August is serving more than just seasonal cravings it’s bringing a fresh wave of restaurants, cafés, rooftop bars and destination dining concepts that are reshaping India’s culinary landscape. From globally inspired menus and design-led cafés to flame-grilled favourites, rooftop indulgence and chef-driven concepts, these newly launched dining destinations deserve a place on every food lover’s radar.
BENGALURU
Oohmami
High above the city, Oohmami transforms rooftop dining into an immersive Pan-Asian escape. Perched on the 12th floor of Hyatt Centric Hebbal, the restaurant pairs skyline views with contemporary Asian cuisine and vibrant nightlife energy. The ambience balances sophistication with playfulness through curated music, dramatic lighting and chic rooftop seating. Signature dishes including Cream Cheese Dim Sum, Seoul Spicy Prawn Ramyun, Tokyo Chicken Karaage and Bang On Shrimp showcase a menu that’s bold without losing authenticity. A thoughtfully curated cocktail programme completes the experience, making Oohmami equally suited for sunset cocktails, celebrations and leisurely dinners under the stars.
Where: Hyatt Centric Hebbal, Bengaluru
BG’s Poolside Bar & Grill
A familiar favourite has been reimagined. BG’s Poolside Bar & Grill at Courtyard and Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Outer Ring Road returns with a refreshed concept that blends laid-back poolside dining with elevated global flavours. Framed by lush greenery and relaxed alfresco seating, the venue is designed for everything from leisurely weekend brunches to sundowner cocktails and evening grills. The menu celebrates flame-cooked meats, fresh seafood, handcrafted pizzas and vibrant salads, paired with an extensive beverage programme featuring signature cocktails, premium spirits and refreshing pours.
Where: Courtyard & Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, Bengaluru
Benedict’s
Breakfast no longer has a closing time at Benedict’s. This all-day diner in JP Nagar embraces comforting continental classics while introducing Mediterranean influences that elevate familiar favourites. Inspired by nostalgic 70s diners, the yellow-and-blue interiors feel cheerful, relaxed and effortlessly welcoming. The menu revolves around indulgent egg-forward dishes including Turkish Eggs, Shakshouka, Classic Benedicts and globally inspired breakfast plates, complemented by scratch-made sauces, flavoured butters and house-made hollandaise. It’s the kind of neighbourhood restaurant Bengaluru has been waiting for.
Where: JP Nagar, Bengaluru| Time: 8 AM – 10:30 PM| Cost for Two: ₹1,200
Kahaani
Kahaani challenges everything diners think they know about Indian cuisine. Rather than reinventing traditional recipes, it celebrates how Indian flavours have travelled across continents for centuries. The beautifully designed restaurant feels refined and contemporary while retaining warmth, allowing the storytelling to unfold naturally through every course. Chef Sibin Lal presents a menu inspired by historical spice routes, where Kerala converses with Southeast Asia, Awadh meets Persia and Chettinad embraces Mediterranean influences.
MUMBAI
Sorena
Few new openings feel as ambitious as Sorena. Spread across an expansive duplex in Bandra, this destination restaurant seamlessly blends New York sophistication, Tokyo precision, Istanbul’s warmth, Sicilian comfort and Mumbai’s vibrant dining culture. The interiors are immersive yet elegant, anchored by Atlas, an eye-catching island cocktail bar that naturally becomes the heart of the space. Chef Sachin Kadam’s globally inspired menu pairs beautifully with an inventive cocktail programme curated by Dimi Lezinska, making every meal feel like a culinary passport. Sorena offers a polished yet energetic atmosphere that’s built for modern diners who appreciate food as much as the experience around it.
Where: Mansionz One, Linking Road, Bandra West, Mumbai
Time: 12 PM – 1:30 AM| Cost for Two: Approx. ₹4,500
GOAT Brew
GOAT Brew isn’t simply another café or bar, it has been designed as an all-day social destination. From early morning coffee meetings to late-night craft beers and live music sessions, the space effortlessly adapts throughout the day. Contemporary interiors, ambient lighting and pet-friendly seating create an inviting environment, while Chef Allen Gomes delivers a comfort-food-driven menu featuring Gochujang Glazed Chicken, Citrus-Grilled Salmon and Thai Green Curry. Signature cocktails sit alongside an impressive craft beer selection, while regular DJ nights, workshops and community events ensure there’s always something happening beyond the plate.
