Lucia, Metropolitan Mall, Gurgaon

[Rated: 2.0/5]

Lucia lounge bar with spacious and electrifying interiors with color changing ceiling is the new pub in town. The modern décor, good music and lounge setting immediately give a comfy feeling. But that’s it!

The menu that has been inspired (Read: Copied) from the various pubs in the city. Pricing which is at par with its counterparts, but not worth the stuff. Lucia Masala (295) inspired from another leading pub in Gurgaon is nowhere near the original. Frozen Margarita (295) comes with a kinky hair in the glass, LIIT (295) isn’t bad but not great either, and Veg platter (375) which was served with Raw Stuffed Aloo. Amongst all the confusion, aromatic Thai Spring Roll (275) and well-cooked Fried Chicken favored with herbs (325) came as a refreshing change.

Cafe Jiji, Sector 15, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5]

“Jiji means happiness in Italian,” says young chef Anup looking quite cheerful himself. Well, I have not been able to find the word “jiji” or its cheerful meaning in any of the European languages. But if Café Jiji has decided to create its own brand of joy, who are we to quibble? The interiors certainly do justice to the mood. Large, open, airy spaces, colourful murals, sleek furniture, and a well executed décor all add to the energy of this restaurant.

L'Angoor, Gurgaon

[Rated: 3.0/5]

The name L’Angoor can be intriguing, especially if it is the name of an upscale restaurant. “We serve modern American cuisine,” says Chef Hitesh Gupta. I query him on the thinking behind the name, and their crest of two primates with a bunch of grapes. He does explain the significance of grapes in fine dining that their wine restaurant promises but the langur connection to their food or service continues to remain a mystery. 

The Tea Room Company, Star Mall, Gurgaon

[Rated: 3.5/5]

Tea is known as nature’s ‘Wonder Drug’ with revitalizing and soothing properties. No wonder it is the second most consumed liquid in the world, after water. Still, we see hordes of coffee shop mushrooming around the city, but there aren’t many who focus on tea.

Eggriculture, Super Mart-1, Gurgaon - Eggciting Times

[Rated: 3.0/5]

“An egg is always an adventure; the next one may be different,” said Oscar Wilde. And the next one at Eggriculture, a very small, almost minute café at the Supermart 1, is certainly an adventure. This one-month-old eatery is geared to serve eggs in 43 different forms.

“My inspiration behind this café came while I was enjoying a late night anda paratha under the Moolchand flyover,” says Harsh Mehra who runs this place, ably assisted by his two young daughters. A consequence of the nocturnal nibble is a menu that is varied and tempting enough (at egg dish prices ranging from Rs 60 to Rs 110) for me to want to order the full monty. I curb my enthusiasm and ask the owner for his recommendations.

Leons, Sector 56, Gurgaon

[Rated: 3.5/5]

Gurgaon, once an under-developed suburb of Delhi is now known for its swanky office buildings and luxurious malls. Gurgaon has come a long way but one thing that has remained unchanged are the hordes of people from Delhi and nearby areas who still flock to the many road side drinking joints to get tipsy post the normal closing hours in neighbouring cities. These roadside drinking joints, commonly known as Aahatas, have come a long way from serving not-so-rich people who could not afford expensive restaurants, to becoming a preferred drinking and meeting place for the corporate crowd. These outlets work on the simple concept— ‘BYOB' meaning that people can get booze (bottles) from retail outlets and food is served from the restaurant menu. This concept greatly reduces the cost of an outing, as drinks comprise a major portion of the total bill in a good restaurant in Gurgaon where VAT itself adds 25% to the liquor bill. Importantly, all these aahatas are legal with valid permits and allows guests to bring their own booze.

Bahi, South Point Mall, Golf Course Road, Gurgaon

[Rated: 5/5]

Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake ~ Henry David Thoreau

There are few who dare to dream, fewer who take a plunge to realize their dreams, and even fewer who are able to dream, dare and realize their dreams.

Leon Baker, is one such rare individual who quit his well-paid ‘Vice President’ job to follow his passion. Making a modest beginning by starting an Ahata (BYOB concept) under his own name – Leon’s in a popular and overcrowded category in Gurgaon; Leon’s immediately got popular with ardent fan followers. Following his heart, live rock music was introduced at Leon’s (as per him he wanted to relive his childhood experiences of music from Guwahati). Despite a rocking success, Leon’s was sold since he realised that girls in North India do not want to be seen in a roadside Ahata and his aim was to get people of both gender together for a good time.

   

This gave birth to Bahi (Assamese word for bamboo flute) in a new swanky pub in Gurgaon where he combined his love for music and Assamese food. Outlet’s motto - “Bahi is the place where people come to relive the life they have forgotten, and there are no strangers at Bahi but just friends who haven’t met” may sound may sound cliché but the honesty in Leon’s words not only reflect clearly in his eyes but in his efforts and actions.

