It's a cold January night in Delhi, and you walk along the laden square of Greater Kailash 2 to find not just grub, but something that feels different, an experience of sorts. A space that looks and feels straight out of a gothic mansion with tall candelabras dripping wax from ivory candles, crisp white table cloths, porcelain lamps, a bookshelf stuffed with first edition Dickens and books carefully preserved and passed down from generations, a wine cellar that feels it has crept in from another era, and a fireplace that might as well be an altar — an altar for fine wine, and finer food that looks like art on a plate. This is the all-new Dali, the elegant sibling of Cafe Dali that recently opened its doors to the folks in Delhi.
The second I set foot inside, I knew this was going to be exactly what I'd been looking for, an experience, the ambience, the lighting, and everything in between sets the tone for a meal you know you will not forget in a hurry. Every nook and corner feels like it needs to be marvelled at. In the same breath, all you wish to do is sit back, sip on a red or two and enjoy the company you're with. The stunning walls, its art, and everything inspired by, and encapsulating of thousand-year-long history that showcases the works of Pablo Picasso and The Persistence of Memory by Salvatore Dali, looks on.
The menu at Dali is unlike any other. It features ingredients that have been sourced directly from Italy, elevating each and every dish, not only as it looks like art on a plate, but is unforgettable too.
We started off with the Avo Tartare which when arrived, made me question how long I could marvel at it—a balanced symphony of flavours, this features creamy avocado with lemon, diced confit beetroot, plum and beetroot gel, and pickled radish flowers. Next up was the scrumptious, and visually stunning Prosciutto E Melone, with prosciutto directly sourced from the region of Purma. We dove into the mains with Costoletta Di Agnello which was New Zealand lamb chops, spinach puree, baby carrots and puree along with asparagus, parsley, charcoal dust, lamb and cabernet jus and charred shallots—needless to say, each bite was sublime. We also dug into the Agnolotti Tartufo which was a ravioli filled with liquid truffle cream along with perigord truffle shavings, also making this one of the dishes from their special truffle menu. And as they say, when in Rome, we had to have a slice (or two) of their Classic Margherita that of course, hit all the right notes. The meal ended with indulgence in the form of the Sicilian Pistachio Gelato served with Ornerllaia 2023 EVOO to top it off.
All in all, Dali is the place to be if you wish to indulge in food that is art-like, and greatly made, with fine wines to go with it. The space itself is compact, with a seating capacity of twenty-thirty odd, exclusive of the cellar which also doubles up as a private space with an eighteen-seater table.
I'd say, go here with a loved one, dress to the tens, and raise your glasses to fine food and a memorable meal.
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