The New Wave of Indian Fine Dining

The New Wave of Indian Fine Dining

From luxury ice cream to buzzy rooftop clubs, India’s dining scene is brimming with exciting new openings. Here’s a look at the freshest launches across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Mumbai.

Nandhini Opens Grand New Outlet on St. Mark’s Road
Where: Bangalore

Bengaluru’s iconic Andhra dining destination, Nandhini, has unveiled its latest and most ambitious outlet yet on St. Marks Road, opening September 10th. Spanning 6,000 sq. ft. with a 250-seat capacity, this marks one of the brand’s most significant projects to date. Designed by Reshma Raju & Nishant Raju of Abstract Design Studio, the space blends tradition with contemporary flair, inspired by Bengaluru’s T2 Airport and its “Garden City” identity.

The outlet offers thoughtful experiences, such as the Biryani Bell ritual and Polaroid giveaways, alongside two private dining rooms for intimate gatherings. Guests can enjoy Nandhini classics, including Andhra Meals, Chilli Chicken, and Nellore Biryani, as well as exclusive new dishes such as Gunpowder Popcorn, Paneer Ghee Roast Biryani, Appam with Mutton Chops, and more. A refreshed bar menu featuring beer on tap and signature cocktails complements the fiery Andhra flavours. With 18 outlets in Bengaluru, Nandhini now sets its sights on national and international expansion, bringing Andhra cuisine to the global stage.

SALT Restaurant All Set To Launch Its Second Outlet
Where: Hyderabad

Adding to the city’s evolving dining scene, SALT is set to open its second outlet in Hyderabad, offering a fine-dining experience that celebrates Indian cuisine with a modern twist. Already loved in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Pune, SALT lives up to its tagline “Indian Food Made Interesting” with Chef Balachander leading the charge.

The menu spans across India, from Galouti Kebabs and Butter Chicken Lollipops to Alleppey Fish Curry and Masaledar Prawn Biryani, complemented by inventive mocktails like Kala Khatta and Turmeric Maple Hot Toddy. The new space strikes a balance between rustic warmth and earthy elegance, making it the perfect setting to rediscover traditional recipes with an innovative flair. SALT promises a bold, flavourful dining journey that blends nostalgia with contemporary sophistication.

Pune’s First Wine Bar ‘The Third Place’ Brings Coffee, Pizza & Community Vibes 

Where: Pune

Koregaon Park welcomes The Third Place, the city’s first dedicated wine bar, which blends soulful food, craft wines, coffee, fashion, and décor into one immersive, community-driven space. Founded by Kunal Mhaske, MD of Grandeur Hotels Pvt. Ltd., the 11,500 sq. ft. concept redefines social dining by bringing together global experiences with a local, sustainable ethos.

The all-day menu, created by Chef Toshan Salgaonkar, features soulful European fare with highlights including Fresh Pear Salad, Chorizo, Beets, and Burrata, Oven-Roasted Chicken, and 72-hour fermented Neapolitan pizzas, such as Quattro Formaggi, Classic Pepperoni, and Farmacy. Complementing this are sommelier-led wine selections, slow-brewed SOIL coffees, and woodfired pizza sandwiches.

More than food, The Third-Place curates lifestyle through sustainable design, repurposed interiors, and concept corners like Altrove and Style Mati. Whether for coffee, conversations, or wine nights, it’s a warm, memorable space that feels like home beyond home.

Vesparo × Pulse Debuts
Where: Indiranagar, Bangalore

Bengaluru’s iconic 100 Ft Road welcomes a new landmark with the launch of Vesparo × Pulse, a luxury rooftop restaurant and private club spanning 11,500 sq. ft. The destination blends global gastronomy, inventive cocktails, and immersive design, offering a seamless journey from refined dining to high-energy nightlife.

Vesparo’s “World on a Plate” philosophy brings together bold Asian flavours, elegant European classics, and playful fusions. Standouts include the theatrical Ants Climbing the Wall (featuring flying noodles), Japanese Taco, and the authentic Andhra specialty, Rajugari Kodi Pulav.

At Pulse, guests step into an exclusive lounge with state-of-the-art acoustics, moody lighting, and curated soundscapes. The mixology program shines with bold creations like Sin on the Rim, Corn Star, and Ivory Heat.

