News lifestyle food Dining Experiences to Know This Festive Season, From Exclusive Cocktail Nights to India’s Newest Restaurants
Last Updated:October 27, 2026, 07:53 IST
Discover festive dining experiences, from international cocktail collaborations and chef pop-ups to exciting new restaurants in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Jaipur.
A taste of the extraordinary: From exclusive cocktail experiences to destination dining, India’s festive season serves up new reasons to go out.
From a celebrated London cocktail bar landing in India to an exclusive French-Japanese tasting menu, a Bengali culinary showcase and a new wave of restaurant openings, these are the dining experiences worth knowing about this festive season.
India’s festive dining calendar is getting a global upgrade. This October and November, celebrated international bartenders, visiting chefs and luxury hotels are creating experiences that go beyond the conventional restaurant outing. Think signature cocktails from one of London’s most acclaimed bars, carefully composed tasting menus, regional Indian food presented through a contemporary lens, and new restaurants bringing fresh perspectives to familiar cuisines.
Leading the calendar is a collaboration between Oberoi Hotels & Resorts and London’s The Connaught Bar, which will bring its celebrated cocktail programme to New Delhi and Mumbai for two exclusive evenings. Elsewhere, a Michelin-starred chef is preparing a limited-run French-Japanese menu in Mumbai, while The Oberoi, Bengaluru, is turning the spotlight on Bengal’s culinary heritage.
Beyond these special engagements, the restaurant landscape is changing too. From an independent burger and bagel spot in Delhi to regional vegetarian cuisine and Korean quick-service dining in Bengaluru, new openings are giving diners more reasons to explore.
Whether you’re planning a festive evening with cocktails, a destination dinner or your next restaurant discovery, here are 11 dining experiences to put on your radar.
The Connaught Bar at The Oberoi, New Delhi and Mumbai
Dates: October 31 in New Delhi; November 1 in Mumbai
One of London’s most celebrated cocktail destinations is coming to India for two exclusive nights. The Connaught Bar, located in Mayfair and ranked No. 8 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026 list, will bring its approach to modern mixology to Cirrus 9 at The Oberoi, New Delhi, and The Eau Bar at The Oberoi, Mumbai.
Leading the collaboration are Giorgio Bargiani, Assistant Director of Mixology, and Giorgio Iovine. Bargiani, who created Gucci’s first collector’s cocktail and was named International Bartender of the Year in 2023, has built a reputation for combining technical precision with a distinctive approach to flavour and presentation.
Guests can expect a specially curated cocktail menu inspired by The Connaught Bar’s signature style, including its celebrated martini ritual and inventive contemporary creations. At Cirrus 9, the experience unfolds against panoramic views of Delhi Golf Course and Humayun’s Tomb. In Mumbai, The Eau Bar’s Art Deco-inspired interiors and alfresco deck overlooking the Arabian Sea provide the setting.
For those interested in the craft behind a great cocktail as much as the drink itself, this is one of the season’s most compelling hospitality collaborations.
Where: Cirrus 9, The Oberoi, New Delhi, on October 31; The Eau Bar, The Oberoi, Mumbai, on November 1.
Chef Daisuke Mori at Mirai, Mumbai
Dates: October 28–29
Mumbai’s fine-dining calendar gets an international addition with a two-evening culinary pop-up by Michelin-starred chef Daisuke Mori at Mirai.
Known for bringing together Japanese ingredients and French culinary techniques, Mori will present a six-course tasting menu that reflects his experience across celebrated kitchens in Tokyo, Paris and Hong Kong. He previously led Takumi by Daisuke Mori in Hong Kong, which earned a Michelin star for seven consecutive years.
The menu includes giant mud crab with crab rémoulade, cauliflower espuma and curry oil; baked mushroom tart; lobster barley risotto; and local white fish tempura with seaweed dashi and yuzu. Roasted chicken with French chestnuts, rosemary and caramelised figs precedes a matcha panna cotta with vanilla and silver leaf.
Japanese-inspired cocktails and spirits from House of Suntory complete the experience, making this an appealing option for diners who enjoy a considered food-and-drink pairing rather than a conventional à la carte meal.
Where: Mirai, Bandra West, Mumbai. The pop-up runs from 8 pm to 10 pm.
Bengal’s Culinary Heritage at The Oberoi, Bengaluru
Dates: October 30–31
For a different kind of luxury dining experience, The Oberoi, Bengaluru, is bringing Kolkata-based culinary enterprise Amar Khamar to Lapis for a special two-evening showcase.
Known for championing Bengal’s indigenous rice varieties, heirloom pulses and regional ingredients, Amar Khamar approaches food through the agricultural and cultural traditions that shape the region’s kitchens. Its menu for the showcase draws on the spirit of Bengali festive feasting, with dishes that celebrate ingredients and preparations not often found on conventional restaurant menus.