Gulmurg
One of Mumbai’s most loved dining destinations has returned with a refreshed identity. Located within The Shalimar Hotel, Gulmurg blends decades of legacy with contemporary elegance, offering a renewed space that feels timeless yet modern. Rich interiors, warm lighting and classic hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for intimate dinners and family celebrations alike. The menu honours the restaurant’s celebrated North Indian and Mughlai heritage while introducing thoughtfully updated flavours and presentations. Signature kebabs, aromatic curries and indulgent desserts continue to anchor the experience, complemented by an updated beverage selection. Gulmurg’s revival is a reminder that classics can evolve while staying true to their roots.
Tavora Smokehouse
Mumbai welcomes a fresh culinary perspective with Tavora Smokehouse, where African-inspired cooking meets contemporary dining. Helmed by Chef Nicole Gonsalves, the restaurant celebrates slow cooking, wood-fired techniques and bold, spice-forward flavours in a setting that feels rustic yet refined. Warm earthy interiors, open-fire elements and an intimate ambience create the perfect backdrop for leisurely dinners. The menu explores smoked meats, grilled seafood, seasonal vegetables and thoughtfully crafted small plates, while a cocktail programme inspired by African botanicals adds another layer of discovery.
HYDERABAD
Vayu
Vayu reimagines regional Indian cuisine through an elevated rooftop experience that feels distinctly contemporary. Inspired by the idea of the wind carrying flavours across the country, the restaurant showcases dishes from Andhra, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra and beyond under one thoughtfully curated menu. The open rooftop setting flows between intimate corners, communal dining and a lively bar, creating a social atmosphere that evolves beautifully from sunset to late night. Signature cocktails infused with regional ingredients like gongura, kokum and fermented chilli further extend the storytelling, making every drink as memorable as the food. It’s destination dining rooted in India’s culinary diversity.
Nando’s
Hyderabad’s dining map just welcomed another reason to love flame-grilled chicken. Nando’s newest Casa at Sarath City Capital Mall brings the brand’s iconic PERi-PERi experience to one of the city’s busiest neighbourhoods. The vibrant interiors reflect the brand’s signature Afro-Portuguese spirit with contemporary African artwork, warm wooden textures and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. The menu remains the star, featuring its legendary 24-hour marinated flame-grilled chicken finished in heat levels ranging from Mild to Extra Hot, alongside wraps, burgers, bowls and signature sides. The newly introduced weekday lunch menu starting at ₹239 makes it equally appealing for quick office lunches and leisurely family outings.
Where: Sarath City Capital Mall, Gachibowli, Hyderabad
Time: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM
KOLKATA
Scarlet
Scarlet continues its expansion in Kolkata with the opening of its third outlet at Mani Square, bringing its signature neighbourhood café experience into a beautifully designed new setting. Inspired by Mediterranean aesthetics and tropical modernism, the space pairs airy interiors with an open bakery that places craftsmanship at the forefront. Guests can enjoy beloved favourites including Tiramisu, Matilda Cake, Donuts and Cheesecakes alongside hearty café classics, wholesome bowls, indulgent breakfasts and contemporary additions like Tex Mex Finger Fries and Açai Smoothie Bowls. Blending artisanal baking, comforting food and design-led hospitality, Scarlet continues to redefine Kolkata’s evolving café culture.
Garden Café Bakery
Garden Café, Newtown expands its culinary offering with the launch of an international-standard bakery that brings artisanal baking techniques and premium ingredients to Kolkata. Led by Chef Bipasha Majumdar, whose experience spans renowned luxury hospitality brands across Dubai and the Caribbean, the bakery showcases handcrafted cakes, indulgent brownies, elegant pastries and signature desserts inspired by global traditions. Standout creations include the Coffee Bean pastry, Blueberry Cheesecake, Filter Coffee Cake and freshly prepared Belgian waffles, each balancing craftsmanship with comforting flavours. Perfect for dessert lovers and café enthusiasts alike, this new bakery adds a sophisticated sweet destination to Kolkata’s growing food scene
DELHI
AFETO Café
AFETO arrives in Rajouri Garden with a refreshing philosophy everything served is made entirely in-house. From breads and desserts to beverages and breakfast, craftsmanship takes centre stage in this warm, neighbourhood café founded by pastry chef Ashima Gupta. Soft interiors, inviting seating and a welcoming atmosphere encourage guests to stay longer than planned. The menu is equally impressive with coffee, matcha, nitrobrew, wholesome breakfasts, handcrafted desserts and Delhi’s first dedicated croffle counter. Designed to serve everyone from coffee lovers to gym-goers.
READ MORE:New Menu: Restaurants Serving August’s Best Flavours
