The Luxury of Not Being Inside
As diners increasingly seek experiences that feel immersive and unhurried, restaurants across India and beyond are turning outward.
There is a particular pleasure in dining under the open sky. Once a Mediterranean ritual and, more recently, a pandemic necessity, alfresco dining is enjoying a renewed moment across the globe. In India, too, restaurants are rediscovering the power of terraces, courtyards and garden settings. In an age that increasingly values atmosphere as much as cuisine, the luxury of not being inside has never felt more compelling. Here are some that capture the spirit of alfresco particularly well.
Nubeluz, The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad
High above Manhattan, Nubeluz brings a dramatic edge to rooftop dining. Created by celebrated chef José Andrés, the venue blends sleek design with sweeping terraces that frame the New York skyline. While the space is best known for its inventive cocktails and curated small plates, the culinary offering leans towards contemporary European flavours with a cosmopolitan touch. As the city lights begin to flicker on at dusk, the terrace becomes one of Manhattan's most atmospheric vantage points.
Lodi - The Garden Restaurant, Lodhi Gardens
Set amid the historic landscape of Lodhi Gardens in New Delhi, Lodi - The Garden Restaurant blends architecture, nature and gastronomy. Its outdoor seating areas are framed by water features, sculpted greenery and ancient trees. This helps create an atmosphere that feels far removed from the surrounding city. The cuisine is contemporary European with global influences which makes it a popular choice for long, leisurely meals in the open air.
Terra, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
At Terra, dining unfolds in a setting that feels almost surreal. Guests are seated in intimate bamboo pods perched above the treetops, each designed to offer uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. The restaurant serves a multi-course tasting menu rooted in modern European cuisine and highlights premium ingredients such as fresh seafood and seasonal produce. With the rustle of palms and the gentle sea breeze accompanying each course, Terra turns dinner into an immersive sensory experience where nature becomes an integral part of the table.
Gallops, Mahalaxmi Racecourse
Few restaurants in Mumbai offer the sense of space that Gallops does. Overlooking the expansive greens of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, the restaurant's outdoor seating allows diners to escape the city's frenetic pace without ever leaving its centre. The menu reflects a mix of Indian, Continental and Asian influences, featuring everything from robust North Indian curries and grills to classic comfort dishes. Combined with the sweeping views of the racecourse, the experience feels almost pastoral, which is a rare luxury in one of the world's busiest cities.
Les Ombres, Eiffel Tower, Paris
Les Ombres, perched atop the Musée du Quai Branly, offers one of the most dramatic alfresco terraces in Paris. As diners settle into their seats, the Eiffel Tower rises across the skyline, lending the setting an unmistakably cinematic quality. The restaurant serves refined contemporary French cuisine, including seasonal tasting menus, delicate seafood preparations and artfully plated desserts, each crafted to complement the elegance of its surroundings. As evening falls and the tower begins to sparkle, the terrace becomes one of the city's most enchanting dining destinations.