Designed with chic interiors, a lively courtyard, and a rooftop perfect for sundowners, Vesparo × Pulse reflects Bengaluru’s cosmopolitan spirit setting a new benchmark in dining and nightlife.

What: Ice Cream Works Gold

Where: Mumbai

Luxury gets a delicious twist with the launch of Ice Cream Works Gold at Phoenix Palladium’s Gourmet Village. After creating a loyal following in Juhu, the boutique ice cream brand now brings its artisanal indulgence to one of Mumbai’s most premium culinary destinations.

Ice Cream Works Gold is redefining ice cream as more than just a dessert—it’s a luxury experience. Each scoop is crafted with premium ingredients, unique flavours, and a dedication to detail that transforms indulgence into art.

The new outlet will serve signature classics, limited-edition flavours, and exclusive creations designed especially for the Gourmet Village, promising an elevated experience for dessert lovers. Whether you’re celebrating or simply craving a glamorous treat, Ice Cream Works Gold makes every bite a moment of pure indulgence.

Sozo Izakaya
Where: Mumbai

Mumbai’s Sozo Izakaya is redefining Japanese dining with a sushi menu that strikes a balance between authenticity and creativity. From the creamy indulgence of Avocado Maki to the crisp Crab Avocado, and from fiery favourites like Veg Dynamite and Shrimp Dynamite, the menu celebrates freshness and flair. Adventurous diners can savour inventive rolls, such as the Sozo Veg Maki with tempura chili and cream cheese, or the indulgent Sozo Shrimp Maki. With playful options like Sweet Paprika Cream Cheese and the savoury Tori Maki, Sozo transforms sushi into a vibrant, immersive experience for every palate.

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Shruti Mahajan: From Home Kitchens to Digital Food Education

Shruti Mahajan’s relationship with food began long before social media. Raised in a home where meals symbolised comfort and connection, she grew up understanding that food was never just functional; it was emotional infrastructure. Today, based in Delhi NCR, she balances a full-time corporate career alongside a steadily growing culinary platform. Her dual life reflects her personality: equal parts structured and creative. “I’ve always balanced discipline with imagination,” she shares. Managing time, health, and responsibility firsthand shaped her belief that food solutions must work in real life, not just on screen. Simplifying the Everyday Shruti identifies as a culinary content creator and digital educator, but her core mission is simpler: make healthy eating realistic. She noticed that nutrition-forward cooking often felt overwhelming or aspirational. “Food is something we deal with every single day,” she says. “If we can make it easier and healthier, it genuinely improves quality of life.” Her content is built around that practicality, short, efficient recipes designed for busy schedules. Shruti’s signature format includes 30–40 second recipes that viewers can watch, save, and cook without friction. She focuses on ingredients already present in Indian kitchens and has carved a niche by making millets engaging, from Ragi Brownies and Ragi Dhokla to Millet Sambar Khichdi. Built on Consistency Her journey began quietly, experimenting in her own kitchen and sharing what worked. There was no dramatic pivot, only persistence. Balancing content creation alongside a demanding job required discipline. That phase reinforced her core belief: consistency outweighs perfection. The turning point came when followers began writing, “I actually tried this.” That validation signalled impact. Today, she is focused less on virality and more on systems, structured PDFs, nutrition-led education, and scalable tools that empower everyday cooks. Power in Balance Shruti operates on three principles: balance over extremes, progress over pressure,

Nidhi Goyal on Reinvention and Food Entrepreneurship

Nidhi Goyal’s story is one of quiet endurance and deliberate rebuilding. Based in Jaipur, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications (BCA), a foundation that sharpened her analytical thinking and discipline, qualities that would later prove vital in entrepreneurship. Raised in a middle-class business family, she grew up absorbing lessons in independence and responsibility from her father. But life tested her early. Married in 2017, the years that followed brought emotional challenges that deeply impacted her confidence and health. After the birth of her son in 2019, circumstances led her to return to her parental home. Today, as a single mother raising her child with the support of her parents, Nidhi stands self-aware and purpose-driven. “Life may not turn out the way you planned,” she reflects, “but you still have the power to rebuild it.” Cooking as Independence Nidhi is the creator behind Fun2oosh Food, where she shares simple, practical, and relatable recipes for everyday households. But beyond content, her work represents something far deeper: financial independence and dignity. “Every decision I make is driven by one purpose: to give my son a secure and value-driven future,” she says. Content creation became her pathway to rebuilding her life on her own terms. Honest Food, Real Connection Her culinary philosophy is rooted in authenticity. She creates “honest, no-fuss, everyday food,” recipes tested with patience and precision. Over time, her confidence has grown alongside her platform, earning her audience’s trust. Her community associates her work with warmth and reliability. The food feels personal, not performative, a reflection of the care behind every dish. The Courage to Begin Nidhi began her journey in 2021 during a period of vulnerability. Monetisation was slow; it took four months to earn her first $100 on YouTube, an amount that covered her son’s expenses at the

