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From neighborhood pizzerias and dessert cafes to culturally cutting-edge dining spaces, these new restaurant and cafe openings reflect how India's dining scene is expanding.
From neighborhood-focused establishments and delivery concepts to designer cafes and purpose-driven restaurants, these launches reflect how modern diners are looking for more than a meal.
India's dining landscape continues to evolve with brands carefully expanding, combining strong culinary identities with design, community and purpose. Across cities, new openings are no longer just about food, but also about experience, storytelling and creating spaces that resonate with changing lifestyles.
From neighborhood-focused establishments and delivery-first concepts to designer cafes and purpose-driven restaurants, these launches reflect how modern diners are looking for more than a meal. Comfort, inclusivity, nostalgia, innovation and connection are now at the heart of hospitality. As brands grow, they choose locations and formats that feel intentional, responding to local communities while staying true to their core philosophy.
Whether reinventing familiar flavors, centering desserts as the main event, building cultural spaces or creating inclusive dining experiences, these startups highlight how the food and beverage sector is expanding with clarity and confidence, one carefully considered opening at a time.
bark circle
Circle of Crust has opened a new store in Uttam Nagar, New Delhi, marking another milestone in its continued expansion. Known for its “Pizza but Better” philosophy, the brand continues to gain a loyal following by combining familiar flavors with Indian-inspired touches. The Uttam Nagar outlet, inaugurated on January 15, 2026, takes this approach forward with a strong focus on consistency and customer experience.
Led by founder Neha Anand and co-founder Kartik Anand, Circle of Crust was created to specifically cater to Indian palates. Over the years, the brand has expanded across Punjab, Chandigarh and Haryana, and has also entered the international market with a store in Dubai.
The new facility features a vibrant, youthful environment suitable for students, families and working professionals. The menu includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian favorites like Paneer Makhani, Chicken Tikka, Butter Chicken and Pijja Chatkare, along with specialty crusts made from whole wheat, beetroot and spinach. Pastas, side dishes, desserts and drinks complete the offer. To mark the launch, the brand is offering complimentary pizzas from its Super Singles range for three days.
FES Coffee and Desserts
Dessert cafe FES Cafe has launched its third outlet at Nirvana Courtyard, Gurgaon, further strengthening its presence in Delhi NCR. With existing locations in Greater Kailash II and Galleria Market, Gurgaon, the brand has garnered a loyal fan following for its delicious desserts and thoughtfully designed spaces.
Founded by Vidur Mayor, FES Cafe is widely known for introducing New York-style chunky cookies to the Indian market and placing desserts at the center of the dining experience. Over time, it has become a cultural “third space” where food, design and community naturally intersect.
The Nirvana Courtyard outlet is the brand's largest and most design-oriented space yet. It is also FES Cafe's first two-level cafe, with the ground floor dedicated to service and takeaway, and the upper floor designed for relaxed seating and longer visits. A standout feature is the Music Corner, inspired by the headphone booths of the early 2000s, where guests can listen to cassette tapes together, creating a tactile and nostalgic experience.
Depot48 – Khasta
Depot48 has launched Khasta, a delivery-only kulcha concept that reinvents the traditional tandoori kulcha as a complete and hearty meal. With roots in Punjabi comfort food, Khasta combines familiarity with innovation and offers slow-brewed kulchas designed for everyday comfort.
The menu balances classics like Amritsari Aloo-Pyaz Kulcha and Butter Chicken Kulcha with creative options like Mushroom Truffle Kulcha with Mirch Ka Salan, Shredded Jackfruit and Podi Kulcha, Goan Chorizo Blue Cheese Kulcha and even a Gur-Dal Halwa kulcha dessert. Each kulcha is seared and cooked in the tandoor for a crispy, flaky texture yet easy to transport and reheat.
Founders Vikas Narula and Girjashanker Vohra describe the concept as an extension of Punjabi bounty, food meant to be comforting, filling and easy to share, tailored to the way people eat today.
PURE
PHURR Elevated Vegetarian Cuisine has opened its second outlet in Indiranagar, following the success of its consistently welcoming location in Jayanagar. Co-founded by Rahul Lunawat, the brand has carved a niche for itself by making vegetarian meals indulgent, innovative and memorable.
The Indiranagar space draws on PHURR's expressive aesthetic, combining playful maximalism with comfort. The menu continues to celebrate deep-rooted vegetarian flavours, with favorites such as Tender Coconut Fritters, Andhra Chilli Broccoli, Vegetable Kofta with Banarasi Pukhtan Curry and Bhindi 2 Way, along with a new addition, Finger Millet Nihari.
The dedicated mocktail bar remains a highlight, proving that creativity and balance can be maintained regardless of alcohol. PHURR's expansion reinforces its belief that elevated vegetarian cuisine is here to stay.
Ishaara
Ishaara by Bellona Hospitality has launched a new standalone outlet at 1 Sobha, Church Street, Bengaluru, bringing its purpose-driven dining philosophy to the heart of the city. Known for championing inclusivity, the restaurant is run by a team of hearing- and speech-impaired service professionals, where gestures form the language of hospitality.
Led by Prashant Issar, CEO of Bellona Hospitality, the brand continues to focus on empathy and meaningful human connection. The menu is based on familiar Indian flavors and offers refined yet nostalgic dishes in chaat, main courses and desserts. The Church Street outlet also features Taal, a cocktail program inspired by rhythm and elements, along with scratch-proof options.
Designed by Minnie Bhatt Design, the indoor-outdoor space combines concrete, wood, brass and greenery in a welcoming and robust environment, further strengthening Ishaara's presence in Bengaluru.
January 19, 2026, 21:28 IST
