“I’m free, let’s go to a mall.” – a phrase used everyday by countless Gen-Y Delhites. But guys, you need to take a break from these ginormous enclosed spaces forcing you to shop (needlessly and endlessly), rather than actually having a good time. It’s high time we, like the New Yorkers, got over our obsession with malls, and moved over to eateries that are actually worth our time.
This guide completely covers Saket, spans a myriad of cuisines, and collectively satisfies all of your restaurant needs, save for those occasions when you absolutely must spend half a pay check. Yep, your summer chill out addas just got sorted. (!)
1. FIO Country Kitchen and Bar
This is one of the capital’s most romantic resorts, and is situated in the lovers’ point inside the Garden of Five Senses. FIO makes great use of outdoor spacing with five stellar zones, each of them melting into the another.
Their cuisine is both a modern take on North Indian favourites, and a kitzy spin on Italian favourites; so everything seems unfamiliar yet familiar at the same time. The restaurateurs behind FIO make it a point to serve inventive plates that don’t easily fit into any one culinary classification, but are amazing nonetheless.
What We Loved: The Ananas Glazed Pork Chop
Price-₹3,300 for two people (approx)
Where-Gate 1, The Garden of Five Senses, Saiyad Ul Ajaib, Saket
2. Locale
The ambience of the restaurant has been featured in several youth collections. And colors play a major role in guiding your mood and energies here. The vibrant splashes in the decor are soothing for eyes, and Local’s unique seating style makes for an almost Parisian feel.
What We Loved: Its an awesome library section with tons of interesting paperbacks.
Price -₹1,200 for two people
Where -17, 2nd Floor, PVR Anupam Complex, Community Centre, Saket
3. Chic Fish
Situated amid few good restaurants, Chic Fish manages to attract the crowd because of its set of rustic, market-driven dishes. The restaurant is known mainly for its Indian food, especially tandoori.
The meats are succulent, flavourful, plus the spices not too overpowering. The most popular choices are Dhania Adraki Chicken, Fish Amritsari, Fish Tikka, Dhania Adraki Paneer, Kali Mirch Tikka, and Mutton Burrah.
What We Loved: Their kebabs, which are entirely delicious: thick, crisp pastry that you almost can’t tell is fiery until your teeth hit the magical sparkle of crunchy skin on top.
Price-₹750 for two people (approx.)
Where-32, Corner Market, Maharishi Dayanand Marg, Malviya Nagar
4. Boulevard
One of the oldest residents of the Saket Pub Strip, Boulevard is part of a hospitality family that runs several other restau-bars. This format is clearly their forte, and also why all their outlets are frequented by youngsters looking for cheap drinks, good hookah and a fun time.
It is a rectangular space that offers a fish-bowl experience since most of it is largely made of glass and hence invites onlookers to peek in curiously. They play a mixed array of music, and host events that vary from live hip-hop to stand-up-comedy.
With hookah being served in the tiny outdoor seating, the indoor arena serves cocktails like the Flirtini and Rose Petal Martini along with a competent Mojito. You can gorge on Crumb Fried Prawns, Lamb Cigars, and the Veg Mezze Platter, which seems to be a popular choice.
What We Loved: Sufi Wednesdays (!)
Price-₹2,600 for two people (approx.)
Where -G/11-14, Salcon Ras Villas Mall, Near Select Citywalk Mall, Back Wing, Saket
5. Chill and Chai
The colourful ethnic prints of their furniture, paired with white walls, ingeniously showcase the cross cultural concept of this place. The menu has international cuisine, albeit with a touch of French. The best part however is that what you see is what you pay. You don’t need to worry about the hefty taxes and charges. A must have dish is the lasagna – delicious, comforting, and perfectly in balance with its surroundings.
What We Loved: That Chill and Chai promotes local artisans from various places of India.
Price-180 for two
Where-S17, Khirki Ext Rd, Malviya Nagar
6. Big Banana
Big Banana is a restau-bar with a widespread menu that consists of North Indian, Chinese and Mughlai cuisines. Their food is delicious, and the bar well stocked with an array of exotic drinks to choose from.
Décor is modern with a spacious, comfortable seating area, also the waiting staff is super-quick and courteous.
What We Loved: The Non Veg Platter, Kali Mirchi Tikka, Drums of Heaven, Shredded Lamb and needless to say – Masala Peanuts.
Price -₹800 for two people (approx.)
Where-15 & 16, 1st Floor, J block Market,, Saket
7. Rose cafe
In an unassuming part of Saket, on the road that leads to Garden of Five Senses, lies this little gem. True to its name, the café has an English theme, with high tea stands stacked in rustic, rose colored cupboards. Fresh cakes, brownies, tarts and waffles are aplenty, and so are the Lebanese platters, wood-fired pizzas and sandwiches.
What We Loved: Their warm dark chocolate and sea salt cookies
Price -₹1,200 for two people (approx.)
Where -2, Westend Marg, Saidulajab, Saket
8. TC Bar & Restaurant
TC Bar & Restaurant has that homey ambiance to it which almost tranquillizes you after a hectic day. It is well known for its amazing music and economic rates. Their menu includes oodles of finger food, as well as continental cuisine.
Awesome music, booze, and snacks – it is a complete hangout package. They even offer outdoor seating for cooler evenings. And yes women, TC takes great care of its ladies, having declared ladies nights twice a week: Thursdays and Sundays.
What We Loved: That TC’s a a haven for hard core music lovers.
Price-₹1,500 for two people (approx.)
Where : 81, Adchini, Aurobindo Marg
9. Three Window Café
Three Window provides an idyllic atmosphere for art lovers, students, or just foodies who want to have a great cup of coffee, and super-moist slice of cake. (Served with a smile, always). Part of an art studio in a not-so-inviting lane, across the road from Select City Walk mall, Three Windows in one word is – charming.
With a classy all white theme, an open kitchen, almost communal seating, and fast Wifi, it is a great place to spend a ‘work from home’ day. The iced coffee has enough caffeine to wake up even the most seasoned narcoleptic, and the banana smoothie is twirled with little chunks of fruit, small enough to pop into your mouth through the straw.
Price -₹850 for two people (approx.)
Where-Khoj International Artists Association, S-17, Khirkee Extension.
10. The Coffee Shop
Not just another neighbourhood café, this place serves your favorite coffee and Italian food, with a side of storytelling. It even has a board with a F.R.I.E.N.D.S.-esque slogan of the day kind of thing written with chalk. It is home to many delicious smelling lunchtime treats – but most importantly – their thick, creamy, fruity shakes (these taste amazing any time of the day).
What We Loved: Spaghetti Puttanesca – a tangy, somewhat salty Italian pasta dish invented in the mid-20th century. The ingredients are typical of Southern Italian cuisine: tomatoes, olive oil, olives, capers and garlic. Yum.
Price -₹1,000 for two people (approx.)
Where -8, PVR Anupam Complex, Community Centre, Saket