New In Delhi: 3 Restaurants That Unleash The Experience Of Progressive Fusion Food Under Elegant Interiors

Echoing India’s rich culinary mosaic, New Delhi has long been renowned for exquisite dishes fit for royalty–from indulgent kebabs and biryanis to the vibrant world of street food. Over the years, the capital’s food scene has only evolved, luring experimental palates. Chefs are pushing the envelope by spinning traditional recipes, spotlighting ingredient-forward menus, and reinventing classic old fare in new, creative avatars that appeal to all senses. For those who believe that modern-day dining is more than just the food, where different spaces create layers of sensory experiences for all moods and occasions, DP’s list of new dining experiences in Delhi and NCR coalesce with chic, modern interiors, and innovative fusion cuisine. 

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1.  Ziya At The Oberoi Epitomises The Pinnacle of Progressive Indian Dining

Helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Vineet Bhatia, Ziya At The Oberoi Gurgaon taps on the ‘progressive modern Indian cuisine’ and presents classic Indian flavours in new, imaginative avatars. Designed by Architectural Discipline, the space welcomes the glam of high-ceiling, reflective steel, and glass accents. Marrying traditional elegance with contemporary flair Ziya brings an elevated dining experience to the Millennium City. Defined by bold jewel tones and a rich material palette, the interiors evoke a chic elegance, elevated by hand-formed glass sconces and art-deco-inspired chandeliers.

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The menu is a nod to progressive Indian dishes crafted using the freshest local ingredients. Expect succulent ‘tandoori adraki lamb chops’ presented on a bed of ‘smoked aubergine and walnut chutney,’ ‘Goan prawn balchao on a crunchy toast,’ ‘pan-grilled sambar fish’ served on a mould of ‘upma with crisp idiyappam’ or ‘herb paneer with chilli burrata and ‘black olive chutney drops. The cocktails are undoubtedly innovative and spotlight indigenous ingredients that stir up flavours in the mouth. The ‘Paan Royale,’ tequila stirred with sweet paan and lime juice, and the ‘Jamun Ras,’ a gin-based potion with spiced jamun syrup and lime juice, is a must-try and ideal to kick start a memorable dinner date. Dining at Ziya is complete with the art of savouring exotic teas that are perfectly brewed and paired with modern Indian fares.

 #DPloves the tablescape with beautiful brass plates paired with gold cutlery, linen napkins and fresh flower arrangements.

2.   Noe Brings An Elevated Twist To Comfort Food 

 Housed in the iconic Diplomat Hotel of Lutyens Delhi, Noe is an upscale eatery where each dish unravels a culinary story that transcends the ordinary. Founder of Noe, Sandeep Bishnoi, and Le Cordon Bleu Chef Dhruv Nijhawan’s collaboration marks an exciting new chapter in Delhi’s food scene. Noe strives to evoke the timeless aesthetic of Lutyens’ Delhi within the dining space with contemporary design styles. Designed by  Amith Chhabra of Studio LCD, gourmands can choose between chic indoor seating, a trendy bar, a plush rustic outdoor deck, or an intimate courtyard adorned with plenty of green.

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Featuring an inventive spin on comfort dishes, Chef Nijhawan curates a diverse menu inspired by comfort dishes worldwide, using lesser-known ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Think about the unique ‘Onigiri and Rasam,’ which is Jasmine rice onigiri doused in a light rasam sauce flavoured with celery dust, and furikake pea shoot. ‘Lobster & Bread’ is an assortment of crusty bread in lobster bisque, American-style lobster roll slaw, Korean chilli and Kewpie mayo. Mixologist Any Sharma designed a beverage program similar to the food, offering a unique ‘highball’ menu which refers to a category of classic drinks made from an ounce or two of any type of spirit, topped with a carbonated nonalcoholic beverage, showcasing artisanal mixers, tinctures, and house-crafted sodas and tonics and served in a tall glass. A favourite is the ‘Tea and Whiskey,’ a concoction of two liquid golds further elevated by blending condensed milk to give the drink a creamy froth and texture.

#DPloves the rich oak panelling, vintage flooring, and lime-washed walls, which effortlessly converge with modern long grid mirrors and a neutral hue when first seen.

3. The Mission Bay Brings San Francisco’s Multicultural Dining Affair To Delhi 

The brainchild of Puja Sahu, The Mission Bay is another addition to Delhi’s culinary landscape, the idea that started from her travels through San Francisco, Napa, Sonoma, and Healdsburg. It invites diners to savour the flavours of the San Francisco Bay area. Sahu collaborates with the San Francisco Chefs  —Adam Timney of Starbelly and sous Chef Dustin Vorkoeper to curate a menu and the beverage consulting house West Bev, which consults on the cocktails. The decor is reminiscent of the legendary bars and restaurants of SF Bay, which the designer, Amith Chhabra of Studio LCD recreated by blending in mid-century accents. The intimate plush blue booth is paired with classic ‘terrazzo’ round table sets, and an open shelf rack filled with plants and books comes together within this modern dining space. 

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The thoughtfully curated menu is deep-rooted in farm-to-table philosophy and San Francisco‘s rich tapestry of multicultural influences with Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean, Japanese, and Korean cuisines. The highlights include – ‘Hamachi Crudo,’ prepared with leche de tigre, avocado, chile, and puffed quinoa; ‘Pork Carnitas,’ celebrates San Francisco’s vibrant street food scene is served with warm tortillas and pico de gallo, and salsa. Mixologist, Nora Furst adds, “The Mission Bay offers a unique vision, channelling a dynamic collaboration of top San Francisco bar and culinary talents to bring a slice of The Bay Area to Delhi” and that only means one cannot leave this space without sipping their cocktails.  

#DPloves the vibrant energy of the upscale eatery, which transports guests to the popular San Francisco city.