Come Delhi winter and there’s love in the air; for Old Monk, fairy lights and endless terrace hangs. I’m told it’s also the perfect time for venturing out for romantic dinners (personally I feel that’s a lie, Lodhi Garden sees couples through the year). But if you are one of those who likes the nip in the air combined with a candle-lit dinner, here’s your serving of the best spots, with an outdoor seating, around town for #datenight (stated in no specific order of preference)
Tonino
You can find it at – 76/27, Near Andheria More, Mehrauli, New Delhi
Meal for 2 – INR 3,000
Step into an evening of all things Italian; from the popular Italian cuisine to a charming paved walkway. If you make a reservation, you may just find yourself at a cosy table in the courtyard and the ambiance around you effortlessly inspires romance.
Hint hint – A little heavy on the wallet, but if you bag that table in the courtyard, it’s a good splurge.
Lodi – The Garden Restaurant
You can find it at – Opposite Mausam Bhawan, Near Gate No 1, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
Meal for 2 – INR 2,200
Quite possibly the closest you can get to that dream of a perfect table setting in your carefully curated, drop –dead gorgeous garden! The alfresco setting amidst the flora of Lutyen’s Delhi is flawless and lighting along with the cocktails are best described as perfect.
Hint hint – Their sangria is the way to kick off the night while the food and the service add that extra zing.
Imperfecto
You can find it at – Shop No. 1A/1, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi or 209-210, DLF Cyber City, Gurgaon
Meal for 2 – INR 2,000
This one’s for those who prefer an early dinner because closer to midnight, Imperfecto turns into a party. You may even spot some showing off a dance move or two. But if you manage a visit early in the night, you are in for a treat. Both HKV and Gurgaon outlets are stunning nature inspired utopia. The Italian and Spanish menu leaves no scope for complaint and neither does the lively ambiance which puts you in a good mood from the moment you step in.
Hint hint – The cocktails. And the food but mostly the cocktails.
Olive Bar & Kitchen
You can find it at – One Style Mile, Haveli No. 6, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi
Meal for 2 – INR 4,000
Some date nights are more special than others and if that’s the case, make a reservation at this classic restaurant. Not one to have been wiped off the Delhi culinary map easily, Olive remains a favourite with many in town. A serene décor, outdoor seating under a huge tree and a menu packed with sublime flavours; Olive is where Cupid hangs out!
Hint hint – Everything.
The Hungry Monkey
You can find it at – B-6/6, DDA Market, opposite Deer Park, Safdurjung Enclave, New Delhi
Meal for 2 – INR 2,250
To be more precise, The Hungry Monkey terrace. It’s the restaurant’s prized possession (along with a stellar cocktail menu) and is superbly adorned with potted ferns and creepers. It even overlooks the lavish Deer Park. The strings of fairy lights sprawled about casually add that dreamy touch and a twinkle to your eye while their Californian cuisine provides the perfect backdrop.
Hint hint – The potent boozy potions are great company for flirty conversations.
