The annexe of the iconic The Ashok lodge in Chanakyapuri is maybe the greatest spot in space-deprived South Delhi to open a restaurant. It’s a standalone, giant and leafy spot, separate from the Government-owned lodge, the place music is performed till the wee hours of the morning. Till not too long ago, the area boasted of Zerruco, a Mediterranean and Italian restaurant that by no means actually took off, and now, restaurateur Akshay Anand of Toy Room fame has taken over and opened the opulent and pumping Ophelia. The delicacies, nevertheless, has not modified.
To paraphrase from Hamlet, to go, or not to go: that is the question. My reply: It’s an entertaining spot for some drinks and sheesha, however I’d not go for the meals alone.
The vibe: Ophelia, named after a personality in Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, has a beautiful deck space with white material swathed cabanas, open flames and excellent temper lighting. Indoors is a stark distinction. The inside designer actually went to city – excessive ceilings, a lot of velvet and suede, mahogany kind wooden in all places, gilded work and crystal chandeliers — you are feeling such as you’re in a illicit den. You will both love Ophelia or hate it. It is an ideal yuppie spot, and on the night I visited, the deck space was loud and filled with folks dressed to impress. Thumping music was a relentless, indoors or out.
Do attempt: From the Mediterranean menu, the Prawn Shish was grilled excellent and the meat was plump and candy. The Balloon Breads had been additionally fluffy and lightweight. On the Italian menu, the Pappardelle with Pulled Pork Ragout was the star of the night. Full of flavour, the pasta was contemporary and the ragout coated every strand pasta completely.
Skip: The mainstay of any Mediterranean/Turkish menu is hummus, falafel, shawarma and pide (flat bread). Unfortunately, all 4 had been poor. The hummus was too liquidy, the falafel was too dry and over fried, the shawarmas had been nearer to desi wraps than the Ottoman authentic, and the pide was flat when it comes to texture and flavour.
Go with: Over 25s (Delhi’s authorized age to drink) and beneath 40s (you simply wont slot in when you’re older).
Space bar: 8,000 sq. ft.; 180 covers indoors and out
How a lot: Unnecessarily costly at ₹4,500 for 2, sans alcohol
Getting there: There is valet parking in addition to ample parking area. Hire a driver for the night or cab it – simply don’t drink and drive