Oriental Bloom, Sector 29, Gurgaon

 

[Rated: 2.5/5]

The Oriental Bloom serves variety of Dimsum and other Oriental cuisine, in a newly opened and modestly sized restaurant accommodating over 50 guests. The chick-modern setting done in hues of red and dark teak food finish gives it a rich feel.

Though on weekends it offers lunch buffet consisting of soup, unlimited dimsum, and a dessert, but we decided to order ala-carte. The first look at the menu, and we couldn’t help but notice that like many novice, restaurant also refers Dimsum as ‘Dimsums’; they better know like ‘hair’ one can not use an ‘s’ to make it a plural.

Bernardo's, Gurgaon - Goan Restaurant

 


[Rated: 4.5/5]

What does it take to be a restaurant which, in its eight-year-long existence, changes location six times across south Delhi and Gurgaon and is still followed by its loyalists? Well, here is what seems to be Bernardo’s simple recipe – take a small space, decorate it simply, serve up authentic and fresh Goan food… and add the personal touch. Like some old black and white photographs from the family album, lovely goan music, cane furniture with brightly coloured table cloth. 

Eest, The Westin Hotel, Gurgaon

[Rated: 2/5]

There was a time when going to a good restaurant would pull people towards starred hotels. Not anymore! The reasons was simple; Service trainings and food consistency where these starred hotel chains could spent upon. Ambience was anyway assured as they were inside a well maintained property. As mall culture took over, restaureurs do not have to struggle anymore to maintain the outside surroundings. Also, the local chains that have mushroomed, spend well on trainings as guests do not mind paying extra for the complete dining experience.

After one of my colleagues unsatisfactory visit to Seasonal Tastes at Westin hotel, I was in no mood to visit the hotel again, but one of my friend wanted to try out their new restaurant, Eest so I succumbed to her temptation. This hotel is run by Vatika, which otherwise has highly ranked restaurant by us like - Coriander Leaf, 56 Italiano etc. As we entered the restaurant located on the first level in the hotel, we found it to be abnormally empty for a Saturday lunch. Wondering if we were at the right place, someone guided us to the table. Ambience was nice, but nothing exceptional for a five star property. 

Cafe Delhi Heights, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5]

Food business is continuously re-inventing the proposition to its customers. I feel excited to see many people from non-industry joining the foray to complete their restaurant dream and bring with them new insights, new values, and new benchmarks. What they miss is the experience and details which only an insider would have.

Café Delhi Heights is opened by next-gen, Vikrant Batra (same chain that owns Batra banquet and ‘Delhi Heights’ restaurant in Delhi) bringing with him the ability to think new, and the experience gained from his parents. We were personally pleased to see the casual seating and the menu which caters to the changing times. I have been longing for an Egg Benedict and a good non-veg burger (Chicken isn’t in my list of non-veg burgers), which I could find in any non 5-star property in Gurgaon. The void was filled by Café Delhi Heights, and this is where I say research and experience come into play in a city which has hordes of other specialty restaurant but lacked a decent café. Picking up the best of world cuisine and showing the evolving taste of Delhi over the last century, café has picked up its theme well.

Kyoto, Sector 15, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5]

In the Gurgaon Sector 15 market, known for its Fab India mega-store, lies a quaint little restaurant called Kyoto. It is known for its authentic, homely Japanese food. As I enter, I see a restaurant with modest oriental décor bursting at its seams with hungry gents of Japanese origin.

“Ninety nine percent of our clientele is Japanese,” says Nepal-born Chef Suryanarayan, somewhat distracted, and understandably so, given the teaming crowds eagerly waiting for their afternoon repast. As he hurries back to the kitchen, the chef who started his career as a sous chef in Tokyo does recommend that I try the daily special bento box (Platters) as well as a few other dishes.

Coriander Leaf, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5]

Coriander Leaf needs no introduction. Located at the heart of Gurgaon city, behind DT City centre mall on the MG Road, Coriander Leaf restaurant has always been a preferred destination for Indian and Pakistani cuisines in a fine dining format. I have personally been to the restaurant several times, and I was happy to be invited to review their independence week special food festival. In the Phillipines and few other countries, the Independence day food festival is celebrated with much fanfare through out the country, and I was glad to note that standalone restaurants in India are making efforts to celebrate the day. However, this day still remains a big untapped opportunity for all in the food business which is a mandatory off for most of the working class.

