The Ultimate Italian Feast
Your quest for authentic Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist ends at Perbacco at The Lodhi. The latest Italian restaurant in New Delhi first sweeps you off your feet with its lively aura, and then makes you fall for its delectable fare. Move over, ristorantes, and make way for our new favourite.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
WHAT WE LOVED
It’s almost amusing how a place so peppy and vibrant can serve a quiet sophisticated meal. But Perbacco, just like its name (which means ‘gosh’), is full of such surprises. The latest Italian addition to the eclectic dining scene at The Lodhi is nestled on the lower ground floor, down the lobby, and is ideal for those who seek a peaceful traditional Italian meal with a twist. But if you think the airy, bright, aqua-hued interiors and the striking floral glass installation that hangs from the ceiling are impressive, let me tell you there’s a wine cellar in the back, with over 100 varieties of Italian vino! Chef Adriano Baldassarre, owner of Tordomatto—a Michelin-star restaurant in Rome—and the mentor chef here, brings Italian flavours that haven’t been watered down to match Indian palates. The dishes are tempting, the wines strong, and the vibe upbeat. What’s not to love?
SIGNATURE DISHES
DI RECOMMENDS
Right from the amusebouche of Mozzarella, Black Olive, and the Tuscan-style Panzanella, to the Beetroot Tartare with carrots and campari, the tender plate of Scallops Carpione served on a bed of garlic mint and vinegar sauce—the hors d’oeuvres set the bar quite high at Perbacco. While the creamy Onion Soup fascinates with a hint of saffron and parmesan, mains like the Roasted Chilean Sea Bass in potato puree and black olive sauce is a revelation. The Ravioli with ricotta, spinach butter, parmesan, and sage will leave you wanting more. Save some space for dessert though—the Vanilla Panna Cotta smeared with pistachio and strawberry cream cannot be missed.
FINAL TAKE
WHY WE WOULD RETURN
Perbacco is a perfect balance of chic and fun. ‘Simple yet flavourful’ defines the perfectly plated dishes here—this is the menu that you turn to when on the lookout for comfort food with an element of novelty. Add to it a smiling, well-informed staff, and a vibrant setting that’s hard to find in typical Italian restaurants in the capital, and you cannot help but plan a second visit.