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Delhi in February is arguably the most charming version of itself. The sun is gentle, the gardens are in full bloom, and the city hums with a specific kind of creative electricity. As the seventeenth edition of the India Art Fair returns to the NSIC Exhibition Grounds in Okhla from 5 to 8 February 2026, thousands of enthusiasts will descend upon the white cubes to witness the best of South Asian contemporary art. However, any veteran of the fair knows that the experience is as much about the endurance of the feet as it is about the expansion of the mind. After hours of navigating through massive installations, debating the price of a charcoal sketch, and bumping into every second person from your social media feed, a sensory reset is mandatory. Whether you are looking for a quick caffeine fix, a sophisticated cocktail, or a decadent dinner with a view of the Qutub Minar, South Delhi has evolved to meet the moment.
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The Immediate Circle: Okhla And Nehru Place
If your energy levels are flagging and you cannot fathom a long commute through Delhi traffic, the immediate vicinity of the fair offers some surprisingly robust options. Epicuria at Nehru Place remains the most convenient hub for those who want variety without the travel time.
For a high energy wind down, Nehru Place Social offers that familiar mix of industrial aesthetics and reliable comfort food. It is the perfect spot to scroll through your photos of the day while sipping on a tall glass of iced tea or a craft beer. If you are in the mood for something more refined, Royal China at Nehru Place continues to be a gold standard for dim sum and crispy aromatic duck. Its elegant setting provides a much needed contrast to the bustling crowds of the exhibition halls.
For those who need a serious caffeine hit, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters in the Okhla industrial area is a pilgrimage site for coffee purists. It is often filled with curators and artists during the fair weekend, making it an excellent place for some eavesdropping on the latest industry gossip.
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The Sophisticated Sip: Greater Kailash And New Friends Colony
A short ten to fifteen minute drive from the NSIC grounds will take you to the heart of South Delhi’s residential elegance. Greater Kailash (GK) 1 and 2 are currently home to some of the most innovative bars in the country.
Sidecar in GK 2 is consistently ranked among the best bars in the world, and for good reason. Their cocktail programme is an art form in itself, often using indigenous ingredients to create complex, balanced flavours. It is the kind of place where the drink in your hand is as much a conversation starter as the art you just saw.
Nearby, Lair offers a moodier, more experimental vibe. With its dark, sleek interiors and provocative mixology, it caters to a crowd that appreciates the avant garde. If you are looking for something lighter, Mezze Mambo in GK 2 serves up fantastic Middle Eastern plates that are perfect for sharing among a group of hungry gallery hoppers.
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In the New Friends Colony area, Carnatic Cafe remains a legendary stop for those who want to swap the pretension of the art world for a plate of the best Malleshwaram 1978 dosa in the city. It is honest, soulful, and exactly what your palate needs after a day of complex metaphors.
The Heritage View: Mehrauli’s Cinematic Dining
For many, the real India Art Fair experience only truly begins when the sun starts to set over the ruins of the Qutub Minar. Mehrauli is the spiritual home of the Delhi art crowd, where history and high fashion collide.
Olive Bar and Kitchen is the perennial favourite. Its whitewashed walls, pebbled courtyard, and sprawling banyan tree have played host to a generation of post fair celebrations. The vibe here is perpetually celebratory, and the Mediterranean menu is consistently excellent.
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If you want a more modern, high octane experience, Bo Tai offers a stunning view of the Qutub alongside sophisticated Thai fusion. For those who enjoy a bit of theatricality, Diablo serves up Middle Eastern flavours in a setting that feels like a gothic fever dream.
A newer addition to the circuit is Swan, which has quickly become a hotspot for its gorgeous rooftop seating and Italian Japanese menu. It is the place to see and be seen, so ensure you have a reservation well in advance.
The Cultural Extension: Lodhi And Sunder Nursery
Given the focus on Korean art this year with the K-Art Pavilion, you might find yourself craving the clean, bold flavours of the peninsula. Seoul in the nearby Ansal Plaza or the various Korean outposts in South Delhi are seeing a surge in popularity.
However, if you want to stay within the cultural heart of the city, head towards the Lodhi Art District. After walking past India’s first open air public art gallery, you can settle into Perch Wine and Coffee Bar in Lodhi Colony. It is a sanctuary for those who prefer a quiet glass of Riesling and some avocado toast over a loud party.
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Perhaps the most magical spot in 2026 is the restaurant at the Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site Museum at Sunder Nursery. Named Noe, it takes inspiration from the ancient Sumerian goddess of grain. Dining here feels like an extension of the fair itself, surrounded by history and meticulous design. It is a peaceful, green escape from the industrial grit of Okhla.
