India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) (244 page)

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 the frozen lemon pie or the cinnamon ice cream when you’re offered dessert. Another branch is at D-4, D Block Market, Vasant Vihar (
98-1869-8784
).

N-18, N Block Market, Greater Kailash I.
98-1014-8084.
www.shalomexperience.com
. Reservations highly recommended. Main courses Rs 425–Rs 1,395. 10% service charge. AE, MC, V. Daily 12:30–3:30pm and 7:30pm–1am.

Véda
NORTH INDIAN Designed by iconic fashion guru Rohit Bal, this centrally located restaurant is a place to see and be seen. The interior space has a dreamlike elegance—a careful balance of baroque fantasy and contemporary appeal—that feels light-years away from the chaos of Connaught Place just outside. It’s garnered plenty of accolades but these are more for its fashionable status than for the cuisine, which is nothing exceptional. Nevertheless, you could do worse than to order one of the seven-course tasting menus. Alternatively, try the lamb Véda special, an unusual combination of lamb on the bone and minced lamb, or have the highly recommended Parsi sea bass
(paatra ni machi).
Dishes are generally spiced to suit an international palate, so you’ll need to ask if you want the heat turned up. Oh, and plan on serious contemplation of the wine offerings.

H 27, Outer Circle, Connaught Circus.
011/4151-3535
or 011/4151-3940/1.
www.vedarestaurants.com
.
Reservations essential. Main courses Rs 250–Rs 775; tasting menus Rs 975–Rs 1,175. AE, MC, V. Daily noon–3:30pm and 8–11:30pm.

Moderate

One Connaught Place institution you certainly shouldn’t pass up is
United Coffee House
, which began 5 decades ago as a coffeehouse and is now also a multicuisine restaurant where you can sit for hours ogling the fantastic array of people who come here to feast, drink, strike deals, play cards, and pass the time. Interesting Art Deco interiors, lit by chandeliers, make this more about nostalgia than particularly inspiring cuisine, but the reasonable standard Indian food (meal for two should cost Rs 150–Rs 400), and prolonged two-for-one happy hours make this a favorite with locals and travelers alike. And, yes, the coffee is freshly brewed and brought to your table in a French press. Reserve for dinner, just in case (E-15, Inner Circle;
011/2341-1697
or -6075).
Crepes and More
(66, first floor, Khan Market;
98-1890-0005
) is one of the few stand-alone breakfast joints in the city (everything from yoghurt and muesli to dozens of choices in crepes and eggs) and perfect if you opt for an early morning walk in the near-by Lodhi Gardens or want to dine light while shopping in Khan Market. A popular lunchtime venue,
Basil and Thyme
(Santushti Shopping Complex, New Wellington Camp;
011/2467-3322
), serves healthy Eurocentric fare from the kitchen of octogenarian gourmand Bhicoo Manekshaw. The day’s special and other healthy selections rarely fail to please, and the fabulous homemade cheesecakes and ice creams should be declared illegal. Combine it with your visit to the surrounding shopping complex, which is bound to work up your appetite; reserve ahead.