We’ve always rather liked The Atara, quite simply because of its fabulous art, spotted frequently in this 15-room boutique hotel in Gurgaon. Only recently did we give the restaurant a try; we weren’t quite sure we could make it through their set-meal 5-course dinner, but we’re glad we gave it a go and we’re here to tell the tale.
Rituu, who owns this little property, believes that meals should be enjoyed when properly sat down and with napkin tucked in chin. The set meal courses come in vegetarian and non-vegetarian variants, both Indian and Continental.
Because the kitchen wants us to go through the motions of each course as they were intended to be enjoyed, portions are deliberately contained – a great thing when you’d like to be a tad bit greedy but never overly full.
The Indian menu is headed by a chef with years of experience at DLF Golf Course Club in Gurgaon; his Continental counterpart comes from the erstwhile Spoonful of Soul.
We opted for the Continental meals and were consistently impressed with the big flavours from each little course. Both the Red Pepper and Smoked Chicken Soup were solid contendors, and topped only by the Watermelon & Feta Salad, as well as the winning dish of the day for us, which was the Three Mushroom Salad with Toasted Parmesan & Caramelized Onions.
Through appetizers and mains, we found that simplicity was key and flavours were bold. The Bacon Wrapped Shrimp as well as the Three Cheese Cigars took their core ingredients to heart. We sneakily asked for one of the mains to be switched in from the Indian menu so we could try their famous Rogan Josh, and we don’t regret that we did. The Spicy Miso Cod {with the fresh fish being brough in from INA} was subtly flavoured and most definitely yum.
Toss in some desserts, teas and coffees, although the sweetest part of dinner was that this elaborate meal came at a very reasonable INR 1000 {veg.} and INR 1250 {non-veg.} with absolutely no compromise on ingredients.
The restaurant, like the rest of the hotel, is tiny but tasteful, with bright red walls contrasting black and white photography, and a motifed mirror wall. With its six tables and willingness to bring out a few glasses of beer or wine, we think it’s just enough for a cozy meal and just right for a happy tummy.
Where: A-29/10 DL F Phase I, Behind DT Mega Mall {take Gate No. 8, first left, then first right}, Gurgaon
For more information: Click here
Nearest Metro: Sikanderpur
Contact: +91- 7042428880
Prices: Set 5-course meals at INR 1000 for veg. and INR 1250 for non-veg, taxes additional.
