidden bar, which is exactly why we’re obsessed with it at the moment. Inspired by Tokyo’s one-of-a-kind kissa and vinyl listening room culture, this new opening isn’t chasing the loud, high-energy nightlife model. Instead, it invites you into a unique world where music leads, drinks follow, and everything else fades into the background.

Stepping in is like entering an impeccably curated living room—warm wood panelling, textured mirrors, and cobbled walls are bathed in red-hued light, giving the space an atmosphere that replicates a Tokyo-inspired listening room, complete with vinyls lining the walls and a cat that leads you in. Unlike most bar-like places ruling the night in Delhi, there’s no signage at Together, no blaring overhead music, and no flashing lights, which is exactly the best part. Meanwhile, the sound system is central, with curated jazz and throwback records filling in the atmosphere. There’s also a dedicated listening room that treats music as the main event rather than just a side activity.
The cocktail programme mirrors the musical concept: it’s thoughtful, measured and designed to evolve like a record set. Head of Bar Ravi Negi approaches house-made drinks with Japanese sensibilities, favouring precision, balance and subtle flavour over flashiness. The menu flows from lower-alcohol expressions to stronger, more structured cocktails, with each built to complement the mood and rhythm of the space rather than overwhelm it.
The food includes small, shareable plates—from crisp tempuras and edamame hummus to light sandos—that pair perfectly with your drinks of choice for the evening!
If you’re looking for an experience far from the ordinary and straight from Tokyo without needing a passport or a visa, look no further than Together!
Address: 3rd Floor, D12, Enter via the lift, down the alley, off Street D7, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110057
Timings: Monday to Sunday (5 pm–1 am)
Price for two: INR 3,300
If you’re used to Japanese restaurants that lean heavily on familiarity, Wakame in Defence Colony offers a refreshing shift! Opened by a team with deep experience in Japan-inspired kitchens, Wakame has quickly become one of Delhi’s most talked-about Japanese openings of 2026, earning praise not just for precise technique, authentic flavours, but also for some of the most creatively designed interiors and deliciously prepared dessert programs!

On stepping inside, diners are met with a classy, contemporary space, complete with soft lighting and a variety of seating options to choose from, perfect for a quiet Pan-Asian meal amid the hustle and bustle of Defence Colony.
On the menu, Wakame doesn’t overwhelm with choice. Instead, it offers a curated selection of dishes that showcase the elegance of Japanese cooking. Starters such as tuna tataki with yuzu kosho and well-seasoned ebi tempura set the stage for a fulfilling meal, with clean flavours that highlight the quality of their ingredients. The sushi and sashimi selections also merit particular attention. Each cut is precise, fresh and balanced, letting the rice-to-fish ratio speak for itself. Other signature plates, like wagyu donburi and soft-shell crab maki, show how the kitchen marries texture and umami, making the space perfect for even those who’re just starting out with Japanese food. Bonus: the vegetarian menu is equally as good!
Wakame’s sake list—though still developing—complements the food exceptionally well, with options spanning light, crisp junmai sakes to more structured nigori pours. And for those who’re looking for something more classic, their cocktail list is just as strong and fancy.
Whether you’re there for an early dinner, a celebratory meal or a night out with someone who loves Japanese cuisine, Wakame delivers an experience that feels both special and satisfying, without ever feeling intimidating.
Address: Fourth Floor, Shriniwas Puri, 26, Shiniwas Puri, Block D, Defence Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110024
Timings: Monday to Sunday (12 pm–1 am)
Price for two: INR 3,300
Walking into Tranzit in Khan Market feels like stepping onto a plane mid-boarding: it’s a space meant to transport and tranzit the diners to spaces all across the world. This isn’t your typical neighbourhood restaurant; it’s a concept built around the idea of travel itself. Chef Gurmehar Sethi’s food philosophy is all about his travels, and his food is meant to take you right with him. From wandering the spice-laden lanes of Asia and grabbing late-night bites in Europe, to the delicious street-side pickups in the US, his menu’s got it all. What distinguishes Tranzit is how seriously it takes its theme: storytelling through taste, texture, and design. The space sets the tone before the food even arrives. Think warm lighting, sleek yet inviting interiors, and a sense of rhythm that sees the space transform from day to night.

Once the tasting begins, Tranzit unfolds like a well-packed itinerary. The edamame and avocado salad with a super seed mix and fig drizzle, for instance, strikes that perfect balance between freshness and complexity; it’s light enough to be a starter but enough to get your meal going. The tostada avocado—miniature crispy tortillas loaded with guacamole and truffle mayo—flirt with crunch and cream in every bite. The herbed chicken, cooked with bell peppers, broccoli and French beans in a wine sauce, feels like comfort food with a cosmopolitan finish, while the ting ming lamb is honey-chilli lamb meets KFC at its very best.
What makes Tranzit really stand out is how thoughtfully the menu reflects Chef Sethi’s global approach. Dishes like the Curious Burrata with pomelo and candied walnuts, Sesame Tofu with peanut chilli dressing, or Krapow Hummus with crunchy paratha are great picks for fusion-lovers. From the Japanese Truffle Toastie with smoked burrata on Hokkaido bread to Mediterranean grills like Chicken Adana and Lamb Koobideh with garlic-spiced walnut dip, the experience is all about luxe food at its best.
Address: Khan Market, Rabindra Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
Timings: Monday to Sunday (12 pm–12 am)
Price for two: INR 3,500
If we had a favourite viral dessert at the moment (one that we could eat every single night after dinner, guilt-fully, of course), it would probably be the giant, gooey cookies at Butter Hands. Launched in Delhi at Select Citywalk by the team behind Melt House, this bakery concept has quickly grabbed attention for doing one thing, and doing it very well: giant, melt-in-mouth, indulgent, New York-style cookies that don’t just satisfy your sweet tooth, they lead it by the hand!

The cookies here aren’t dainty, and they definitely aren’t your average tea-time delicacies. Each one weighs close to 130 grams, with a crisp exterior and a molten centre that practically begs to be pulled apart with your fingers. They’re hand-shaped and intentionally rich, buttery and extremely gooey. Their tagline is “the greatest cookies in the world”, and we wouldn’t disagree!
Some of the standouts on the menu are Salty Nutella Drip with Walnuts—a messy cookie that balances salty flakes with a decadent Nutella core and toasted nuts that cut through the sweetness. The Dark Choco PB Smash delivers a satisfying punch for peanut-butter lovers, while the Caramelised White Choc & Berries Riot brings a deeper, slightly tangy twist thanks to its berry contrast. Beyond cookies, ButterHands pairs its desserts with thick hot chocolate, malted milkshakes and curated coffee beverages for every mood.
The shop itself leans into a modern, New York–meets-Delhi aesthetic, with pop-up features, bright orange colours, and fun lighting. For anyone with a serious sweet tooth, or just a serious appreciation for desserts and cookies done very big, Butter Hands is a go-to!
Address: Ground Floor, Nexus, Select Citywalk Mall, EW-10, Saket District Centre, District Centre, Sector 6, Saket, New Delhi, Delhi 110017
Timings: Monday to Friday (11 am–11 pm), Saturday & Sunday (11 am–11:30 pm)
Price for two: INR 750
Read more: Nostalgia Alert! These Are Delhi’s Most Loved, Age-Old Bakeries
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