Every few months, I sit down to put together a roundup of new openings in Delhi and Gurugram, and the impressive pace of the boom overwhelms me. Yet it seems nothing is enough for the capital’s food lovers, and a demanding audience implies better concepts, more delicious plates, and inventive cocktail menus. For us, people who write about food, that means putting on more calories. Still, the more the merrier (or is it?). In any case, this is not about us; it is about you. If you are in Delhi or Gurugram and hoping to try new restaurants and cocktail bars, you are in the right place. Read on and start thinking where you want to go next!
Delhi
Lizzu Cafe
If there is one concept taking over the country’s restaurants, it is the shift toward spaces that transform personalities from day to night. We call them shapeshifting restaurants that transition from a café by day to a bar by night. One such space, Lizzu Café, has opened its doors in Delhi’s Lodhi Colony as a citrus and coffee bar from sunrise to sunset, and a cocktail bar after dusk. In other words, it opens at 9 am and closes only after 1 am.
The menu moves from an espresso program and craft brews to yuzu-based lemonades and wine by the glass. On the food front, it travels across Italy and the Levant region, featuring everything from hand-rolled pasta to shakshuka, Çılbır, in-house Manakish, hummus, muhammara with warm saj bread, and open-fire chicken shawarma. So whether you are after an early-morning caffeine kick, a refreshing citrusy pause in the middle of the day, or a wine-and-dine night after a tiring day, you can consider Lizzu for all three. Jack of all trades and master of which? You decide that for yourself.
Address: No. 18, Market, Block 13, Lodi Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
Price for two: INR 3,000
The Dark Side
Just because cocktail bars are having a moment in Delhi, every new one is trying to outdo the last. One such opening is The Dark Side in GK-2 M Block Market, which claims to be the city’s first underground restaurant (I’d debate that, saying Let’s Kiss did it before them). It is located on the second floor of the building that also houses Refuge. The catch is that you still have to go up to Refuge, ask the staff to guide you to The Dark Side, enter Refuge‘s kitchen, and there you will find The Dark Side. To give them their due, the menu, which is built around the Seven Deadly Sins, does seem inventive. One cocktail, one deadly sin.
The food roster, designed by Chef Aditya Mohan, draws on memories from his time in London and, more specifically, from what he and his fellow chefs would turn to after the shift. From BBQ Chicken Wings and Mac n Cheese with Chorizo to the iconic Anthony Bourdain Sandwich, expect a gluttonous evening paired with great vibes and seven well-crafted sips. This might not be Delhi’s first underground space, but it is one where the cocktails seem to be as delicious as the food, if you know, you know.
Address: Second Floor, M-25, M Block Market, Greater Kailash II, New Delhi, 110048
Selva
If you consider Aerocity in Delhi (because to me it seems like a drive down to another city), then Selva brings Mexican, Peruvian, Nikkei, and Japanese-Asian plates all under one roof. The restaurant also houses Selva Maya, a bar concealed inside, but neither shares its menu with the other. In my review of Selva, I described Selva and Maya as two hostile siblings, and they are.
At Selva, my favourite pick from the food menu (designed by Chef Vaibhav Bhargava) was the Avo Verde Nori Tacos, Fungae soft tacos (the soft taco selection is the highlight of the menu), the Mexican Beans Tlayudu or cold pizza, and the vegetable gyoza. At Selva Maya, the cocktail roster has been designed by the award-winning Hideaway Goa team, and it’s apparent in the craft and attention to detail with which every drink is poured. My favourite was the crimson-hued Butterfly Effect, which stood out for its floral and fruity flavour profile and featured pisco, raspberry, elderflower, cherry, carrot, and pink peppercorn. The gin-based Viper’s Venom comes with notes of white chocolate, raw mango, tiger’s milk, watermelon rind, and cherry tomato.
Address: 4 Asset Area no. LP-1B-04, Aerocity, Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi 110037
Price for two: INR 4,500
Dodicci
Located at The Ashoka Hotel in Chanakyapuri, Dodicci brings the idea of La Casa Europa (a European home) to Delhi. So, your visit is likely to feel as warm as a visit to a European home, while also featuring delicious food, drinks, and hospitality that will have you returning.
