The national capital is quite well known for its food and gourmet inventions. Every corner of the city specialises in some cuisine or the other. From street food to high-end restaurants, the city has a lot to offer. So to bring its loyal customers a bit of everything in one space, many restaurants have been coming up with foreign flavours to treat the taste buds of Delhi-wallahs.
European cuisine in particular has firmly established its market in the capital. Since European gourmet is really popular here, Guardian 20 presents a short guide to help you around the best European eateries you can find in your city.
The Hungry Monkey
The Hungry Monkey, the brainchild of three friends contributes to the capital’s culinary skyline by redefining the smart casual dining experience — unserious, unexpected and unbound. It is located in the heart of South Delhi. The USP of the brand is their award winning cocktails, interiors of the restaurant. Always striving to get something new and creative on the table, this summer the restaurant brings you an infusion of spirits in your favourite dishes. A wide variety of locally procured ingredients infused with different types of alcohol create great zest. They have recently introduced “Alcohol infused food menu.” The ambience is interesting providing good space for your friends and families. Making a transition from laid back lunches to spirited evenings with a view, savour a stylish dinner here followed by unwinding to some late night drinks and music.
Location: B 6/6 DDA Market, opposite Deer Park, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi
Meal for two: Rs 2,000 plus taxes
Sevilla, The Claridges
The famous art and cultural capital of southern Spain, named after Seville, Sevilla at The Claridges is the city’s most recognized Mediterranean restaurant. Its carefully curated air is as iconic as its contemporary take on Spanish cuisine. Inspired by the azure skies and the rich landscape of the Mediterranean, it creates a visual delight. The signature dishes from Sevilla’s kitchen serve this experience, from the vast tapas menu to the homemade pastas and paellas; the menu is truly a reflection of the rich culinary heritage of the Mediterranean. The menu is a true manifestation of zestful Mediterranean culture, while capturing the odyssey that flourishes through the streets of Europe. From famed brands to organic handcrafted small batch wines, it is a true wine destination for connoisseurs or for those who have just started exploring the world of wine.
Location: 12, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road, New Delhi,
Meal for two: Rs 4,500 approx.
Dirty Apron
Dirty Apron, a separate entity of The Piano Man group stirs to create a fine Eurasian dining experience for all. It is a two floor premium dining restaurant nestled in a corner in Safdarjung Enclave. It is a restaurant with an outdoor space, a perfect place to refresh with refreshing drinks and delicious bites. The space caters to creating a convivial and pleasant atmosphere far away from the chaos of the city outside with some lip smacking savouries and delights. The menu consists of Eurasian cuisine, as the name suggests. It is a mix of European cuisine with pan Asian flavours. The restaurant focuses in bringing together a relatively unexplored pairing thereby curating a whole new menu that blends traditional flavours with a dose of quirk. The pizzas and soups really make it worthwhile to spend a day at Dirty Apron.
Location: B6-7/ 22, Safdarjung Enclave Market, New Delhi
Meal for two: Rs 1,800 approx.
Jamie’s Italian
Jamie’s Italian was founded by Jamie Oliver and his Italian mentor, chef Gennaro Contaldo, in Oxford, 2008. Since then it has grown to more than 60 restaurants worldwide, with plans for even more in towns, cities and countries around the world. The restaurant is inspired from Italy and many of its traditions and values. The menu is rooted in authenticity, driven by what you’d find people eating all over Italy. Taking inspiration from the “Italian table” – where people relax, share and enjoy each other’s company – the menu is packed full of antipasti and nibbles, perfect for sharing, as well as comforting bowls of pasta, beautiful fresh salads and grills. Many of the dishes on the menu are inspired by Jamie’s visits to Italy and the stories of his friend and mentor, Gennaro Contaldo. Gennaro has added substance to what is now the essence of Jamie’s Italian – tradition combined with current, innovative ideas and a Jamie twist!
Location: Ambience Mall, No. 2, Nelson Mandela Marg, 3rd Floor, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
Meal for two: Rs 1,500 approx.