These Indian restaurants will take you on a global food trail

Across India, restaurants are curating a dining experience that is bold, immersive, and proudly rooted in the country's culture, hospitality, and regional produce. These aren't just dining spots; they’re experiences, crafting inventive menus and cinematic spaces that celebrate both global flavours and local spirit in the most cinematic and whimsical way. From crusty Portuguese tarts in Goa to Franco-American flavours in Mumbai, this is a food trail for the curious and the culturally attuned.

Here's a curated list of culinary pioneers reshaping India’s gastronomic map—restaurants that spark joy, stir conversation, and serve up more than just a great meal. This is where indulgence meets intention, and every bite blends global flair with Indian soul.

Banng, Mumbai

Obsessed with South Asian flavours? This fiery hotspot brings the bold, spicy cuisine of the region to life in a way that’s impossible to ignore. A powerful collaboration between two Michelin-starred Chef Garima Arora and F&B visionary Riyaaz Amlani of Impresario, this restaurant is a sensory spectacle. With its moody, dramatic and electrifying red interiors, it’s a slice of Bangkok right in the heart of Bombay.

Praça Prazeres, Goa

Craving a slice of European charm on a plate? Chef Ralph is working his magic at Praça Prazeres to serve up fuss-free European fare. Think crusty Parmigiana bathed in rich marinara and a creamy, gooey baked brie paired with a zesty mango chutney. Set in a space that’s calm and understated, the restaurant lets the food do all the talking—and trust us, it speaks volumes.

The Game Palacio, Mumbai  

If you want to reconnect with your inner child, The Game Palacio is the place to be. Spread across a sprawling 26,280 sq.ft., The Game Palacio by Prasuk Jain Hospitality, located at Phoenix Palladium, offers an unparalleled blend of play, luxury, and indulgence.

Whether you choose to step into six boutique bowling lanes, explore over 80 trailblazing arcade games, lose yourself in multiple VR zones, or experience India’s first-ever in-mall cigar room, every corner is designed to transport you to a core memory. From Art Deco-inspired interiors with gold-trimmed archways, rich emerald lighting, and black marble textures, to old-school casino aesthetics, the space is both charming and welcoming. The experience goes a step further with gourmet food options, world-class entertainment, and haute nightlife—inviting you to make it the plan when you have none.

Padaria Prazeres, Goa

Tucked away in the heart of Panjim, this charming café crafts crusty artisanal breads and delicate handmade pâtisserie that speak to the soul. Picture warm, gooey pasteis de nata (a.k.a Portuguese egg custard tarts) and focaccia sandwiches layered with impossibly creamy fillings—each plate is served with love. With its nostalgic charm, this café is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.

Sobo 20, Mumbai

Located at Marine Drive, SoBo 20 is where French culinary finesse meets bold South American flavours—all beautifully woven together with local Indian influences. This Franco-American restaurant’s executive chef, Sudeep Kashikar, is redefining what "classic" means, one plate at a time. At SoBo 20, curiosity isn’t just welcomed—it’s essential. With each dish more surprising than the last, you’ll find yourself forgetting what came before, eager for what’s next.

Farmlore, Bangalore

Looking for something artistic yet deeply rooted in Indian culture? Farmlore is where culinary creativity meets conscious living. This isn't just a place to dine—it's a place to feel, with all your senses open. With a deep commitment to “locavore” traditions and sustainable gastronomy, Farmlore is redefining what it means to eat mindfully. If transparency had an address, it would be here.

Lick, Bangalore

Love mindful indulgence? LICK—short for The Lavonne Ice Cream Kitchen—is serving up scoops that are anything but ordinary. Expect bold, ambiguous flavours that surprise and delight: toasted coconut ice cream, tropical fruit sorbet, coconut tres leches sundae, and yes—even a scoop of watermelon feta or the delicious carrot milk. The vibe? With interiors that feel cinematic and playful, think Wes Anderson meets the future. 

Nox, Powai

The food here is so good, it’ll lift your spirits well beyond the rooftop. Located on the 36th floor of The Westin, perched high above Powai, this new rooftop restaurant serves a delicious blend of European and Mediterranean flavours. Think Gambero Picante—spiced Mediterranean prawns—alongside a rustic calzone filled with broccolini and creamy ricotta and a fragrant risotto funghi di bosco with wild forest mushrooms. Their signature cocktail, above the sky and beyond the lake, captures the essence of its stunning location. As the sun dips below the skyline, the serene interiors transition into a lively and elevated evening vibe.

Otoki, Colaba

With its soulful and calming white interiors, Otoki is the vision of hospitality veterans Anurag Katriar and Pranav M Rungta, who aim to offer Mumbai a deeper, more intimate connection with Japanese cuisine. Deeply rooted in the Japanese philosophy of washoku, Otoki offers artistry on a plate. Their carefully curated “The Art of Lunch” menu is a tribute to those who see food as both nourishment and art. They serve wan mono (soups), flavour-rich kozara (small plates) like agedashi tofu and katsu fish sando, handcrafted nigiri and maki rolls, soul-warming ramen, and comforting lunch-friendly offerings with Bento boxes and donburi bowls—offered in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian varieties. 

Mi Piaci, Delhi

What Mi Piaci is serving is not another slice of pizza; they are serving a whole experience. With their dim ambience and inviting staff, you can be sure to have an experience which you will cherish for days to come. Mi Piaci is not limited to pizza. They are serving silky tiramisus, creamy spaghetti, ravioli drenched in irresistible sauces and gelatos filled with crunchy surprises. Mi Piaci ensures you leave saying ‘mamma mia!’ 

Patang, Ahmedabad

A revolving haven of gourmet indulgence, Patang is the very definition of culinary luxury. Inspired by the chabutaro—a traditional tower-like structure where birds are fed—this unique dining destination slowly rotates 221 feet above the ground, offering sweeping views of the serene Sabarmati river and the contrasting landscapes of old and new Ahmedabad.

Its thoughtfully curated tasting menu blends beloved Indian delicacies with international favourites, creating a dining experience that is as dynamic as its ever-changing view.

All images: The restaurants

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