New Luxe Dining Spots Worth Braving The Rush For
These 5 places are bringing authentic global flavours to your table in an elevated style
The Delhi-NCR luxury food space has got a much-appreciated upgrade. And, just in time for the festive spirit commanding one and all’s gourmandising selves. Boasting of lush, chic interiors, envious settings, and unmatched flavours from various parts of the world, these new dining places are worth all the weather troubles, traffic snarls, and weekend rush.
If you are a connoisseur who prefers all the drama on a plate, or someone who delights in all shows – on the table or off it, or just a pure admirer of fine food, these new dining spots are the answers to all your gourmet desires.
Dramique
In the fancy locales of Delhi’s Vasant Kunj, a fine-dine spectacle, where gastronomy meets theatre for real and not metaphorically, is drawing inspiration from icons like Lio Ibiza and Theatre Dubai. The same performance collective that makes a show out of dinners at those places adds the table-side panache at the dreamscape of Dramique at The Grand.
Just when you are interspersing the tamarind-flavoured wok-fried shrimps with a sip or two of tequila-based ‘The Blush Dictator’, the lights dim and the stage comes to life with the notes of saxophone. And, while you are savouring each bite of that grilled lobster tossed in butter garlic with ‘Cinema Nero’, popcorn-infused whisky with a side of caramel popcorn, Creative Director Samir Sehngal’s vision bursts into drama, dance, and colours, as if right on cue.
Price for two: ₹10,000+ (with alcohol); ₹7,500+ (without alcohol)
Timings: 10:00 pm onwards, Friday and Saturday only till Diwali
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Pendulo
Pendulo (Spanish for pendulum), as the name suggests, is voraciously swinging between Aztec mystery and Indian luxury in its setting. The menu seems to not merely complement but celebrate that union of two cultures. The dishes and drinks at this Indian-Mexican spot by restaurateur Sahil Baweja at Delhi’s high-street Mehrauli, helmed by chefs Megha Kohli and Noah Louis Barnes, with Fay Baretto leading the bar program, are, hence, intentionally clever.
Think flavours from India astutely mixing with Mexican boldness - Tellicherry Pepper Mutton Birria, Dhungaar Avacado with Burrani raita, khakra-bhakri-sabudana papad with guacamole, smoky salsa... The cocktails are not mere followers but lead – Fuego Kokum, where Indian kokum meets Mexican mezcal, and Rasam Revival – spicy of rasam dictating notes of vodka.
Price for two (tasting menu, not inclusive of alcohol): ₹5,000+ (vegetarian); ₹6,000+ (non-vegetarian)
Timings: 8:30 pm onwards (dinner service only; Tuesday closed)
Madam Chow
Imagine being seated inside a striking glass pavilion overlooking a blue reflective pool as plates of Guangdong and Sichuan cuisines adorn your table. Yes, Gurugram finally has a great Chinese food destination! At The Oberoi, and a pretty one at that. Like the mysterious traveller, Madam Chow, the menu traverses through various regions of China.
While the open kitchen gives a peak into the unhurried swiftness of Chef Wong Kwai Wah (Sam), the Zhenglong Whole Silver Pomfret in an aromatic nonya sauce, and other dishes, showcase his mastery of flavours and authenticity. And, Chef Mark Lin titillates the senses with delicate dim sums in rainbow colours, full of lobster, prawn, truffle cream.
The place also redeems the oft-unexceptional desserts in the Chinese restaurants with its Jasmine tea mai lai go, toffee-doused date pudding, and Sichuan peppercorn ice cream.
Price for two: ₹9,500+ (with alcohol), ₹7,000+ (without alcohol)
Timings: Lunch: 12.30 pm to 3.00 pm, Dinner: 7.00 pm to 11.00 pm
Le Cirque
The famed Franco-Italian fine-dining destination of The Leela Palace is back, basking in its all-new gold-plum craftsmanship and plush textures. And, so is the iconic harlequin, Burlino Arlecchino. The baton may have been passed over to chef Vashisht Kumar from former head chef Diego Martinelli, but the legacy is intact, albeit in a reimagined avatar.
In its 40-layer lamb lasagna highlighting an extensive à la carte menu, mint-crusted lamb chops and braised leeks in porcini puree delighting the degustation ones, the signature sophistication effortlessly blends with contemporary imagination. A true melange of French finesse and Italian diversity.
With a new wine program, and a cellar full of rare vintages and acclaimed labels, the in-house sommeliers are aptly armed to elevate the whole experience. One as complex and satiating as the endnote of Seven Textures of Chocolate.
Price: 7-Course Tasting Menu ₹9,500+, 5-Course Tasting Menu ₹7,500+, À la carte – average spend ₹7,000 per cover
Timings: Lunch: 12:30 pm to 2:45 pm; Dinner: First Slot - 7:00 pm to 9:00 PM, Second Slot -9:30 pm onwards
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Mi Piaci
In gastronomically abundant Ambawatta One, this one is a fine mix of premium and cosy with muted tones, green highlights, a rooftop with stunning views of Qutub Minar, and a lot of European charm. It boasts of an Italian team helmed by ever-cheerful Lorenzo Lanzoni, who came visiting India, fell in love, and decided to shake hands with restaurateur Priyank Sukhija to bring the real Italy to Delhi.
If Plin Piemontesi, with a delightful lamb demi-glace, invokes the flavours of Piedmont, Involtini di Verdure draws its burst of colours from Sicily, and Costine di Agnello is done the Roman way. Be it Alessandro Citera making a show out of pizzas, or chef Mattia Volpari, boasting of Michelin-level experience, enthralling with his table specials, the experience is a whole 360-degree. Then there are freshly-made pastas, done the authentic nonna style - no fuss, just pure flavours.
Price for two: ₹5,000+ (without alcohol)
Timings: Monday to Friday - 7 pm to 1 am, Saturday-Sunday - noon to 3 pm, and 7 pm to 1 am