Design
13 must visit restaurants in India where you should be spending your weekends at!
OCT 21, 2024 | By Anaya Zubin
Are you craving more than just a meal? What if your dining experience became a visual adventure, where the ambience speaks as ferociously as the flavours? These must visit restaurants in India should be on your checklist!
In the world of experiential dining, few places offer a sensory escape quite like these design-forward restaurants. We uncover 13 must visit restaurants in India from Mumbai, Goa, Bengaluru to Chandigarh and Delhi among other cities that are perfect for those who feast on aesthetics as much as on their favourite cuisine. From spaces that invite exploration to ethereal canopies and textured wonderlands, there’s a lot for the design and food aficionados to discover!
The Village Restaurant, Mangalore
A captivating fusion of nature and heritage awaits at The Village Restaurant, an 8,000 sq ft masterpiece in Mangalore by Alisha Fernandes of Arcaid. Rustic terracotta cladding, wooden veneers and bamboo lampshades transport you into an earthy sanctuary, framed by lush greenery. The fluid roof structure echoes the organic beauty of the surroundings, making this dramatic yet serene space a visual and sensory delight. It’s an intimate charm intertwined with a stunning culinary experience.
Burma Burma,Bengaluru
Burma Burma in Bengaluru captures the essence of Myanmar’s serene Inle Lake, effortlessly blending outdoor serenity with indoor luxury. Designed by Minnie Bhatt Design she impeccably makes the restaurant space flow with a bar in front at first glance with intricate wall panels, and a dessert counter to match. The stunning mural of fishermen and traditional houses paints a vibrant picture of Myanmar’s landscape, enveloping you in its charm as you dine under an enchanting design narrative.
The Mission Bay, New Delhi
Transport yourself to the Bay Area in California without leaving Delhi. The Mission Bay is designed by Livin’ Colors Design. It is an immaculate blend of San Francisco’s farm-to-table philosophy, a restaurant pulsing with high energy and delectable cuisine. Lead designer Amith Chabra creates chic interiors that are a view you simply cannot miss.
Malleshwaram, Chandigarh
One of the new restaurants that savours the aesthetics is Malleshwaram in Chandigarh. The ceiling, an intricately woven canopy of beams, feels almost alive, curving in poetic harmony. In the centre, a lotus pond beckons with its tranquil beauty. The 2,200 sq ft space is designed by Loop Design Studio. Lead architects Suvrita Bhardwaj and Nikhil Pratap Singh create a space that feels like a dance with nature.
Sanctuary Bar and Kitchen, Goa
Another one of the must visit restaurants in India is Sanctuary Bar and Kitchen in Goa, a 7,500 sq ft marvel that breathes new life into ancient Portuguese ruins. Stone pathways wind through the landscape and sculptures made from local materials nestle within the greenery, guiding guests on a journey of sensorial discovery. The once-challenging landscape enhances the design, turning obstacles into creative opportunities. A collaboration between Kiasma Studio and landscape design lead architect Gokul Krishna from W Design Studio and planting consultants GLL Landscape, Sanctuary Bar and Kitchen creates an experience where history, nature and culinary finesse meet, evoking a rugged yet euphonious atmosphere.
Neighbourly, Gurgaon
Home is where the coffee is. Neighbourly in Gurgaon is your charming second home, offering the comfort of a warm cup of coffee or a home-cooked meal. Designed by Phenotype Architecture Studio’s Anica Kochhar, the space envelopes you in earthy terracotta tones, light toned woods and familiar textures. With its array of intimate seating pockets, the restaurant fosters a sense of private retreat, perfect for moments of quiet reflection or cosy gatherings with friends.
Canto, Mumbai
A symphony of colours and comfort, Canto in Mumbai by Minnie Bhatt Design is where modernity whispers in shades of blue and green, bringing heart-fluttering design to life. Minnie Bhatt’s mix of terrazzo, marble, and veneer tabletop designs creates a tactile wonderland. It’s where luxury meets warmth, making every corner feel like a secret waiting to be discovered.
Raag, New Delhi
A melody in every detail. Raag is one of the must visit restaurants in India where music, design, and culinary art come together in perfect harmony. LDG Studio imbues the restaurant vibrantly, from its draped ceilings to its fluted columns adorned with candle-lit chandeliers. There’s also delicate jaali lattice work in partitions and wall panels that cast playful shadows, adding depth. At the same time, the ceiling fabric, adorned with traditional dance mudras, celebrates the grace of traditional Indian design. Raag’s interiors are a dance of light, texture, and sound.
Prequel, Bengaluru
What’s you story? This alfresco restaurant in Bengaluru, Hebbal asks you this and lays out everything yous design-enthusiast self would as for; from high ceilings and open sides that overlook cityscapes to dramatic walkways and layered landscapes. Neha Sapre, principal architect of Studio Taan, transforms this dining spot into a visual oasis with the bar’s muted finishes and lush creepers creating a lively, outdoor-inspired atmosphere.
Masala, New Delhi
Masala offers a sensory adventure in the heart of New Delhi. Designed by Sian Architects, It boasts colour-coded zones that range from fiery reds to calming blues, each crafting its own distinct aura, whether for intimate dinners or lively gatherings. Principal architects Deepanshu Arneja and Surbhi Singhal make Masala embrace the joy of communal dining, offering an environment where ‘the more, the merrier’.
Vasanta Bhavan, Chennai
Vasanta Bhavan in Chennai by principal architect Sidharth Ninan and project architect Rohini Chandra of SNA Design masterfully melds traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Handcrafted carpentry details infuse the space with warmth and texture, perfectly balancing sleek contemporary materials. Custom wooden light installations tie the room together, while expansive windows bathe the interiors in natural light, creating a mesmerising interplay of light and shadow from dusk to dawn.
Mjol Bakehouse, Gurgaon
Mjol Bakehouse by LLP Hivemind Design is more than just a bakery. Vikrant Sharma, founding partner and principal architect, is an ode to the beauty of minimalism inspired by Scandinavian and Japanese design. The bakery located in Gurgaon charms with its calm, earthy atmosphere, featuring hand-crafted Japanese furniture and an exposed brick wall. A special highlight? The chocolate room, where you can watch the magic of baking unfold as you wait. Mjol Bakehouse is not just a place to satisfy cravings but a serene space that delights the senses with its understated elegance.
Elpavo Restaurant and Bar, New Dehli
Elpavo by Plank.Studio is more than a restaurant; it’s an escape into the world of meditative colours and materials teamed with feastful delicacies. Dhruv Agarwal, founder and principal designer at Plank.Studio weaves a tranquil space in New Delhi where carefully curated Indian stones from Jaisalmer yellow, Baroda green, and Rajnagar white come together as an exquisite visual tapestry. Pair this serene yet luxurious ambience with carefully crafted cocktails; you couldn’t ask for more!