Italian-led but influenced by cuisines across Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, the menu features hand-rolled pasta and pizza alongside Poulet Rôti with potatoes, Spanish croquettes, Brazilian tapioca parmesan, and lemon meringue tart. The kitchen is helmed by Chef Gurdev, a Le Cordon Bleu Paris graduate who has worked at two-Michelin-starred Le Taillevent and with Chef Inaki Aizpitarte of Le Chateaubriand, and has extensive experience across Paris, Saint-Tropez, and Veneto.
The concept will colour not just what lands on your plate but also what is poured in your glasses. The twelve signature cocktails reflect the twelve imaginary residents of the house, each with their own personality and story. What the stories are, only a visit will tell.
Address: The Ashoka Hotel, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
Price for two: INR 5,000
Madame Xi
Madame Xi a contemporary noodle house is the newest opening at The Gallery on M.G. Road. Imagined around Madame Xi, a fictional traveller and collector of flavours, the restaurant brings together handmade noodles, dim sum, baos, pot stickers, robata, and wok-fired dishes.
Led by Chef Dipender Tiwari, the kitchen emphasises fresh dough, carefully developed broth and cooking over fire.
The noodle menu is the focus, with Knife-Cut Noodles in Dan Dan Broth and Flare Rice Noodles with Crossing-the-Bridge Broth among the highlights. The menu also features Prawn Truffle Har Gao, Chicken Xiao Long Bao, Lamb and Green Onion Pot Stickers, Crispy Korean Chicken Bao, Smoked Belgian Pork Belly, Thai Basil Stone Bowl, Cantonese Black Pepper Stone Bowl, Steamed Fish with Ginger and Soya and Stir-Fried Forest Mushrooms.
Address: The Gallery on M.G./Barista Gallery, M.G. Road, Sultanpur
Manam Chocolate Beverage Bar
When Manam does anything with chocolate, you know they must be nailing it! The bean-to-bar brand has launched a beverage-only space at DLF Promenade, calling on Delhi to gear up for pure, guilt-free indulgence. The outlet is located inside the mall, so you can break into a decadent chocolate latte while shopping or pick a pie if you are taking longer than expected to choose which bag you’d like. The all-day drinking experience places Indian craft chocolate at the centre, and the menu spans hot, iced, layered and protein-based beverages.
Some highlights include the signature Orange Iced Chocolate; the Blueberry Oat Iced Chocolate, layered with chocolate ganache, milk foam, and blueberry compote; and the Strawberry and Coconut Protein Shake. The Pistachio Matcha Latte, made with white chocolate, pistachio butter and ceremonial matcha, is another standout, while the signature hot chocolate, served without added sugar, offers a more classic experience.
Some drinks also incorporate Indian ingredients such as chakkarakeli, banana, and Guntur chilli. The bar also has a small food menu, with both savoury and sweet options; the roasted potato and mushroom pot pie and dark chocolate and raspberry layered cake are worth pairing with the drinks.
Address: G17, DLF Promenade, 3 Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj Mall Road, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, Delhi 110070
Price for two: INR 1,200
Dumbo Delhi, New Friends Colony
One of Delhi’s most-loved delis, Dumbo has opened its third and most recent outlet in New Friends Colony (or, as Delhiites like to call it, NFC). Designed as an everyday stop rather than an occasion-led destination, the takeaway-focused space has just five seats for those who want to linger longer. The brand’s visual identity remains intact, with an open-sandwich counter, colourful artwork, and movable steel-block seating.
At the NFC outlet, along with DUMBO’s signature Florentine-style sandwiches are new creations such as Halloumi & Chilli Crisp Lola and Burrata & ’Nduja Viola, as well as the Luca and Caesar additions. Seasonal offerings include a Watermelon & Feta sandwich and a Watermelon Cooler. The beverage programme centres on coffee and matcha, with Bili Hu Coffee and Glow Glossary as partners. Must-tries include the Lavender Ube, Collagen Seafoam, Fresh Blueberry, and Fresh Mango matchas, as well as the Coconut Cream cold-foam coffee.
Address: D851, D Block, New Friends Colony, New Delhi 110025
Price for two: INR 1,200
Gurugram
Yyaki
YYAKI, the avant-garde counter-dining experience at Japonico, is conceived by founder Sahil Sambhi and Chef Roberto Blondi as an intimate exploration of Japanese culinary craftsmanship, live-fire cooking, and immersive hospitality. Limited to a select number of coveted counter seats, the experience places guests directly before the teppanyaki action, where every movement, flame, and course is carefully choreographed.