Expect a selection inspired by Bengal’s seasonal produce and culinary heritage, including millet khichuri, estuarine crab from the Sundarbans, panta bhat and traditional jaggery-based desserts.
The setting adds another dimension to the experience: Oberoi’s hospitality meets a menu rooted in regional food traditions, demonstrating that a destination dining experience need not rely on imported ingredients or international techniques to feel distinctive.
Where: Lapis, The Oberoi, Bengaluru, on October 30 and 31. Reservations are recommended.
A Taste of Türkiye at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu
Until November 1
At Lotus Café, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, the current culinary focus is Türkiye. The hotel’s Taste of Türkiye experience brings chef Ugur from JW Marriott Istanbul Marmara Sea to Mumbai for a menu inspired by the country’s varied regional food traditions.
Running through November 1, the experience draws on the flavours of Turkish bazaars and coastal kitchens, offering diners an opportunity to explore a cuisine that balances grilled preparations, spices, fresh accompaniments and regional specialities.
For diners looking to turn a festive meal into a more immersive hotel dining experience, the event provides an alternative to the usual celebratory menus. It also reflects the appeal of visiting-chef collaborations, which give luxury hotels a way to introduce guests to another culinary culture without requiring them to travel abroad.
Where: Lotus Café, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu. The festival runs until November 1, from 7 pm onwards.
Bambi, New Delhi
Opening date: October 29
Delhi’s Lodhi Colony is preparing to welcome Bambi, a new neighbourhood restaurant with a tightly edited menu of burgers, bagels, shakes and fries.
The concept keeps the focus on familiar comfort food rather than an expansive menu. Smashed burgers served on brioche buns headline the offering, while bagels feature combinations such as cream cheese and salmon. Shakes, fries and fizzy drinks round out the selection.
Bambi’s arrival adds another independent dining address to Lodhi Colony Market, where contemporary cafés and casual restaurants have become part of the neighbourhood’s appeal. Its pared-back menu and emphasis on recognisable favourites make it an interesting counterpoint to the elaborate tasting menus and hotel collaborations elsewhere on this list.
Where: Lodhi Colony Market, New Delhi. Opening scheduled for October 29.
Bountyful, Bengaluru
A menu inspired by 18–20 regional cuisines
Bountyful in Indiranagar is built around a simple proposition: India’s regional food traditions deserve more space on contemporary restaurant menus.
Founded by Pallavii Gupta, the all-vegetarian restaurant draws inspiration from approximately 18–20 regional cuisines, with dishes that bring lesser-known ingredients and home-style preparations into a contemporary dining setting.
The menu includes Bihari sattu, Malai Gatta, Bhapa Paneer and Khatte Nadru, alongside soups, salads and regional-inspired beverages. Desserts such as Kesar Bhapa Doi, Rose Milk Cake and Gud Til Chocolate Mousse bring familiar flavours into new formats.
Rather than concentrating exclusively on elaborate restaurant interpretations of regional cuisine, Bountyful looks to the everyday food traditions of India’s towns, hills and home kitchens. For diners who want to explore the country’s culinary diversity without leaving Bengaluru, it offers a distinctive alternative to the city’s more conventional vegetarian dining options.
Where: Indiranagar, Bengaluru.
bibigo bapsang, Bengaluru
Korean quick-service dining arrives in India
Korean food continues to expand its presence in India, and bibigo bapsang is bringing a new format to the country’s quick-service dining scene.
Introduced through a strategic partnership between GTGO and CJ Foods, the brand’s first Indian outlet is at Orion Mall in Rajajinagar, Bengaluru. Its menu combines Korean flavours with a convenient, customisable format designed for everyday dining.
The signature Build Your Own Bapsang concept allows guests to assemble bowls with rice, protein and vegetables. Other options include bibimbap, Korean chicken, fries, corndogs and desserts.
While it sits at a different price point from the luxury-hotel experiences featured earlier, the opening is part of the same broader shift in India’s dining culture: international cuisines are finding audiences through formats that range from exclusive tasting menus to accessible everyday meals.
Where: Orion Mall, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru.
Druma, Bengaluru
A contemporary approach to vegetarian dining
Druma in Jayanagar takes a creative approach to vegetarian cuisine, bringing together Indian, South Indian, Pan-Asian and international influences in a menu that places vegetables and plant-based ingredients at the centre.
Among the standout preparations are Mushroom Cappuccino served with crisp khari, Samosa Mille Feuille Chaat layered with pindi chole, and Tandoori Soya Chaap stuffed with dry fruits, cheese and herbs.
Other dishes include Pesto Kunafa Tofu, Chettinad Paneer Quesadilla made with Malabar parotta, Jackfruit BBQ Slider and Alleppey Mango Curry. The menu moves between familiar Indian flavours and unexpected combinations without restricting itself to one regional or culinary category.
For diners who enjoy discovering new interpretations of vegetarian food, Druma offers a contemporary dining experience that goes beyond the standard paneer-and-curry repertoire.
