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Fine food and finer interiors: The most buzzing restaurants in Mumbai, Delhi, Goa and rest of India to bookmark!

What is my favourite thing to do? What do I wish I could do in excess and not face the repercussions? What is the best part about exploring new cities? So many questions, a straightforward answer – good food!

Sometimes, a craving for scrumptious delicacies is not enough. We say that because, with an elevated ambience, the food becomes more than just a meal. It becomes an experience. ELLE DECOR India’s curated list of restaurants brings forth a range of flavours that marinate well with their unique interiors.

Diona at The Grand Anukampa Hotel, Jaipur

Diona in Jaipur by Chromed Design Studio

Diona by Chromed Design Studio is an amalgamation of volumes, niches, rounded curves, and monochromated themes. The stones and marble used, emulate the layout and dynamism of Santorini. The white-painted wall made of broken marble complements the labyrinth of arches and vaults creating a captivating contrast against the pink city scenery and making its eccentric design stand out.

As one exits the elevator, a gleaming crystal ceiling is covered by a massive green wall with an artful emblem that is now buzzing on Jaipur’s social media. However, Alfresco, the outdoor area has cabana seating, ivory gazebos, and natural ambient lighting which is a complete contrast to the crystals. Alternately, Diona hosts a dining space overlooking the infinity pool with an Instagrammable bar in the middle which gives a whole other luxe side to the space, alongside a private lounge that witnesses heightened views of the Jaipur sky.

The Olive Cafe & Bar, Chandigarh

Embarking on an all new journey of newer design aesthetics and a refreshing table of gourmet food by chef Jyotika Malik, The Olive Cafe & Bar unfurls its latest outpost in Chandigarh helmed by founder and MD AD Singh of The Olive Group of restaurants. White washed walls, tropical settings, sun-bathed courtyards and a breezy mood altogether, the new avatar of the restaurant in Chandigarh is one to gaze at.

As you trail through the space, coastal elements layered in gorgeous sober tones, arched windows, bamboo baskets, hand-finished terracotta tile covered patio and more such details reveal themselves – a design canvas directed by Sabina Singh and executed by architect Vivek Popli. “With two bars and one giant kitchen, Olive’s feast-friendly!” And that’s how the restaurant likes to sum itself up in a nutshell.

Bar Stock Exchange- Vashi, Mumbai

Bar Stock Exchange in Vashi, Navi Mumbai by Saniya Kantawala Design; Photograph by Aspire Studios

Bar Stock Exchange in Navi Mumbai by Saniya Kantawala Design; Photograph by Aspire Studios

Bar Stock Exchange (BSE) crafted by Saniya Kantawala of her eponymous firm Saniya Kantawala Design encompasses a large outdoor seating area and an expansive indoor section. What makes the exteriors truly exquisite are the glazed openings with layers of coloured film, evoking traditional stained glass windows. The interior is almost as intriguing if not more than the exterior. It’s dressed in shades of red with a black and white bar counter in piccolo tiling spanning the room and forming the centrepiece. The bar counter too features a free-flowing painted pattern in nature-inspired shades.

The hues, patterns, and playful installations overall create a lively, youth-centric ambience that is a perfect reflection of what BSE brings to the table!

Mensho Tokyo, Greater Kailash, Delhi

Mensho Tokyo by Paushika Gupta Architecture+Design

The sense of interiors of this four-walled restaurant by Architect and Interior Designer Paushika Gupta, Founder of Paushika Gupta Architecture+Design is all about experiencing a modern take on a traditional Japanese-style ramen shop.

The interior design of the space aligns with the restaurant’s ever-evolving yet simple and traditional Japanese cuisine who’s primary focus is food, and the harmonious combination of traditional Japanese design elements with contemporary twists provides guests with a refreshing open-dining atmosphere wherein one can view the skills of the chef preparing food.

Dobaraa, Mumbai

Dobaraa in Mumbai likes to call itself a design agnostic venue! A sense of dramatic liberty captures the space with an aim to create a vibe that would push you to take on the world. To represent this, the restor-bar has inscribed unabashedly on their wall, ‘Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee’. Their interiors are a blend of both worlds, elegant in some corners, and grunge in others, still being easy and fluid to the eye!

Their cocktails aim to please as they offer ‘Not just mixed beverages but moods’ which sounds perfect for a heavy work day or a chill day with your gal-pals. They carter to calm, frolic, frivolous, walking-on-the-ceiling! They invent, reinvent and observe new ones every now and then at every table or corner making this place ideal for any time and any day.

Ombré (BarBar), Varanasi

Ombré in Varanasi by Urban Mistrii Studio; Photograph by Avesh Gaur

The ancient city of Varanasi exudes a laid back, cosmopolitan but free-spirited mood. Located here is a cosmo-resto bar, Ombré, a rooftop bar along Mint Road at Subroto Chowk designed by Urban Mistrii Studio’s Ritika Rakhiani. It is one to please as it embodies the tranquil and powerful identity of the city while giving it a strong, modern interpretation.

The ombre colour palette goes from soft powder blue to a strong navy blue–signifying the river Ganges–its calm yet powerful charisma. Complementing the scheme, are the fluidic light fixtures transcending into the river like holy lamps. The light frame arches anchor the space–an expression of the built character of the city.