Suzann Homan: A Corporate Lawyer Crafting Goa’s Premium Spirits

Suzann Homan is a Corporate Lawyer and a proud Bandra-born Bombay Goan, whose identity blends Mumbai’s urban sensibility with deeply rooted family values. Raised in a home where food, flavour, and togetherness were sacred rituals, her worldview was shaped by culture and community. At the heart of that influence was her mother, Grace Fernandes, whose quiet strength and intuitive craft left a lasting imprint. From her, Suzann inherited an appreciation for taste, detail, and intentional living, values that would later define her entrepreneurial journey. Turning Ritual into Brand As Founder–Director of Kantala Spirits and the visionary behind Gracia Viva Agave, Suzann did not set out to merely launch a beverage. Gracia was born as a tribute, inspired by her mother’s small-batch infused agave recipe, long shared at intimate family gatherings. For Suzann, the mission was clear: transform a deeply personal ritual into an experience others could access, without losing its soul. Purpose, she believes, lies in honouring origin while allowing thoughtful evolution. Precision Meets Emotion What distinguishes Suzann’s leadership is the seamless blend of emotional authenticity and professional discipline. Where many brands pursue fleeting trends, Gracia is anchored in storytelling, flavour memory, and intention. Her legal background ensures structural rigour and compliance, while heritage guides creativity. She champions balance and mindful indulgence over excess, a philosophy increasingly aligned with modern consumer values. A Family Table in Bandra Gracia’s roots trace back to intimate family rituals. Agave spirit, sourced through family ties in Mexico, was infused at home by Grace Fernandes with fruits, spices, and chocolate, guided entirely by instinct. These bottles were never commercial. They were tokens of celebration, shared among loved ones. The shift from private ritual to public offering was gradual and deliberate, anchored in respect for its origins. Expanding the Table The defining moment came when Suzann

How Walking Away from CA Led to a Life in the Kitchen

Natasha Gandhi’s journey into food was anything but predictable. Once on the path to becoming a Chartered Accountant, she attempted the exams five times before confronting a difficult truth: her heart wasn’t in it. “Walking away from CA was terrifying,” she admits, but that leap of faith led her back to her kitchen, where she began experimenting with healthy, gluten-free, vegan desserts. What started as curiosity soon deepened into a calling. A defining moment came when she stepped onto MasterChef India, finishing as a top finalist. The platform sharpened her confidence and creative voice, introducing her to a national audience. From there, she began sharing recipes online, building a community around wholesome, hearty food rooted in story. Today, many know her as the ‘Biryani Queen,’ a title born from her ability to honour tradition while reimagining comfort food in nourishing, accessible ways. Food as Memory and Medicine Natasha describes her work as culinary storytelling. She documents traditions, reinterprets classics, and brings regional and community-driven recipes into modern kitchens. “Food, for me, is both memory and medicine,” she says. Her philosophy challenges the idea that healthy eating must feel restrictive. Instead, she champions balance, dishes that are satisfying, flavourful, and mindful without sacrificing soul. Heritage with a Modern Lens What distinguishes her voice is her focus on lesser-known regional dishes, from diverse biryanis to India’s pasta-like traditions, presented in ways that feel approachable for home cooks. She avoids chasing fleeting trends, choosing instead to create from curiosity and passion. Her signature strength lies in transforming indulgent favourites into healthier versions without compromising on depth. That blend of heritage, innovation, and mindful cooking defines her identity. Breakthrough Moments Growing up in a Punjabi household where food was celebration and identity, Natasha was surrounded by rich flavours and vibrant conversations. Influenced by chefs

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