Crystal glasses, silver cutlery and vintage lamps on each table spell luxury all the way as I walk into this gorgeous fine dining restaurant at DLF Emporio. After all, one expects nothing less at a restaurant located in a mall lined with top designer brands.
Launched by restauranter Prateek Gupta who’s the brain behind Ristorante Dali, Café Dali, and Trattoria Hugo, this 48-seater Italian diner is elegant and chic. A beautiful canopy topped bar in the centre neatly divides the seating into two. I always feel a touch of nature’s green adds warmth to a space – the tall palms do just that while the touches of sage green, ivory and emerald accents in the decor and the plush seating lend the sophistication. There are mostly four-seater tables here.
The indulgence spills over into the plate, especially if you order Oscietra or Beluga caviar. Executive Chef Hritek Ahluwalia, has made sure there’s truffle on the menu as well. Of course, like any classic Italian restaurant, the menu has antipasti, a range of pastas, pizzas and mains, but some dishes pack a surprise – like one of the starters, Caviar Chicken Nuggets. I usually associate them with comfort food, but when these deep-fried beauties arrived on a silver platter, they were unlike anything I could have imagined. Topped with a dash of creme fraiche, caviar and chive, they were delicious and an imaginative twist on the fast-food version.
The dishes I went on to taste from the antipasti section were not just delectable, but arrived beautifully plated – I am reminded that the restaurant shares a name with the famous Italian painter, Leonardo di Vinci. The salmon and tuna tartare was plated like a ring with the sea buckthorn emulsion poured in the centre. One bite and I literally shivered. Bursting with freshness and flavours, it was citrusy and buttery. The salmon roe added a delicate briny umami to this incredible dish and the emulsion was so good that I polished it all off.
I chose to pair my meal with a glass of Zonin Pinot Grigio followed by prosecco. The Lamb Ragu Brioche was soft and buttery with the parmesan shavings on top adding a nutty and salty touch. Limoncello Butter Shrimp came with the silkiest sauce of limoncello and Beurre Blanc, making the shrimp just melt in the mouth.
Having a weakness for both pastas and truffle, I was excited to order the Truffle Sauce Tagliolini, even though I had been eying their signature
Saffron Pappardelle XO Lobster and handmade Ravioli di Mare. The dish was a fragrant combination of truffle cream, shitake and morel mushrooms with a shaving of black truffle on top. The perfect balance of mushroom with truffle ensured that I did not miss the meat in this pasta.
From the mains I opted for the charcoal grilled Sea Bass, which came plated like mosaic art, topped with salmon roe and chilli basil sauce that was generously poured. Delicious from the first till the last bite. Next time it’s going to be the New Zealand lamb chops that have a pistachio crust.
Being quite full, I skipped the pizza though I have made a mental note of what to order on another visit. Apart from favourites like Pepperoni and Diavolo, they have a white truffle as well as a black truffle pizza.
I always feel that the true test of an Italian restaurant lies in its tiramisu. And I am happy to say this was truly one of the best I have eaten in the city. Sitting pretty on a silver platter, the bitter kick that comes from the espresso was just right and perfectly balanced with the light and airy mascarpone cream.
Vinci also has an elegant high tea in which a three tier Charlie comes loaded with savouries and pastries. It’s a perfect option for those who want a break during shopping. Come winter and they will open an alfresco terrace where you can sip champagne in the winter sun. Now that’s something I look forward to doing.
Rating: ★★★★★ 4.8/5
Summary: The moment you step inside Vinci you’re transported to Italy. From truffle pastas and pizzas to caviar topped dishes – its luxury and elevated dining all the way – be it the ambience or the cuisine.
Address: 3rd floor, DLF Emporio, Nelson Mandela Marg, Phase 2, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi,
Timings: noon to midnight (Tuesdays closed)
Price for two: 4000 (without alcohol)
Phone: +91 98110 95888
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinci.emporio/
Also Read:
Review: Madam Chow brings a slice of China to Gurugram
Review: A Luxe Anniversary Tasting at Indian Accent Mumbai
Review: Dinner with a side of drama at Dramique