56 Ristorante Italiano, Golf Course Road, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4.5/5]

“I serve traditional Italian food,” says Chef Tiziano Ranieri of Ristorante 56, “simple basic food that my mother taught me to cook.” And then this 57-year-old unassuming Neapolitan goes on to wow the palate with delightful flavours, textures and tastes. The high-ceiling, open spaces and the elegant simplicity of the restaurant complement the experience.

Deez Biryani, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5]

Tired of ordering Pizzas and Subway sandwiches in office, we are always on the lookout for convenient finger foods that can be ordered for a working lunch. We tried Deez Biryani at home before using it as an option in office.

We ordered one serving each of Mutton and Vegetarian Biryani. Both these dishes had a special tag and also were the costliest in their categories. We were told that the order will  be delivered within 30-40minutes, but after an hour when we called to check the status, a non-apologetic voice informed us that the order had already left. If Deez was running any offer like Dominos 30 min or free, they wouldn’t be making any profits. Exactly 90 minutes after placing the order, we heard the door bell ring. Two beautiful haandis were handed over to us in exchange for Rs403.

Chaubara, Galleria Market, Gurgaon - Rajasthani and Punjabi Restaurant

[Rated: 4/5]

The Aapno Rajasthan theme is conveyed through its décor done tastefully through the wall hangings, sceneries, glasses, jugs, server dresses, and the charpoy style chairs. The feel is further accentuated by the server attire and the live folk music in the background. In such a traditional setting, we just didn’t feel like ordering anything from the Punjabi menu and settled for a Rajasthani Thaali (Rs 289), Jaipuri Mewa Pulao (195), Undhiyu ki sabji served with four Thepla (195), and Santre ki Kheer (95).  Fortunately we were in time. Shortly we could see all seats of this 100-seater restaurant getting occupied in spite of the fast turnaround time which is a norm in such places. Though I found the general ambience to be good, but at times restaurant was much noisier as seats were closely placed.

Tab01, Cyber Greens, Gurgaon

[Rated: 3.5/5]

A man is known by the company he keeps and a Pub by its poison. Tab01 (pronounced Tab-O-One) is the newest pub in Gurgaon, and I am happy to report it has researched its poisons well.

The 55-seater bar extends into a 65-seater restaurant, and can easily accommodate 300 party animals with some standing, sitting, and a few shaking their legs. The snow white leather interiors look good and complement the deep, rich wooden furniture. I liked their selection of music too.

Tibetan Kitchen, Sector 53, Gurgaon - Tibetan and Ladhaki Restaurant

[Rated: 3.5/5]

Gurgaon-ites are experimental with their food, and it isn’t surprising to note several specialty restaurants mushrooming in the city to cater to the growing demand. Among the list is ‘Tibetan Kitchen’ offering some authentic Ladhaki and Tibetan cuisine along with ubiquitous Indo-Chinese.

Though the restaurant has been there for a while, but we recently got an opportunity to visit the place. Ignore the ambience, and don’t be too excited of the service standards if you want to enjoy the food, which undoubtedly will ensure a revisit. The small restaurant has covered and open space available, though I noticed most guests preferred to sit outside for the cool breeze and the poor air-conditioning.

Soya Express, Gurgaon - Soyabean Delight for Vegetarians

[Rated: 3/5]

Soya Bean is not only one of the cheapest, but also the best source of Protein available for vegetarians. Soya Express which has established itself as a chain in Delhi-NCR, uses this basic ingredient in 80% of its dishes.

Wondering, if the visit would be worth, we stepped in the small take-away joint which had three chairs inside and two tables outside for the hungry souls. As kitchen shared the inside small dining space making the air-conditioning ineffective, we preferred to sit outside. The serving staff was attentive and immediately helped us understanding the concept and placing the order. I was impressed. Such trained manpower sometimes misses even at the high end restaurant, and here in a primarily a take-away or delivery outlet we were being spoiled.

Bawarchi Restaurant, Gurgaon

[Rated: 2.5/5]

When I was told that Bangkok based Bawarchi restaurant had opened another outlet in Gurgaon, I thought of checking it out, even though I didn’t think much of the food at their Bangkok outlet. It’s quite difficult to find a good buffet with starters, featuring a decent ambiance for Rs290 all inclusive in Gurgaon. Bawarchi therefore held great promise.

On a Monday afternoon, six of us colleagues ventured out for lunch. Thank God for small mercies, the roads were clear, and we settled into my colleague’s spacious 6-seater Innova for the ride ahead. The parking outside Bawarchi was in a mess due to road construction in front of the restaurant. Surprisingly, Bawarchi was deserted at 1.30pm with only 2 tables occupied; one by a couple and another one by some office workers. The cooling in Bawarchi was acceptable, ambiance was good, but the buffet looked ordinary. A value for money proposition nonetheless.