Overall, minimal additions to the walls, such as a wire-framed sculpture and wall quotes along with the ombre shadings break the monotony of the place. The gold bar furniture plays an essential role in harmonising the visual experience along with the overall vibe of the venue.

YOUnion, Kamala Mills, Mumbai

‘Young’ and ‘Wild’ are two words that accurately outline the mood that captures YOUnion. Keeping the jungle theme in mind, restaurateur Zorawar Kalra aimed at creating an ambience that translates for and pays homage to the millennials. The all-day gastro-bar encompasses a carnival-like vibe created in line with dramatic interior elements like neon green lights behind the bar, green veils that dive into the idea of wilderness, and gold furniture that transpires a sense of easy-luxe.

Beyond decor, YOUnion has the country’s largest menu dedicated entirely to 300 types of shots including a ‘Make Your Own Shot’ option. They also have fifty different types of Long Island Iced Teas, which is truly a dream for anyone who enjoys a glass (or more) of drinks.

Butter Bar & Kitchen, Pune

Butter Bar and Kitchen, Pune by Minnie Bhatt

Food fare at Butter Bar and Kitchen, Pune by Minnie Bhatt

If that glaze-y, smooth texture of butter could be translated into a restaurant, it’d be Pune’s new hotspot Butter Bar & Kitchen, a project by Meraki Hospitality and partners Hrishikesh R. Shinde, Sangram Shirole and Suryabhan R. Shinde. Designed by Minnie Bhatt, the 8,000 sq ft restaurant brings to the table a modern European-Asian fare amidst what feels like a rustic hideaway wrapped in elegance.

Minnie muses, “The word Butter speaks of a feeling of fluid ease, warmth and joy. The interiors have been conceptualised to bring to life this feeling—one that has an easygoing casual vibe.” The menu is devised by chef Shailendra Kekade, while the drinks curation comes from the mixologists Nitin Tewai and Suyash Pande

TKYO, Goa

TKYO is imagined by Chromed Design Studio’s Abhigyan Neogi and Ankita Mehra, and this is the place to be at, when in Goa! It is nested in the heart of Anjuna inside a century-old Portuguese house, which is miraculously preserved as it yet retains the verandahs and patio seatings from that day and age. It is a whopping 11,500 sq ft property that can house more than 200 guests and offers both indoor and al fresco dining options, inspired by Japanese architecture and house elements like a conventional Tori entrance, an impressive pagoda-style illuminated island bar, a prominent sake barrel wall and several wall murals painted by local artists, authentically emitting the venue’s essence.

TKYO is the crossroad of Japanese & Portuguese architecture with seamlessly integrated Goan design elements that makes the place feel refreshing and equally refined!

Silly, Mumbai

Silly, says a grand off-white door in one of the lanes of Khar in Mumbai, inviting one to its gorgeous 4,700 sq ft venue filled with whiffs of contemporary-vintage interiors, scrumptious food and a rather refreshing escape from the industrial moodboard of the city life.

The all day cafe and bar crafted by interior designer Keith Menon of Spiro Spero also hosts a 65-year old mango tree and a striking white-grey gravel pathway that nestles an outdoor garden seating. While the bar incessantly stirs up some of the coolest drinks and cocktails, a swing set inside the venue poses as a sweet spot to lounge at, with the mezzanine floor housing two long co-working tables for guests to relax at!

Fig at Malcha, New Delhi

Fig at Malcha‘s new home is a rejuvenated 60-year-old building in the middle of Lutyens Delhi. A confluence of Japanese design and the Nordic way of life, it revitalises the area in Malcha Marg’s market with modern architecture without losing any of the age-old elegance of the components around it. The concept of Fig at Malcha is well-thought-out and made for the purpose of artistic expression. Fig at Malcha’s genuine identity is rooted in basic, meticulously picked, and handcrafted materials, and these attributes are reflected in the restaurant’s classic white decor, seamless concrete flooring, and terrazzo counters.

“Our team’s dedication to providing a genuine mindful dining experience is reflected in the place we’ve created thanks to our uncompromising approach and flair for exceptional craftsmanship,” shares Manish Yadav, the founder of Fig at Malcha.

Mithais play dress up—Dive into a colour bombed edit of the best artisanal mithais and desserts in India

The first spell of the festive season has arrived and with Rakshabandhan knocking on our doors, it’ll be a sin to not keep our tables decorated and stocked with the best artisanal mithais and desserts in India.

Celebrating festivals in India probably means different things to different people. Some like to go all out with their plates full of a variety of sweet edibles, some love to experiment with all that’s new, while some of us only wait to gorge on that one favourite mithai (or dessert), artisanal but desi at core.

Lucky for you, ELLE DECOR India is prepped for the season to help you savour the best artisanal mithais and desserts in India. Check out our curated edit of the glacé sweets, you’ll probably want to overdose on (at your own caution!) below…

GENDA PHOOL, Earthy Bliss

Colours, flavours and uniqueness burst with much delight at the newly launched contemporary Indian mithai brand Genda Phool. Founded by Shweta Agarwal, every creation is a proud fusion of the country’s traditional mithai-making techniques with an ecstatic hint of reimagined flavours.

Find out more here

MONER, Jardin Du Rose

From the house of Monèr, one of the first dedicated dessert bars and bistros in India by chef Freny Fernandes comes a dessert that is equally exceptional to look at and taste—presenting Jardin Du Rose.

