13 eateries you should try before you step into 2026
From restaurants perfect for a romantic date night to cafés ideal for your next girls’ day out, here is your guide to the spots you need to try before the year ends.
We know the ritual all too well, scrolling endlessly through Instagram in search of the perfect dining spot; after all, the ambience, the food, the location, every detail matters.
From cult favourites to hidden gems, this list brings you 13 spots you simply cannot miss. Whether you are planning a laid-back meal with friends or hoping to impress your date, these dining destinations promise to leave you satisfied and your taste buds thoroughly tantalised. Bon appétit.
MANAM CHOCOLATE, DELHI
Manam Chocolate is a haven for anyone with a sweet tooth. Despite the name, it is far more than just a dessert stop. With a live chocolaterie, over 350 products across 50 categories, and a Craft Chocolate Beverage Bar, this café truly stands out. The menu features everything from waffles to kheema rice and superfood salad. Whatever you do, do not skip the Tiramisu Verrine. Rich, creamy and indulgent, it is a dessert you will be dreaming about long after the last bite.
MEZZO MEZZO, MUMBAI
Picture this. Bathed in the warmth of a sunset by the sea, plates whisk you straight to Europe while you sip cocktails as refreshing as they are inventive. Mezzo Mezzo serves everything from fresh ceviche to indulgent pastas. The Ibérico and burrata pizza is a surefire favourite, while the smoky mushroom skewers deserve a spot on every table. Do not leave without ending your meal with their tiramisu. With its cosy ambience, it is perfect for family dinners and romantic dates.
ONE8 COMMUNE, GOA
Virat Kohli’s One8 Commune brings its easygoing charm to Goa’s coastline. This beachside restaurant blends Goa’s bohemian vibe with breezy Mediterranean design, natural wood accents, sunlit glass panels, lush greens and corners that feel like a mini vacation. The menu spans global favourites with playful twists, including fragrant laksa, Middle Eastern bites and the much-loved burnt Basque cheesecake that keeps guests returning for more.
BASTIAN, MUMBAI
This iconic hotspot needs no introduction. Co-owned by Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, it is the epitome of indulgent dining. Think lush greenery, striking interiors and cocktails crafted by expert mixologists. From elevated avocado toast to flavour-packed mushroom tacos, there is something for every mood. And their viral pull me cake has become a go-to for celebrities and the influential alike. Every meal here is pure luxury served on a plate.
PAASHH, MUMBAI
Once a charming Portuguese bungalow, this café is now an organic sanctuary that looks straight from your Pinterest mood board. Wrapped in lush greenery with calm coastal aesthetics, it is an instant go-to. The menu celebrates refreshing flavours with thoughtful balance. The black garlic AOP is a star, rich, comforting and absolutely loved. Designed for slow brunches and soulful conversations, this is the place to embrace the soft life.
LADURÉE, MUMBAI
A slice of Paris in the city, Ladurée brings French classics to the table. Expect delicate macarons, their signature Ladurée Salad, creamy avocado burrata with crisp bread and a mushroom pasta that never disappoints. The mango tart, light with a perfectly flaky crust, is ideal for a midday treat. Our personal favourite, the thick, rich hot chocolate, is exactly what you would find in a cosy Parisian café. This café from your Parisian dreams is chic, charming, and satisfying.
AER, MUMBAI
If you are looking for a luxury dining experience, this one delivers. The open-air rooftop bar at the Four Seasons offers stunning views of the bay with a minimal and elevated ambience. The music sets the tone for the perfect sundowner. Try the chicken with fish sauce, avocado bao or Hawaiian poke bowl and do not miss the brûléed gulab jamun with cardamom rabdi. Even watching the sunset here feels like an experience in itself.
TÓA 66, MUMBAI
Located in Churchgate, TÓA 66 is a 26-seater that serves a seven-course Thai tasting menu where every single dish shines. Led by Thai Master Chefs Kanchit and Natanong Vongvichai, the focus is on bold and authentic flavours. The menu moves through spice, freshness, and seasonality with effortless charm. The mango sticky rice is a must-try dish; it is a comforting and balanced way to close the experience.
SILQ, DELHI
Inspired by the ancient Silk Route once travelled by merchants and storytellers, Silq offers a dining experience rooted in history. Each guest is guided through a sequence of six ceremonial stages, turning a meal into a journey. The Adana kebabs, Nihari biryani and Ishkandari raan are flavourful and memorable. A place worth bookmarking for your next night out.
JSAN, GOA
This Japanese izakaya-style restaurant claims to serve the best ramen in India, and it lives up to it. The broth takes two days to prepare, and the handcrafted noodles are crafted specifically for each variety, making this place as authentic as it gets. The layered tuna dish is definitely a must-try here. A meal here lingers long after the last bite; you will be recommending this spot to absolutely everyone.
IDYLL, BANGALORE
If fusion done right excites you, Idyll needs to be on your list. The menu brings India’s favourite flavours together with playful twists, including tiramisu ghevar, paneer changezi tacos and guacamole paniyaram. The space feels both elevated and cosy, making it ideal for catch-ups that turn into long meals. The paniyaram and the deconstructed baingan chokha hummus are favourites that hit the perfect balance between comfort and curiosity. You will be planning your next visit before you leave.
SORA, AHMEDABAD
A vegetarian-only Asian fusion restaurant that proves meat-free dining can still bring the drama. Sora blends Asian and Peruvian flavours with flair, guided by Culinary Mentor Chef Sadik. The Yuzu Panca siphon soup sparks is a bowl of pure comfort, the malanga root salad keeps things fresh, and the mock meat bokkeum is the one you will fight over until the last bite. With chic interiors and plates full of personality, nobody misses the meat here.
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