With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’re rounding up some of the best spots in the city for a date with your sweetie. Here are some places you can bond over some great eats, bubblies and of course gazing into each other’s eyes. We’re saying unleash all that cheese and match that thin crust pizza.
Fio CookhousePhoto courtesy: Fio Cookhouse
Fio has one of the most charming al fresco areas, and when it's done up in fairy lights, there's little we can complain about. Treat your Valentine date to pitchers of sangria, Vero Onion Crab Cake or the Mushroom Cheese Pepperoncini Bruschetta, Artichoke Pickled Baby Tomato Pizza followed by Strawberry Sorbet.
Nukkad CafePhoto source: Nukkad Cafe
This cafe in SDA has a gorgeous outdoor area and when the red brick, stone and wood space is all lit up tonight, it's no short of a marvel. Feast on mutton kebabs, keema pav, crispy idlis and brownie shakes.
ImlyPhoto courtesy: Imly
Want to celebrate your love over some chatpata street food? Head straight to the 250-feet-long train that is Imly. Add some cheese with the heart-shaped pizza, heart-shaped shahi tukda and chhole bhature. Do wash it down with some Strawberry Shikanji.
Ek BarEk date, ek bar. If you can't decide between high tea and drinks, just head to Ek Bar. Drink Royal Indian Punch out of a teacup, dig into some delicacies like the Ek Bar Granola Bar {dahivalla ice cream, coriander, avocado and imli gel}, chill with the elephant on the wall, and get to know each other even more.
Coast CafePhoto source: Coast Cafe
Spicy Keralan food {do yourselves a favour and order the Prawn Moilee with appams}, a wide range of cocktails {we love the Moscow Mule} and a balcony overlooking the not-so-crowded part of Hauz Khas Village.
You can also cosy up indoors and share a scoop of their delectable home-made ice cream {we recommend the Lemon or the Coffee}.
Le Bistro du ParcPhoto source: Le Bistro du Parc
Le Bistro du Parc boasts of an ambience fit for the most intimate of dates. With chairs and tables lined all along the balcony and the cosy interiors, a vast wine menu, delectable food and desserts which wouldn’t be out of place in Paris, this is a wise choice if you’re looking to impress.
For Valentine's Day, they're going to make it all the more special with Champagne and strawberries- the works.
The ImperialPhoto courtesy: The Imperial
Starlit skies and hand-crafted menus are the POA at The Imperial this Valentine's Day. Although all three of their restaurants have something special planned, we're partial to 1911. Why? Cauliflower Bisque, Shrimp Salad, Parmesan Chicken, Brioche Pudding and chocolate coated strawberries.
Indigo DeliPhoto courtesy: Indigo Deli
Indigo Deli already had reason enough to celebrate {they just got their liquor license} and then along comes Valentine's Day. They've got a special menu comprising Caramelised Gnocchi, Turkey Roulade and Duo Chocolate Millefeuille.
What's more, they're giving you a complimentary glass of bubbly all day.
Vibe- The Sky BarPhoto source: Vibe - The Sky Bar
For a cocktail-heavy date {we're partial to the sweet Bubblegum Cocktail, the refreshing Magic Guzzle and intense Laughing Zombie and the khatta Achari Mojito}, try Vibe. We recommend pairing these with their yum finger foods like the Blue Cheese Malai Tikka.
All this 10 floors up, with billowy curtains and a gorgeous view.
Rose CafePhoto source: Rose Cafe
The charming Rose Cafe shuts shop by 9pm so bookmark it for the day or evening. We recommend sitting outside, ordering Sangria by the pitcher and overdosing on their Bacon Cheese Jalapeno Tarts. Followed by freshly-made waffles, of course, and a helping of the Very Dark Belgian Chocolate Gelato.
Royal ChinaPhoto source: Royal China
Situated on the 16th floor with a view of the Lotus Temple in the distance, the ambience already has you in a romantic mood. Add to this Royal China's impeccable services, delish dishes {Crispy Duck Pancakes, anyone?} and an impressive wine list and you have yourselves the perfect date.
The Secret Garden At Sakley'sPhoto source: Sakley's
Sakley's always transports us to the hills with its warm, cosy interiors and wooden accents. They've come up with a whole range of Valentine's special cocktails and desserts so you're spoilt for choice, really. But we strongly recommend sharing one of their signature Chocolate Eclairs. Sinful.
We love their rooftop bar, The Secret Garden even more. Sip on their winter cocktails while you're here.
Orient Express, Taj PalacePhoto source: Taj Palace
If a fancy four-course meal and a glass of bubbly is what you're looking for, Taj Palace might be the place for you. They're going all out on V-Day with their decor, red spiral candles, red roses and more. They've also got some colourful desserts on the cards.
Featured photo source: Fio Cookhouse