Find out more here

BARFILA, Matcha tea green fudge (barfi)

Bright and bold, the green tea fudge by Barfila is probably the best of both worlds, with generous tinge of matcha flavour and concept of barfi moulded into one artisanal mithai.

Find out more here

holi artisanal mithais india Barfila — Photographs courtesy Barfila

NIHIRA, Lavender ladoo

The classic motichoor gets a stunning spin laced with lavender extract that gives its a striking purple tint that neither your taste buds and your eyes will forget!

Find out more here

holi artisanal mithais india Nihari — Photographs courtesy Nihira

BOMBAY SWEET SHOP, Nolen gur, coconut kheer kadam

If you can’t be in Kolkata, let the city of delectable sweets come to you. Bombay Sweet Shop brings its luscious take on handmade Nolen gur-coconut kheer kadam, rolled into adorable balls of malai ped, stuffed with palm jaggery-infused rasgulla and touched up with desiccated coconut!

Find out more here

Holi artisanal mithais india bombay sweet shop — Photographs courtesy Bombay Sweet Shop

SAUGAAT, Lemon de leche

With a palatable portfolio of Indian artisanal mithais, macarons and brownies, too, Saugaat by Bikanerwala is a sweet destination to bookmark. However, our eyes are fixated on the lemon de leche, a rich blend of smooth milk solids and that electrifying tang of lemon.

Find out more here

artisanal mithais india Saugaat bikanerwala — Photographs courtesy Saugaat

KHOYA, Pink coconut ladoo

When your favourite things are splashed with delightful colours, the joy of savouring it doubles up. Khoya introduces pink coconut ladoo, made of coconut, filled with dry fruits and then rolled on a carpet of coconut again!

Find out more here

artisanal mithais india Khoya — Photographs courtesy Khoya

GUR CHINI, Wild rose and honey gunjiya

A staple during festive season, gunjiyas are a favourite at every home, and Gur Chini wants you to add some twist to it with their special wild rose and honey gunjiya. Deep red hued and stuffed with taste-tickling mixture, these sweets are sculpted into gorgeous compact shapes that you’d have a hard time deciding whether to gorge on it or not!

Find out more here

Holi artisanal mithais india — Photographs courtesy Gur Chini

You may also like: Loved our edit of artisanal mithais in India? Now cook yourself the best recipes with ED’s curated list of cookbooks

Where we’d rather binge eat — Mumbai gets a new outpost of The Nutcracker in BKC designed by Tejal Mathur

That’s the thing about comfort food – pitch any cuisine, any culinary technique, any esoteric recipe against it, and the first thing the spoon finds its way to and digs into is comfort food. At least, that’s the case for me, especially after savouring the menu at the newest outpost of The Nutcracker in Mumbai, at the current hotspot that is the Jio World Drive in BKC!

Nutcracker was first imagined back in 2016 by Annie Bafna, the creative who first dipped her feet in the world of finance for over 15 years before wearing the restaurateur hat.

The first outlet in Kala Ghoda was followed with launches in Bandra and Lower Parel, each space doused in a certain art deco, opulent feel. That’s where the new Nutcracker in BKC hits the refresh button with its natural, organic design grammar draping a 2,000 sq ft area. Like all the other outposts, this novel space is also designed and assembled to perfection by interior designer Tejal Mathur.

The nutcracker bkc mumbai — Tall rope suspended swings radiate a raw and rustic aura; Photograph by Pratishtha Rana

What’s new at Nutcracker, BKC?

Stringing together a spectacular concoction of earthy and elegant, Tejal muses, “One thing we both wanted in the high volume space were swings along the windows. At that point I imagined a softly high cave with solid grained furniture and oversized jute lamps.”

Nutcracker BKC Mumbai — The swaying swings along the arched windows recreate the essence of being around flowing water, hence the name of this section ‘Fluid’; Photographs by Kuber Shah

Warm, minimal interiors meeting an even warmer and soothing selection of recipes make up the experience at Nutcracker. Annie says, “I wanted the space to be minimalist, clean and modern while maintaining a sense of comfort and warmth that the brand and our food resonates with.”

Inside the new outpost…

Promenading towards the restaurant, soft arches and straight lines converge on a cold, polished canvas, conveying the designer’s mood board of making the facade look like an inviting, dimly lit cave.

As you step indoors, the door closing behind, the cosy rhythm of minimal, raw design whelms you. Every element here croons the colour story of sand, gravel and graphite, coalesced with seamless curves and large jute lamps.

The restaurant hosts three different sections. The Dune and Fluid are two spaces that Tejal enjoyed imagining the most. She informs about one monolithic curved wall that they draped with rough edged tiles and carved semi circular pods as its extension, contouring raised micro-cement platforms. Hence, the name Dune. This design thought transpires into a cocooned spot overlooking the rest of the community-seating area and the bar across!

As Annie divulges, this emerges as a potential section at The Nutcraker BKC to host open-mic, book reading and other such entertainment sessions.

The restaurant is divided into three sections. One of them is named The Dune; Photographs by Kuber Shah

Continuing the language of curves is the Flow Bar that stands right opposite Dune, stacked and queued with wines and other tipples.

Lean, arched windows on the other side of the restaurant draw attention, in company of playful swing seaters crafted with rope suspensions and black grained sandblasted tables. In Tejal’s words, this is a back to basic glam version of living in raw nature — and, we see no point in disagreeing here.

