India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) - Keith Bain [371]
For superb Italian by one of Delhi’s most celebrated restaurateurs, Ritu Dalmia (also responsible for London’s Vama), try to get a table at Diva (M-8, M Block Market, Greater Kailash I; 011/2921-5673), which has drawn countless accolades despite fever-pitch prices. You simply can’t go wrong here; any of the seafood starters are recommended, and the lamb chops in red wine are superb. Also under her able hands is the pizzeria Café at the Italian Cultural Centre (Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri; 011/2467-4575), best done if you’re in the embassy zone running around for official work or cultural screenings, as well as the brand new café Latitude 28 ( 011/2465-7175) run by Goodearth (see “Shopping” later): with an international menu, this all-day dining focuses on unpretentious freshly prepared food. One could just have a simple panini and a juice, or go for something more wholesome like a pasta or lamb stew; there is also a huge array of organic salads for the health conscious.
Tip: We’ve arranged our restaurants according to pricing but it may be more useful to know where the closest recommendations are depending on where you’re based, or find yourself while sightseeing or shopping; herewith some guidance: While in Old Delhi, dine at Chor Bizarre, Karims or Haldirams. If near Connaught Place, visit Veda, Ploof, United Coffee House, or Basil & Thyme. If still in Central Delhi, but near Chanakyapuri, Khan Market or Lodhi Road, dine at Crepes and More, Oriental Octopus, Olive Beach or Khan Chacha’s. And when in South Delhi, dine at Diva, Oh Calcutta, Park Balluchi, Punjabi by Nature, Swagath, Sagar, Smokehouse Grill, It’s Greek to Me, or Naivedyam.
Ploof SEAFOOD/ECLECTIC This is not only an underpublicized Gandhi-clan hangout, but it’s also where our dearest Delhiite friends take us when we’re in town. It may not be the most fashionable eatery in town, but it’s bright, comfortable, and reliable, and the seafood is always fresh. The biggest drawback here has to be deciding what to have: The menu is notoriously long-winded and draws such diverse inspiration that you’ll be hard-pressed to order. Here’s a suggestion: Start with the Fisherman’s Basket (grilled baby octopus, prawns, and fish), then choose between the garlic-flavored grilled jumbo prawns, Singaporean chili crab, pepper-crusted Japanese bluefin tuna, Kerala-style fish curry, or even braised abalone. Or select the fish of the day and arrange for it to be simply chargrilled with lemon butter or stir-fried with basil leaves and lemon grass.
13 Main Market, Lodhi Colony. 011/2464-9026. Reservations recommended. Main courses Rs 275–Rs 950; marketplace seafood priced by weight. 10% service charge. MC, V. Daily 11am–3:30pm and 7–11pm.
Shalom LEBANESE/MEDITERRANEAN Catering to a younger upmarket dining crowd, this is a smart, sexy spot in south Delhi (also with a new branch in South Delhi’s Vasant Vihar). Smartly attired waitstaff, upbeat lounge music soundtrack, and soothing decor (hand-plastered walls, burnt-wood furniture) indicate you’re in for a night of fun, starting perhaps with a cocktail like the cucumber sparkle (spiked with vodka) or the Shalom iced tea and then moving swiftly on to a meze platter. Or tuck into a decadent tapas selection that includes skewered fish in a lemon, paprika, and garlic sauce. For mains, the char grilled chicken breast with tangy mustard sauce or the grilled fish with orange chilly sauce are favorites. Vegetarians will love the Spanish corn crepes, and the spiced couscous. The decent wine list is dominated by Chilean and Argentinean vintages. Do not pass up