Delhi NCR’s restaurant scene is growing more diverse, ambitious and experimental. The newest openings are less concerned with chasing trends and more focused on creating unique identities. Whether it is through unexpected culinary influences, intimate dining setups, or singular beverage programmes, they are experimenting with both format and flavours. At one end of the spectrum is The Hidden Club by Olive (THC), a four-seater cocktail room built around exclusivity. Another is The Drop, which blurs the line between a speciality coffee bar and a cocktail destination, with an ever-changing roster of beverages.
A growing appetite for regional and lesser-known cuisines is additionally reshaping the capital’s food landscape. In Mehrauli, Zetu introduces diners to the vibrant flavours of Sri Lanka through a contemporary lens, while The Know Suey Shop celebrates Myanmar’s iconic noodle dish with a menu dedicated to one of Southeast Asia’s most comforting meals. Meanwhile, global favourites continue to arrive on Delhi’s doorstep, with London’s beloved Ben’s cookies, making its India debut in Lodhi Colony.
Taken together, these openings signal that Delhi is eating more adventurously than ever before. From immersive cocktail experiences and destination coffee counters to Sri Lankan specialities, Burmese comfort food and freshly baked treats, Delhi NCR’s recently launched spots present plenty of reasons to plan your next meal out.
The Hidden Club by Olive, Mehrauli
Tucked away inside Olive Qutub, The Hidden Club (THC) is a four-seater cocktail room that claims to be India’s smallest bar. Something that has now evolved into an intimate guest experience centred around conversations and craft cocktails was originally Olive’s in-house beverage laboratory.
Led by Chong Sherpa and bartender-host Rajat Tolia, the drinks programme draws inspiration from prohibition-era speakeasies, while adopting imagination and experimentation. Each evening features four cocktails prepared live by the bartenders, along with select non-alcoholic options.
Address: Olive Bar & Kitchen, One Style Mile, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi
Price for two: INR 6,000 (INR 3,000 per person)
Ben’s Cookies, Mehrchand Market
The iconic UK-born Ben’s Cookies has finally arrived in India, opening its first outlet in Meherchand Market. The menu revolves around the brand’s famously chunky, gooey cookies, baked in small batches throughout the day and served warm. Options like Milk Chocolate Chunk, Triple Chocolate Chunk, Praline & Milk Chocolate, and White Chocolate & Macadamia are available. There is also an Eggless Dark Chocolate Cookie for those seeking an egg-free option. While the focus is firmly on cookies, the store also serves a small selection of ice creams that pair well with the freshly baked treats.
Address: 86, Lodhi Road, Meherchand Market, Lodi Colony, New Delhi
Price for Two: Approx. INR 800
The Drop – Coffee & Cocktails, Hauz Khas
Passcode Hospitality’s newest venture puts coffee at the centre of the conversation. The Drop showcases beans sourced from estates across India through a rotating programme of pour-overs, house blends, and limited-edition collaborations. From exploring tasting notes, processing methods and terroir, guests can explore coffees sourced from estates such as Orchardale, Bison Valley, and Moganad.
Beyond caffeine, the beverage menu features kombucha, tepache, and experimental signatures that change regularly. The coffee counter transitions into a cocktail bar by evening, making The Drop one of the city’s most interesting beverage-focused openings.
Address: Ground Floor, G-8, Hauz Khas Market, Block G, Kharera, Hauz Khas, New Delhi
Price for Two: Approx. INR 1,200
The Khow Suey Shop, Green Park
The Khow Suey Shop dedicates itself to perfecting one beloved Burmese comfort dish instead of offering a sprawling menu. The restaurant’s signature bowls combine noodles, rich coconut broth, and a range of toppings, allowing diners to customise their meal.
The menu includes dumplings, noodle soups, and other Asian-inspired comfort foods, alongside its namesake dish, with refreshing iced teas and soft serves that provide a sweet finish. For Delhi diners who can’t get enough of Khow Suey, this focused concept gives the cult favourite a permanent address.
Address: G-51, Ground Floor, Green Park, New Delhi
Price for Two: Approx. INR 1,400
Zetu, Mehrauli
Set beneath a centuries-old banyan tree at 1AQ, Zetu introduces Delhi to a contemporary interpretation of Sri Lankan cuisine. The menu draws from years of research and immersion in the island nation’s food culture, showcasing dishes such as Lamprais, Kiribath, Hoppers and Kotthu. A collaboration with Colombo’s GINI Outdoor Kitchen further deepens the culinary offering.
Incorporating ingredients closely associated with Sri Lanka, the beverage programme is equally distinctive, including pandan, curry leaf, cinnamon, coconut, tropical fruits and Ceylon tea. Together, they portray the depth and diversity of Sri Lanka’s food culture.
Address: 1AQ, Seth Sarai, Mehrauli, New Delhi
Price for Two: Approx. INR 8,000