Dimly lit lamps dangle from above looking at the astutely arranged seating with wood furniture and suspended swing seater set up by the windows; Photographs by Kuber Shah

Aesthetic artwork and amorphous pottery adorn the space establishing a unified visual language; Photographs by Pratistha Rana

With the other end of the seating area dubbed The Perch, the restaurant is also thoughtfully decked with decor objects that seamlessly become a part of Annie and Tejal’s minimal, organic narrative.

A crinkled, pure white artwork dresses up one of the walls, while shelves bear the aesthetic weights of amorphous, mottled pottery, flanked with a surprising addition of a floor-to-ceiling raw bark and sprinkles of dry fronds and matted leaves that elevate the natural mood of the space.

The third section, titled the Perch delivers a higher and more intimate back-to-back booth seating with overarching lamps illuminating live edge timber tops. The cosy cushions are from West Elm; Photographs by Kuber Shah

Beaten barrel lights playfully called Barrelict softly light up the restaurant. The crinkled white art is dubbed the Fleece; Photographs by Kuber Shah

Menu for the eyes and soul!

The menu at the new outlet of The Nutcracker in BKC brings a rather elaborate, soul-satiating spread of the classic all-day breakfast specials, luscious salads, warm plates of handmade pasta and ravioli alongside small plates and mains!

Indulge in the delicious platter presented by The Nutcracker at BKC; Photographs by

A special shoutout to the beautifully cooked Dhansaak that the menu reads as ‘a bowl of comfort the Parsi way!’ and in fact the recipe and inspiration of which comes from Annie’s very own household.

Annie also emphasises on maintaining the menu as a seasonal one, bringing a wide selection of flavours to the patrons in the most comforting style. The binging here bundles up to a perfect end (only for us to come back here yet again!) with an assortment of desserts such as the gooey chocolate cake, drunken tiramisu, baked almond cake, tarts and the delectable mango cheesecake that melts and just melts away as soon as it touches the tip of the tongue.

For the first time at Nutcracker, what stands as a pitstop here is the display counter, stocking up a cool assortment of its in-house spreads, dips, sauces, breads and crackers for the guests to buy!

Scroll through to savour the delicious plates served at The Nutcracker, BKC…

Rolling up the right amount of Nutty Spaghetti at The Nutcracker BKC; Photographs by Ishira Kumar

A French dessert called Bostock at The Nutcracker, BKC; Photographs by Ishira Kumar

The perfect melt-in-your-mouth mango cheesecake at The Nutcracker BKC; Photograph by Pratishtha Rana

An enchanting escape—Step into Utsav Camp, a design-focussed forest retreat crafted by Studio Mestry

Rooted in quietude, wilderness and design laced with thoughts of outdoor adventures, Utsav Camp in Alwar, Rajasthan is a vision to behold and a place to experience away from the bustle and noises of a city life.

Hidden in the cascading flora and fauna of Sariska, the sanctuary is a mesmerising brainchild of a trained naturalist Luv Shekhawat.

Conceptualised and designed by Akshaya Mestry, Principal Architect at Studio Mestry Utsav Camp sprawling over 375000 sq ft (3.5 hectares) poses as a rite of passage that leads to inner peace and stimulates organic connections with one’s surroundings harnessing the healing power of nature and rejuvenating the soul.

Let’t rewind to a little backstory before this retreat took shape. In a situation disturbed by the pandemic, one of the most tricky challenges a designer could face is dealing with and executing design details virtually. This hiccup however, resulted in interesting endeavours for Akshaya and Luv, both, while crafting the space to completion. The coordination that followed for the designing of the retreat happened over video calls and email for over three months.

When Akshaya was first entrusted to transform the interiors of the then raw rubble shell, she was drawn to the reviving ambience of the adjoining forest. The lush surroundings compelled her to recreate a harmonising palette of indoor-meets-outdoors.

She divulges, “Being one of the oldest natural habitats in the world, Sariska’s trove of vegetation and fauna posed as the muse of the design narrative, etching an indelible impression upon the medley of spaces at Utsav Camp.”

To unlock the site’s maximum potential, Studio Mestry remodelled a few spaces including the forest lounge and stone cabins, adding in their own sensibilities. Use of indigenous materials like warm-toned wood, cool hand plaster lime walls complemented by beige, grey and olive green accents mould a rooted, homely colour palette.

Antique-style acacia and rosewood furniture, strategically placed custom artwork and artefacts exude an old-world charm, a subtle nod to the royal heritage of the State. A series of built in-house suspended lights crafted out of jute, metal and terracotta illuminate the jungle retreat.

Customised wallpapers narrating the stories of Sariska are the heart of every space. With their surreal wildlife illustrations, the wall coverings act as a catalyst calling out to the landscape beyond.

The reception area of Utsav Camp unfolds into a wide open courtyard also known as the outdoor library cafe as it is flanked by a private library. The library adjoins an enormous conventional restaurant. The upper levels of the restaurant include an in-house bar and forest lounge.

Elaborating on why the library and the forest lounge are their personal favourite spots, Akshaya reveals, “Our main focus was for people to enjoy a raw yet warm atmosphere within these spaces. Utsav Camp immerses the guests in a tactile milieu that revels in an untainted and rustic demeanour.”

The restaurant verandah further morphs into an external courtyard bordered by mammoth rubble buttresses. The centrally located outdoor garden restaurant with a rectangular pool enjoys captivating views of the skies.

