Explore NCR's newest hotspots, serving up bold flavours and vibrant atmospheres for those looking to experience the best in dining and nightlife

The food scene in the NCR is heating up, with a host of new eateries making their mark, each worth a visit. This month, I sampled a few, and here are my impressions.

Litchi Bistro

Nestled in the culinary hub of Malviya Nagar, Litchi Bistro offers a creative world cuisine menu alongside freshly brewed coffee from their in-house roastery. The spacious open patio outshines the indoor seating, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Two dishes I highly recommend are the Spicy Tuna Taco, served on a crisp Nori sheet with a kick from sriracha mayo and the Korean Bacon, a miso-marinated pork belly. The latter is so exceptional that I would return just for this dish.

Avartana at ITC Maurya

This is easily the most intriguing restaurant I've explored this year. Avartana offers set-course menus ranging from 7 to 13 courses, priced from Rs. 2,950 upwards per person. The cuisine is a contemporary interpretation of South Indian ingredients, far from the traditional dishes we usually associate with the region. I’ll be doing a detailed review soon, as it’s hard to choose favourites when each dish is stellar. It's no surprise that Avartana ranks 44th among Asia's 50 best.

689, Gurgaon

Six Eighty Nine at Two Horizon brings Quorum Club’s finesse into the public domain. This Asian restaurant draws inspiration from Japanese cuisine, with a clever twist of Japanese ingredients across its offerings. A standout dish is the Flame-Kissed Avocado from the Robatayaki section. The buttery avocado, glazed with soy-mirin, perfectly balances saltiness and sharpness, with a zing from shichimi lime. Ideal for those who enjoy Asian flavours and refined cocktails without the distraction of loud music.

Teppanyaki at Eest, Westin Gurgaon

Gurgaon finally has a live Teppanyaki counter. What was once Eest's Omakase section has been revamped to accommodate a Teppanyaki grill. The sauces are fresh, the ingredients top-notch and Chef Jatin engages with diners to craft dishes tailored to their preferences. The food here is as delicious as it is healthy, ensuring my return visit soon.

Room XO, AIPL Joy Central, Gurgaon

The new party hub, Room XO, features one of the largest bars in the city, offering high-energy music, creative cocktails, massive screens and a performance bar. The food, curated by celebrity chef Sabyasachi Gorai, complements the lively atmosphere. With the same founders as Studio XO, this spot is set to be the next big thing in Gurgaon’s nightlife.

Thanks and Beyond, Nehru Place, Delhi

Veteran nightlife impresario Priyank Sukhija's latest venture at Epicuria Mall offers three distinct zones. 'Thanks' is a casual dining space, 'And' is the outdoor area, and 'Beyond' is a high-energy bar. For a great time, I recommend the Tequila-based Picante, the Sheesha, and the Tuna on Toast.

Pirates of Grill Grande, Cyberhub, Gurgaon

Buffets just went gourmet, thanks to the famous Banga Brothers, who have redefined the concept with their Grande edition of Pirates of Grill. The quality, variety, and pricing are a revelation - priced at around Rs. 1,000 per head; the spread rivals the best à la carte restaurants. Standout items include the Benne Dosa with Podi Masala, possibly the best in the NCR and Dim Sum that would hold its own in any reputable dim sum restaurant. Don’t miss the Grilled Pineapple, an old favourite or the Indianised Meatballs with shredded egg caulis and cheese, a delightful fusion.

Now that you’re in the loop on the hottest dining and nightlife spots in the NCR, where are you heading tonight or later this week? Let me know at pawan.soni@indianfoodfreak.com.

The writer is Pawan Soni, Food critic and founder of the Big F Awards