There’s something about Refuge that makes you pause the moment you walk in. Newly opened in Greater Kailash 2’s M Block Market, the bar and restaurant is designed as an antidote to the capital’s chaos. Soft ivory walls meet warm walnut panels, red lacquered lounges add a pop of character, and metallic accents catch the light just enough to feel elegant.
The lower floor, with its coffee bar and kitchen, carries a hushed intimacy, perfect for those who crave slow moments, unhurried meals, or the quiet pleasure of a book and cappuccino by the window. Upstairs, the mood changes. Anchored by a 42-foot cocktail bar, one of the longest in the city, the upper level hums with energy, laughter, and the clink of glasses.
Founder Aditya Mohan puts it simply: “In Delhi, people come from everywhere—different cities, countries, backgrounds…but they all find refuge here. That’s the spirit I wanted this place to capture. Whether you’re sipping coffee in the day or cocktails at night, it should feel like a sanctuary.”
Journeys In A Glass
Refuge’s cocktail menu is inspired by migration, with each drink narrating a story of movement and mingling cultures. Everything, from the syrups to the sodas, is made in-house.
The Olive Trail is a revelation for whisky lovers. Olive oil fast-washed Scotch blends with fig and house brined soda to create a drink that’s unexpectedly smooth and savoury, like discovering an extra note in your favourite song. Then there’s EMBE-Ras—Mahua, Alphonso mango, basil cordial, egg white and sumac. It arrives with a foamy crown and a chilled, citrusy base underneath. Playful, layered, and truly one of a kind.
For breezier evenings, the Gullah Breeze is an instant favourite. Tequila, pineapple tepache, maple and prickly pear swirl together into something fruity, tangy and refreshing like catching a soft wind on a muggy Delhi night. And if you’re after the signature sip, the Refugee’s Respite is both comforting and elegant: gin, liquorice syrup, kewra-scented lime and mango hydrosol that feel almost poetic in the way they unfold.
“Each cocktail tells a story of movement, ingredients travelling across borders, cultures meeting in a glass. It’s our ode to migration,” says Mohan.
Familiar, But Not Quite
The food mirrors the drinks in its approach, comfort with a twist. Refuge 65, a playful spin on the classic Chicken 65, arrives crisp and juicy, paired with a cashew-kaffir lime podi that adds just the right zing. Forager’s Croquettas, truffle-fried mushroom balls crowned with black garlic aioli, are indulgent yet light enough to leave you wanting more.
Then there’s the Avocado Crossing—creamy guacamole, filo tostadas, pickled cucumber and radish, all finished with truffle ponzu and chilli crunch. It’s a dish that’s bright, layered, and designed for pairing with cocktails like the Gullah Breeze. Even the pasta gets an artistic twist, inspired by Jackson Pollock’s canvases, playful, abstract and memorable.
What Makes Refuge Different?
Refuge is not just another addition to Delhi’s ever-expanding bar scene. It’s a place that adapts to you. A quiet coffee spot when you want calm, a buzzing cocktail bar when you crave company, and a restaurant that serves great food when you want a comforting meal.
As Mohan sums it up: “I built Refuge for everyone. Whether it’s coffee in the morning, a glass of wine in the evening, or a full meal with friends, I want people to leave with good memories. That’s the only measure of success for me.”
Information:
Address: M-25, 2nd & 3rd Floor, M Block Market, GK-2, New Delhi
Timings: 1 PM – 1 AM
Price for Two: INR 1,500 (without alcohol), INR 2,000 (with alcohol)