Two meandering pathways hint a sequential directionality as they usher one into the spatially dispersed stone cabins and tents. The pathways connect both the public and the private sections of the site, disintegrating only to provide pause points for self reflection.

MS framework and bamboo rafter roofs fabricate a semi-covered sit-out space in the forest lounge. The stone cabins house similar extensions to enable additional privacy for the guests.

The ingenious design of the monolithic bed built under the bamboo roof incorporates a projected back that doubles up as a study desk. The stone bed is a sun-kissed, breezy escape in the day and a silent spectator of the star-filled sky at night.

Where every section of this place bursts with mindful design elements, Studio Mestry augmented this by installing bamboo screens in the southern facing walls to avoid overheating during summers. The screens filter in sunlight during winters. Embracing a sustainable approach, the studio utilises on-site wood, bamboo, natural stones, and local labour to establish a rooted and earthy essence in the project.

A relaxed and cosy seating area in the open courtyard with black metal furniture custom made from Kernig Krafts; Photographs by Anudeep Mathur

“Utsav Camp is a celebration of nature and tracing one’s roots,” concludes Akshaya. Far away from the monotonous and overwhelming clutches of urbanisation, the retreat stands proud as a delightful reminder of the inherent joy of outdoor-focussed, sustainable living.

If you enjoyed reading about this sensory haven, check out Stone Lodges – Private Residences in Wayanad by Earthitects are all parts picturesque, serene and sustainable

The retro touch—Visit the ‘90’s at the New Delhi restaurant Nineteen78, the newest outpost by Neha Gupta

Carrying forward the gusto of the Beyond Designs Bistro, founder Neha Gupta, who seems to be on a roll, has launched her newest venture, Nineteen78 restaurant at New Delhi’s choicest hub of restaurants, Select CITYWALK.

A radical retro look paired with delectable food, which comes in association with Neha’s name, makes the premise the hep go-to for intimate and private meals.

Conceived as a boutique restaurant, the design of this restaurant is credited to her and her husband—Sachin Gupta. An interior designer, an architect and a restauranter, Neha’s relentless spirit did not stir her during the pandemic and certainly has not phased her now.

Marble table tops gleam under the luminescence of glass and fibre chandeliers at Nineteen78; Photograph courtesy Nineteen78

The 48-seater-restaurant is as experimental in its interiors as they are with its menu.

Fusing mouldings and cornices reminiscent of classical architecture with innately contemporary framed artwork, the Gupta duo has imbibed the best of both worlds in the restaurant. Chequered flooring matching the hue of the walls subtly outlines the retro-vibe that is made prominent by the chairs in the space.

Vivid framed artwork and vintage details fill the interiors of Nineteen78; Photograph courtesy Nineteen78

The stunning marble tables with metal cast bases and sofa seating in the corners connote a deja-vu moment from ‘90s sitcoms, while auburn wooden cabinetry sparks up the place.

In juxtaposition, an open ceiling, colourful upholstery on the chairs, and a minimalistic overhead shelf looming over the main counter speak of the relevance today.

The menu sees the trained chefs revisiting certain classic dishes while also serving up some modern experimental fare; Photograph courtesy Nineteen78

A fun bunch of lights made of steel and fibre loom over the restaurant and seem to be an ode to the fusion. On the other hand, the display glass walls sport details with a much more vintage inspiration.

Joining the interiors on their adventure, even the menu at Nineteen78, is one that is quirky and unique. Patrons can choose from a list of mouth-watering European, Asian and Coastal cuisines from Vietnam and Sri Lanka. Although experimental, the trained chefs behind it seem to have a motive at play.

The restaurant presents a delectable mix of European, Asian and Coastal cuisines from Vietnam and Sri Lanka; Photograph courtesy Nineteen78

In revisiting certain classic dishes, the chefs have concocted a modern experimental fare. From Caesar and Fattoush salads with a twist to Chicken in spinach sauce with Orzo salad and grilled vegetables; from Sweet and spicy Hong Kong ginger fish to Caramelized dry Vietnamese chicken, prawn linguini, and Sliced lamb in hoisin sauce, the options are plenty and playful.

With a bar in the premise, Nineteen78 is the way to go for a wholesome dining experience; Photograph courtesy Nineteen78

For Neha Gupta’s second restaurant, she has not held back on experimentation and is big on providing people with an unforgettable experience; Photograph courtesy Nineteen78

In addition, an irresistible dessert menu makes it a place impossible not-to-visit. Raspberry pie with vanilla ice cream, apple crumble, ice cream and chocolate devil cake shall do more than only satisfy sugar cravings.

Neha Gupta, the founder of Beyond Design Bistro, has come up with her latest venture Nineteen78 that is a blend of classic and contemporary design styles; Photograph courtesy Nineteen78

To be able to offer a wholesome dining experience, an attached, modest bar graces the restaurant. To those early risers and those looking for a place for morning meetings, an extensive breakfast menu with healthy and indulgent selections shall do the trick.

Best cafes in India: Serving aesthetics, fresh brews and delish bites are these spaces to visit for a caffeine fix

You’ll agree, there is this mutual hobby amongst all of us that often isn’t said out loud when talking about our wishlist or things we love doing. No, it’s not collecting cool kicks or Netflixing and chill. It’s that endless itch to discover the best cafes in India (or wherever you live) where a great cup of coffee, delish desserts and savouries are served generously with superb aesthetics.

