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.

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.

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.

Underdoggs Sports Bar and Grill, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi

[Rated: 4.5/5]

The evolved Indian health freaks, who either watch Yoga programs early morning or pay for the health club subscriptions without utilizing the facilities, can now achieve their health objectives through a much better option. Underdoggs Sports Bar is the place where one can enjoy both sports and food. Despite having a well stocked bar, the restaurant rightfully claims to be a place for families and friends to come together and have a good time.

This 120 pack restaurant spread over 9,000 square feet, welcomes the guest with a vibrant and charged up environment.  From pool tables to board games to Xbox/Wii and play station to shuffle board and beer Pong, the restaurant offers a huge variety of games that guests can play (Games rate list is given at the bottom of the story). With 40 TV screens displaying variety of sports events, from Cricket to UFC add to the buoyancy of place. Underdoggs also has two private party rooms (good for 25–30 pax) with facilities like Karaoke, large screen, pool table etc.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dana Choga Kebabri, Gurgaon

[Rated: 3.5/5]

The 12 year old family-run restaurant has three outlets- all named Dana Choga. The chain also has a fourth outlet, the Dana Choga Kebabri specialises in Kebabs. Among the hordes of North Indian restaurants and eateries in Gurgaon, the Dana Choga turned out to be good value for money.

There was nothing special about the small 22-seater restaurant, but it was comfortable for an informal family meal. The air-conditioning was nice and the pastel colors on the walls were soothing. This small chain is a welcome breather in Gurgaon which is spoilt for choices for expensive fine dine, food court in the malls, or road side ‘Aahatas’ but not many in its category.

Zinos, Cyber City, Gurgaon

[Rated: 3.0/5]

It’s been sometime since I promised myself not to judge a restaurant basis its buffet. Some of the items in buffet will always be mediocre, however good a restaurant might try. It’s not easy to prepare 100’s of dishes in quantities, and still bring out the best in each. Moreover, the food is prepared will never be able to satify individual taste buds. But what do you do when the restaurant like Zinos, is a buffet serving restaurant only. Probably one of its kind in Gurgaon, not including Rajdhaani, which I feel is in another league.

My office is in cyber city, and whenever we want to go out for lunch as a team, we look forward for a buffet serving restaurant for two reasons – a) We are short on time, and buffet enables a quick retreat back to our work stations, b) No one feels guilty of ordering an item which may be more expensive than what others would have ordered since the cost is equally shared. Zinos offers a lavish buffet (much more than required for a working lunch) consisting of appetizers which are served on the table and main course. The huge over 100-seater restaurant offers pan asian cuisine ranging from momos, chilli chicken, thin crust pizzas, seekh kebabs, paneer tikkas among others in appetizers, and similar assortments of dishes including fish, and prawns, chicken & mutton dishes in main course.

21 Gun Salute, Sector 29, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4.5/5]

When people ask my favorite North Indian restaurant in Gurgaon, I would be in a tight spot. There are few restaurants I like but none that I could call my favorite. My visit to 21 Gun Salute luckily filled the void.

 

A place that awes you by the sheer subdued luxury in the pastel shades as you enter. A rare kitchen that uses desi chicken in its preparations and not the boiler chicken. A restaurant with ethnic royal look without using the ubiquitous Jaipuri paintings which has become a norm. Old pictures of Royal families and vintage cars and bikes displayed in the dining area complete the royal touch. All this and more awaits you at 21 Gun Salute where the name itself spells opulent.

Fresco, Airport Terminal, New Delhi

[Rated: 3.5/5]

I remember the old times, when the only lounge available at the New Delhi Airport was run by ITC. Every time I flew I would get the same menu, poor quality and the same waiters who always seemed to be in a hurry for reasons unknown. Inspite of the ITC brand name, I could only despair at the quality of everything that was on offer at the lounge. Apparently even established brands do not escape the effects of monopoly.

Route 69, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4.5/5]

Aahata is a simple concept, where you buy the booze from the next wine shop, and it provides you with water, ice, soda and snacks. It started as a low end option for people who couldn’t afford anything better. With times, even these have evolved.

Route 69 is one such high end Aahata catering to the senior corporate segment who though can afford high end restaurants, but would still like to come here to get more value of their money. Route 69 works on the Aahata concept, but it has a league of its own with no current competition in sight. It is one of those places which serve only continental food,