Where: Cosmopolitan Club, Jayanagar 4th Block, Bengaluru.
Tossin Pizza, Bengaluru
The homegrown gourmet pizza brand makes its Karnataka debut
Gurugram-born Tossin Pizza has entered Karnataka with its first Bengaluru flagship in Koramangala, expanding beyond its established markets in Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Hyderabad.
Founded in 2013 by chef Rohit Narang and Honey Mehta, the brand began as a takeaway counter in Gurugram and has grown into a multi-city restaurant business. Its Bengaluru outlet brings its existing menu of vegetarian and non-vegetarian pizzas, pastas, baked specialities, desserts and accompaniments to one of the city’s most active dining neighbourhoods.
Tossin occupies a space between conventional pizza chains and more formal restaurant dining, making it an option for diners who want a casual meal with a gourmet positioning.
The opening also highlights the continued expansion of homegrown restaurant brands into new metropolitan markets, as established names look to build a presence beyond their original cities.
Where: Koramangala, Bengaluru.
Chili’s Grill & Bar, Aerocity, New Delhi
The international casual-dining brand expands in Delhi NCR
Chili’s Grill & Bar has expanded its Delhi NCR presence with a new outlet at World St. at 5 Worldmark, Aerocity. The opening takes the brand’s network to 25 outlets across India, including 10 in Delhi NCR.
The restaurant follows Chili’s familiar American and Tex-Mex format, with a menu featuring fajitas, burgers, nachos, ribs and salads, alongside signature beverages.
Its location in Aerocity places it within a district that brings together hotels, offices, retail and leisure destinations, giving it a natural audience among travellers, professionals and groups looking for an informal dining experience.
While the brand is more accessible than the luxury-hotel experiences at the beginning of this guide, its continued expansion reflects the range of dining formats shaping India’s urban food landscape.
Where: World St. at 5 Worldmark, Aerocity, New Delhi.
Chor Bizarre, Jaipur
The Delhi restaurant institution opens at InterContinental Jaipur
Chor Bizarre’s arrival at InterContinental Jaipur brings a long-running Indian restaurant brand to a new city, with its distinctive interiors and focus on regional Indian cuisine intact.
First opened in Delhi in 1990, Chor Bizarre built its identity around the eclectic character of a traditional chor bazaar, combining antique furniture, vintage memorabilia and collected objects with a menu that celebrates India’s regional food traditions. Kashmiri cuisine remains central to the experience, particularly Wazwan and Kashmiri Pandit home-style preparations.
The Jaipur menu includes Kashmiri classics such as tabak maaz, goshtaba, dum aloo and haaq, alongside dishes from other regions, including junglee maas, jackfruit moilee and Himachali lakhori khumb.
The 55-seat restaurant also features a dedicated Kashmiri private dining room, with a setting inspired by traditional shared dining around a copper platter.
Its Jaipur opening is a reminder that a restaurant’s sense of luxury can come from its cultural identity, atmosphere and culinary heritage as much as from elaborate presentation.
Where: InterContinental Jaipur.
A festive season shaped by experiences
From The Connaught Bar’s celebrated cocktail craft to a French-Japanese tasting menu, a Bengali culinary showcase and a new generation of independent restaurants, this season’s dining calendar reflects the breadth of India’s evolving food culture.
Luxury hospitality is increasingly about more than the setting: it is about access to distinctive people, places, techniques and culinary traditions. At the same time, new restaurants are creating fresh ways to explore regional Indian food, international flavours and contemporary comfort dining.
For diners, that means more choice in how to spend an evening out, whether the occasion calls for a limited-run cocktail experience at a landmark hotel or a first visit to a neighbourhood restaurant just finding its place on the city’s dining map.
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Quick AnswersPowered by
Ask News18What are the dates and locations for The Connaught Bar’s collaboration with Oberoi Hotels?
London’s The Connaught Bar brings its cocktail programme to Cirrus 9 at The Oberoi, New Delhi on October 31, and to The Eau Bar at The Oberoi, Mumbai on November 1, 2026.
Where is Michelin-starred chef Daisuke Mori hosting his culinary pop-up in Mumbai?
Chef Daisuke Mori is hosting a two-evening French-Japanese six-course tasting menu pop-up at Mirai in Bandra West, Mumbai, from October 28 to 29.
Which historic Delhi restaurant brand recently opened a new location at InterContinental Jaipur?
The long-running Delhi restaurant institution Chor Bizarre has opened a 55-seat location at InterContinental Jaipur featuring regional specialties like Kashmiri cuisine and Wazwan.
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Swati Chaturvedi
Swati Chaturvedi is a seasoned media professional with over 13 years of experience in journalism, digital content strategy, and editorial leadership across top national media houses. An alumna of Lady…Read More
First Published:
October 27, 2026, 07:53 IST
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