To save you the time of digging the depths of the internet and asking recommendations on Instagram, here is your checklist for the best cafes in India to bookmark now.

ARAKU Coffee, Bengaluru

Brewing pure Arabica in the Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh is ARAKU Coffee. Crafting a unique social distribution model wherein farmers and agricultural experts work together, Araku Coffee cafe brings to the table an authentic seed-to-cup experience. With its flagships in Bengaluru as well as Paris, the award-winning coffee house also offers organic range of coffees and contemporary coffee accessories to stock up on.

Photograph courtesy ARAKU Coffee India / Instagram

Beyond Designs Bistro, New Delhi

Hosting a modern dining experience, Beyond Designs Bistro in New Delhi is where fine food meets fine design and art. With a pre-existing menu serving recipes and coffees day to night, the bistro has also launched an appetising selection of pre-packaged meals called Breakfast in Bed. A rather pampering way to kick start the day, the concept combines artisanal baked goods and other healthy foods prepared with fresh ingredients delivered directly to your doorstep!

Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru amongst other Indian cities

Experimenting with artistic approaches to farm-fresh coffee at the harvest level is Blue Tokai Coffee. With a mission to make crisp and enticing taste of estate coffee along with a menu of fresh bakes, desserts and breakfast bites accessible to all, the artisanal roastery chain has its charming cafes across India in Mumbai, New Delhi, Gurgaon, Bengaluru, Hyderabad amongst other cities.

Photograph courtesy Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters / Instagram

Cafe de Meet, Surat

Located in Surat is Cafe de Meet designed by Studio M’s principal designers Moiz Faizulla and Samad Sheikh. Illustrating a one-of-a-kind design identity, the cafe unveils a comforting escape for coffee lovers and even those who could use a tasteful break in calm away from the daily chaos. A befitting pairing to their brews is a hearty menu of avocado toasts, hummus bowl, ricotta bagels, pancakes along with other indulgent breakfast options.

Something’s Brewing, Bengaluru

A dedicated destination addressing the needs of all coffee enthusiasts with everything coffee is Something’s Brewing in Bengaluru. Featuring a curated collection of brewing tools and a trove of coffee ranging from Bili Hu, Third Wave Coffee to Araku and many more, the experience cum retail centre exhibits ‘Be your own Barista’ initiative allowing customers to choose their own beans, grind them and brew their own blends behind the counter.

SUBKO, Mumbai

Spotlighting a straight crop-to-cup java encounter is SUBKO in Mumbai. Making it to our list of best cafes in India, both its outposts, in Bandra and Byculla are known as speciality coffee roasters and a bakehouse. With interiors modelling a modern yet traditional design outlook, SUBKO is evoking a newfound passion amongst coffee connoisseurs to experiment and savour coffees originating from the Indian subcontinent, sourcing export quality grounds from across India including Chikmagalur and Ampthill Downs in Tamil Nadu.

The Flat White Coffee House, Surat

Crafting a soothing conversational space is The Flat White Coffee House in Surat sketched by Neogenisis+Studi0261 nested as a spruced-up bungalow bistro that strikes a seamless balance between modern and minimal design. Complete with a barista’s coffee bar and a bakery offering scrumptious selection of sweet and savoury treats, the outlet is an ideal hub to reset from the bustling crowd of the city.

Echoing a fusion of distinct flavours of India is Jalsa restaurant in Kolkata by A Square Designs

Imagine a cauldron perched on simmering heat with a medley of tantalising Indian spices, culinary delights and traditional contemporary interiors rustled up together—seems like a tasteful vision to behold. Precisely expressing this, is the Jalsa restaurant in Kolkata that crafts the nuances of the country’s culture.

The 4000 sq ft modern Indian restaurant located in the old colonial Harrington Mansion on Harrington Street has over 100 years of history. Designed by Ajay Arya, Founder and Interior Designer of A Square Designs, the restaurant celebrates life with spaces that evoke a joie de vivre.

“The concept and the cuisine of the restaurant presented an opportunity to create a fusion of sorts. Just like authentic Indian cuisine, with a contemporary twist, I had a chance to blend the old with new, the stereotypical with inspiring, and the traditional Indian with modern,” recalls Ajay.

Jalsa restaurant in Kolkata — The narrow entrance passage is painted in deep red with striped black and white flooring and concealed mood lighting; Photographs by Atul Pratap Chauhan

The restaurant celebrates the many ingredients of India — its cuisine, art and design, and the modern Indian woman rooted in traditions, yet conquering the world with her independent spirit. Inciting enigma and interest upon entrance is the narrow passage painted in deep red with striped black and white flooring and concealed mood lighting.

As it is rightly pointed out, ‘earth’ without ‘art’ is just ‘eh’, the restaurant interiors pop a peppy mood with its artistic flair. A 7ft painting of a woman behind the bar in the central dining hall personifies the idea of an urban woman—traditional yet modern. The adjacent walls are decorated with paintings of women in various moods on one side and imagery of arches on the other put together with dazzling chandeliers that enhance the Indian vibe. Gold metal screens, custom-made vintage seating and cushions in rich fabrics and vibrant florals add just the right dose of exuberance to the ambience.