At its heart is the world’s first Duck Bar, a counter dedicated entirely to duck through an exclusive nine-course tasting menu, with each course exploring a different cut, technique, texture, and expression. Bespoke palate resetters are served between select courses, creating a dialogue between the kitchen and bar. The experience also centres on a full-scale Robata hearth built into the counter, where every skewer is cooked entirely over live charcoal.
Address: Second Floor, Tower D, Vipul Tech Square, Golf Course Road, Sector 43, Gurugram.
Price for two: INR 16,000
San San
SAN SAN, at AIPL Masterpiece on Gurugram’s Golf Course Road, takes a freewheeling approach to Asian dining, drawing on Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean and Thai flavours without trying to fit itself neatly into one cuisine.The standout at the multi-cuisine spot is the Vietnamese Prawn Sushi which is served without nori and paired with carrot and furikake; the Vietnamese Asparagus Sushi follows the same no-nori idea, while the Black Garlic and Mushroom Dimsum is another dish worth ordering from the menu.
From the Robata, the Gochujang Chicken Yakitori and Truffle Chilli Corn Ribs are good pick, while the Crispy Sichuan Tofu brings a sharper, spicier note.
The drinks continue the experimental approach, with highlights being Blue Mizu, Mango Kaen, Tom Yum and Amami; the latter is served with an unexpected garnish of rolled aam papad.
Address: First Floor, Unit no 3, AIPL Masterpiece, Golf Course Rd, DLF Phase 5, Sector 54, Gurugram, Haryana 122001
Price for two: INR 2,500
Odd Culture
Odd Culture, an all-day café and bar that has opened in Gurugram’s Sector 26, was founded by sibling duo Himanshu and Sunaina Makhija, with the former bringing two decades of Australian hospitality experience to the table.
The space moves from breakfast and speciality coffee by day to sharing plates, cocktails, and vinyl-led evenings. Must-tries include the Mushroom & Cheese burger with forest mushrooms, Gruyère and truffle mayo, the Miso-Dashi Caesar, Bang Bang Prawn Doughnuts and Prawn Tagliatelle.
The Miso Brown Butter Iced Latte brings an unexpected savoury edge to the coffee menu, while the Brûlée Basque Cheesecake with blackberry compote is a standout dessert. Overall, Odd Culture combines familiar café and bar favourites with playful, umami-forward twists.
Address: Unit 7, Ground Floor, Emaar Capital Tower 2, Sector 26, Gurugram
Price for two: INR 2,000
Kikli
Chef Amninder Sandhu launches the second outpost of Kikli in Gurugram. There, she continues her decade-long exploration of the forgotten kitchens, recipes, and techniques of Punjab, the state she hails from. Following its Connaught Place debut, the new restaurant looks beyond familiar Punjabi staples to food shaped by home kitchens, royal tables, village traditions, and the culinary geography of pre-Partition Punjab. The menu features Kadaiyaan Lukeya Chicken, Satpura Chaat, Gobhi Bharmi, Katlama, Chapli Kebabs, Nalli Kachori, Kachalu Salad, Bhaneya Aloo Chaat, and Atte Di Chiddi, as well as lesser-known breads such as naturally fermented Mushki Roti and Toonhi Roti.
A key part of the experience is the hara, a traditional Punjabi cooking setup fuelled by cow-dung cakes, used at Kikli to slow-cook dishes such as Malka Dal and Chuara Chironji Doodh. The restaurant also draws from Patiala’s royal kitchens with dishes such as Duggani Pulao, where mutton takes centre stage over rice. The bar mirrors this regional approach, turning flavours such as aam panna, sugarcane juice, lassi, thandai and Punjabi masalas into cocktails, available in Regular and Patiala pours. Set within a warm, colourful space inspired by the feeling of a Punjabi home, Kikli is less an exercise in nostalgia than an attempt to preserve the techniques, recipes and culinary knowledge that risk disappearing.
Address: 1st Floor, AIPL Masterpiece Complex, Unit 2, Sector 54, Gurugram, Haryana 122001
Price for two: INR 3,000
