July's Hottest New Venues
July has been a month of exciting new openings, especially across Mumbai and Bengaluru, bringing a fresh wave of experiences to the vibrant food and drink scene. From sleek Japanese cafés to sophisticated cocktail lounges and fine-dining debuts, here’s a closer look at some of the most talked-about new spots.
Miss Margot - Bandra, Mumbai
Miss Margot is an elegant new cocktail lounge in Mumbai, brought to life by hospitality veteran Kishore D.F. Known for his role in establishing iconic venues like Seijo and The Tanjore Tiffin Room, D.F. aims to revive a more relaxed, unhurried style of nightlife. The lounge is designed as a tribute to old-world Bombay charm, with a cinematic interior featuring velvet upholstery, brushed gold accents, and warm, soft lighting. The focus here is on the cocktails, with a menu crafted by partner Dimi Lezinska that prioritizes refined flavors over theatrical presentations. The menu, crafted by Chef Parth Purandare, features modern European and Asian small plates meticulously designed to complement the bar's sophisticated cocktail program.
Baang - Bandra, Mumbai
Baang, a new Thai restaurant in Bandra, is the latest venture from restaurateur Riyaaz Amlani and Michelin-starred Chef Garima Arora. While this is their first collaboration in Mumbai, it follows the successful launch of their inaugural Baang restaurant in Gurgaon. Inspired by the vibrant and untamed spirit of Bangkok, the venue promises authentic Thai flavors that go beyond clichés. The restaurant is designed to have a dual identity, offering a bustling "by day" experience inspired by Bangkok's street food, and transforming into a different vibe "by night" with a focus on cocktails and music. The kitchen prides itself on making every paste, curry, and sauce from scratch, using ingredients sourced directly from Thailand to ensure authenticity.
Harajuku Tokyo Café - BKC, Mumbai
Harajuku Tokyo Café & Bakehouse has brought a playful slice of Japan to Mumbai's Jio World Drive. The venue is an evolution of the popular brand, now a full-service restaurant and bar. The space is inspired by Tokyo's dynamic Harajuku district, featuring manga murals, neon signs, and holographic elements. The café and bar offer a unique "Kaiten Zushi" (conveyor belt sushi) experience during the day, which transforms into a lively izakaya-style setting at night. For those with a sweet tooth, the connected Bakehouse is a pastel-toned, pet-friendly space serving Japanese cheesecakes, soufflé pancakes, and other fresh-baked goods.
EDO at ITC Gardenia - Bengaluru
The EDO Restaurant & Bar at ITC Gardenia has reopened with a fresh new look and a dynamic concept inspired by Tokyo's popular izakaya dining culture. The new EDO moves beyond traditional Japanese cuisine to offer a deeper, more textural experience with small plates served in a relaxed, bustling setting. Live counters for sushi, robatayaki, and teppanyaki add to the interactive dining experience. The interiors reflect a vibrant, modern Tokyo with Japanese pop art, bright colors, and dynamic artwork, while the beverage menu features a creative selection of drinks inspired by popular Japanese anime.
Katana - Bengaluru
Katana is a new sake-led izakaya bar in Bengaluru that aims to bridge traditional Japanese culture with the city's modern dining scene. Co-founded by Sandesh Reddy and Prasanna Pandarinathan, the 45-seater venue in Indiranagar is inspired by traditional izakayas but reimagined with a contemporary feel. The menu consists of Japanese-influenced small plates with a focus on fresh ingredients and subtle twists on classic dishes. The bar program is a highlight, centering on sake and shochu cocktails, which are reinvented into seasonal modern classics and playful originals. The minimalist and moody design, with raw textures and warm lighting, creates an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.