Decked in wooden flooring, the private hall crafts a more sober and elegant mood. Arched window panes, a hand painted old door by a local Kolkata artist and a series of small arches, like ‘aalas’ in pastels accentuate the interiors of this space.

The party lounge features a rich shade of burgundy and teal paired with mouldings, stained glass details and black and white chevron flooring that furnishes a vibrant and royal dining experience. Just like the cuisine it offers; the restaurant interiors create a nostalgic world that takes you straight to royal dining rooms.

Ajay Arya enunciates a regal atmosphere with hand painting techniques, old lead work on glass used in the churches of yore, and a captivating colour palette to present a new taste and character to the city. There is a tasteful play of art, patterns, bright colours and arches that echo the flavours of India in all the three parts of the Jalsa restaurant in Kolkata.

If you loved the vibe of Jalsa Restaurant in Kolkata, then do check out this charming Mumbai restaurant Donna Deli

Three Yellow Circles—This restaurant in Ahmedabad poses a visual balance between minimal and whimsical

For two distinct thoughts of design — minimal and whimsical, suggestive but subtle — to come together and exist parallelly in one space can yield results worth catching one’s attention. This is precisely the play of contrast this restaurant, Eat Punjab in Ahmedabad envisions and embraces, ever so effortlessly.

This design project is helmed by the creative minds at Compartment S4, a collaborative of eight architects focussed on offering design solutions across architecture, urban design, rural infrastructure and interiors.

Lending a true blue North Indian chain of restaurant Eat Punjab, a design vocabulary of its own that is readily idiosyncratic yet can be reimagined in more ways than one at other outposts, Compartment S4 sketches a melodic mood board that is understated yet absorbing.

The core concept of the restaurant, the three yellow circles, appear as the main attraction crafted on the flooring design; Photographs by Palak Jhaveri

Kishan Shah and Manuni Patel, Architects and Co-founders, Compartment S4 muse, “The client wanted to bring elements in design that remind the guests of a royal house or palace in Punjab, but in a subtle and abstract way.”

Sprawling a generous 1,450 sq ft area, Eat Punjab stands right in the heart of the city in Gujarat. Clean, commodious and perched in a commercial complex, the restaurant models a large rectangular column-less space, easy to navigate in and out.

A long Forest-Green sofa swathes the walls with randomly shaped mirrors matching up; Photographs by Palak Jhaveri

But why Three Yellow Circles? Kishan and Manuni inform, “A little whimsical story forms the basis of the design idea of this project. Three large yellow circles floating in the midst of infinite matter, collide and stick to one another to form a glowing center.”

The flooring here grabs the limelight with the rest of the interior elements falling right in sync with it. Fashioned entirely out of easily available natural stones, the flooring design brings alive a striking visual impact as one enters the restaurant. “Almost like bright objects floating in space or like kebabs floating in delicious Mughlai gravy!” aver Kishan and Manuni.

The green hues of the sofa creates a visual play with the fluted wall panels and mirrors; Photographs by Palak Jhaveri

If you do a double take at the floor, which rightfully draws attention, three large golden-yellow Jaisalmer stone circles coincide with black and white terrazzo of industrial waste cut pieces of Ambaji marble and Kadappa stone. On these circles are stationed three circular tables meandering into beautiful curvy forms pinned with hues of green and wood, washing ashore a naturally soothing colour palette.

A collection of brass utensils and decor accessories is neatly placed near the large dining table; Photographs by Palak Jhaveri

On the other side of the restaurant, a long Forest-Green sofa swathes the lengths of walls. While on the other side sits a row of diagonally placed square tables. A bigger table is placed astutely on the adjacent back side to host a bigger number of patrons and families.

An interesting juxtaposition of materials and textures is witnessed at Eat Punjab with mud-orange tiles and fluted wooden panelling on the walls. Teak furniture and natural flooring tunes in with hanging brass lights, brass utensils, and randomly shaped mirror panels on the walls.

Diagonally square tables and seating arrangement is hosted at the other side of the restaurant; Photographs by Palak Jhaveri

Kishan and Manuni sum up the design approach of Compartment S4 for this space, revealing that, “All these elements create nostalgia of being in a haveli or a palace, somewhere in Patiala, reminiscent of the spaces, culture, landscape, and most importantly, the food!”

If you loved this restaurant in Ahmedabad, then check out this Mumbai restaurant OPAKipos offering Greek food and interiors

Portraying a piquant picture of nostalgia is the red-hot reimagination of Karim’s Jama Masjid in Bhubaneshwar by ma+rs

Serving stories of nectorous nostalgia at this revamped restaurant in Bhubaneswar, principal designers Sabyasachi Routray and Anisha Menon of ma+rs craft the contemporary reincarnation of the ever classic institution Karim’s Jama Masjid, New Delhi.

Established on a 2,000 sq space on the first floor of a commercial building in Patia, the eatery is enveloped by a county of institutes and offices, packing the area with a hub of hideaways.

Illustrating imagery inspired by the locale of the original outlet, the Routray and Menon incorporate innuendos from the bewitching backdrop of the Jama Masjid in the striking space.

Custom made teak wood chairs upholstered with a tan brown leather, and royal green velvet fabric rattan seats make up the snug seating space at the eatery, floral wallpaper by Asian Paints Nilaya Wallpaper; Photographs by Arjun Krishna

Embodying an enamoring mood board inspired by tints, textures and traces of Mughal and Islamic architecture, the dive is a reminiscent reflection of Old Delhi and the aura it invokes in its interior decor and design.

Drawing inspiration from the divine red sandstone of imperial architectural marvel, the Jama Masjid, most of the walls at the dive are decked in a brick red colour. The designers at ma+rs strive to sketch an authentic space, which stays true to the context it originates from.

Green Beret wall with a Marble stucco finish by Asian Paints, custom built teak wood chair upholstered in tan leather; Photographs by Arjun Krishna

As you make your way into the stunning space through the majestic monumental arched entryway, a Green Beret toned wall with arched niches in a marble stucco finish and monochrome patterned tile flooring greets your step into the magical portal modelling a reimagined rendition of the old Delhi milieu.

Arched niches exhibiting antique brass artefacts dating back to the Mughal era, offer ganders and glimpses of the decadent dining area. Accommodating a triad of distinct seating options, past the accent green wall are intimate booths overlooking the busy streets of Bhubaneshwar.

Strategically places mirrors reflect an illusion of a larger and voluminous space, glass lights by The Hesperus Store; Photographs by Arjun Krishna

Front-lined in glass, silhouettes reminiscent of the Masjid’s facade emanate a dappled light effect within the space. Upholstered in a royal green velveteen fabric, the seating manifests a touch of luxury, taking the diner back to the traditional era of the Mughals.

Crafting a contemporary character in the central space comprising four and six seater tables with custom teak wood chairs, cladded in a contrasting combination of tan brown leather in its seating and royal green velvet in its rattan backrest on the adjacent sofas.

Antique brass artefacts emanate an old world charm in niches of the Green Beret wall by Asian Paints; Photographs by Arjun Krishna

Lastly, outlining snug seating in the booth section with a background of floral patterned Patiala green wallpaper by Asian Paints’s Nilaya Wallpaper range, mirroring Mughal gardens is a long wall lined with minimal metal arches in gold evincing elements of exquisite elegance.

Accomplishing the effect of an expansive voluminous space are strategically placed mirrors on the walls and ceiling panels in the remindful restaurant.

Remaining cognizant to the culture and history of its brand, Karim’s Bhubaneswar by ma+rs cooks up an Old Delhi Charm in not only its carte and cuisine but also reflects its roots in its revamped contemporary character.

The 2000 sq ft space incorporates innuendos from Islamic architecture in its interiors; Photographs by Arjun Krishna

Meet The Craftery by SUBKO in Mumbai that houses a cafe, bakery, retail zone and more designed by STaND

If one takes a moment to ruminate, a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee holds an unavoidable vigour that echoes in your senses and memory interminably. This profound interaction with coffee is squarely bundled up into The Craftery by SUBKO, a destination in Mumbai co-founded by Rahul Reddy and Daniel Trulson.

Beyond the palate of the grounded coffee beans, the duo fixated their attention on the flavours of the interiors. Sauntering the unruffled lanes of Byculla, The Craftery stands on a paved alley in the JAK Compound drenched in Kerala green.

Previously an abandoned industrial warehouse and printing press, the cafe rebirthed on the drawing board of STaND architecture + design studio by Siddhant Tikkoo and Nikita D’Silva.

Partitioned by clear glass and metal frames, the cold room at The Craftery spotlights the croissant motif designed by Anuranjini Singh overlooking the equipment section and the teakwood island; Photographs by Kuber Shah

The key brief was to metamorphose the 2,100 sq ft space into a production and hospitality venue that would engage in a routine dialogue with the patrons about SUBKO coffee’s journey from plantation to table. At the entrance, original barn doors stand refurbished romancing the greenery around.

A monopoly of materiality is seen inside with a synergy of brick, crafted metal, granite, concrete, Indian spotted marble, teakwood and glass. The walls dressed up in exposed bricks and creamy beige hues are structured with lean black metal frames, which flare up softly with the luminosity of accent lights.

At the Experience Zone, a wall with brick infills faces custom furniture framed with teakwood, woven jute and metal finishes, the floor is imprinted with SUBKO’s multi-script logo; Photographs by Kuber Shah

To encapsulate a holistic coffee escapade, the architect duo apportioned The Craftery into a bar, a roastery, an experience zone, a sensory lab and a cold room, every turn splattered with custom designed furniture, machines, decor and biophilic details peeping in from all sides. The outlet at large is stamped with a rectilinear layout for people to seamlessly explore every area and its function.

The cradle of The Craftery is the cold room bordered with transparent glass and metal partitions yet visually tethered to the whole space. It hosts a specially crafted teakwood island sourced from Auroville, Pondicherry where the baking processes take shape, literally!

The Bloom Bar serving fresh brews rests over a wooden flooring enhanced by copper and teakwood inlay; Photographs by Kuber Shah

The ocular tour of this zone is incomplete without the croissant motif that maps the wall designed by Anuranjini Singh. This delicious emblem was screen printed on a massive marble panel by Pritam Arts, then erected and plastered meticulously by the masons.

This venue being SUBKO’s second outpost, the first one located in a revived colonial-style bungalow in Bandra, the interposition of STaND to reshape the decrepit site that was once a landmark locale meant retaining an essence of the old times and coalescing it with SUBKO’s language that aspires to pour unique Indian brews into the cups of globally discerning consumers.

Loved The craftery by SUBKO in mumbai? Explore more on it in the latest ELLE DECOR India’s February – March 2022 issue…