If there is a leap that we take with happiness – that is the leap from Indian fare to Italian food. And if it is in style in a cool setting – we are happy to indulge in this exercise. The Italian restaurant Artusi Ristorante at One Horizon, the new restaurant cluster on Golf Course Road, Gurgaon, looked like a dining hall of a Victorian mansion from outside. Complete with Picasso style paintings, a fireplace and a bunch of roses on that, we were transported to another era when we came to this place for lunch recently. Although it was great weather and they have alfresco dining arrangement as well, in ode to the beautiful décor, we sat inside, close to the glass wall.

Their regular menu is long and full of tongue twisters. The curated menu helped us to precipitate the order. And truth be told, there is not a single item we did not like.

For instance Amuse Bouche – the starter with wine was just a quiche filled with leek and Gorgonzola cheese sauce. Yet it was melt in the mouth tasty and yet just enough to hang on to the appetite. We also tried the salmon and this was firm yet well cooked with mild season so that the taste of the fish was not compromised. The sprinkling of sea salt added an interesting twist. For fish lovers we recommend another must have – tuna with caper flowers. We could never imagine caper flowers could add so much freshness to any sea food. We tried the ravioli with pork filling too. This dish is passable and we have had better. But then there was the lemon coconut sorbet. This palate cleanser was mild sweet- sour and cool with rosemary seasoning. This serving helped in erasing our palate to prepare us for subsequent courses.

The meal was mild and so although we had eaten many dishes, we were not bloated. Hence we were all excited about dessert. And it was one of the tastiest desserts we have had ever. The mascarpone cheese with fresh strawberries lethal combination was a combination was a festival on the palate – sweet – salt – freshness of fruit. They had indeed saved the best for the last.

We kept sipping Mannara Pinot Ricord wine with our meal – it was one of the best we have tasted.

Truth be told – it was a fine meal. At a fine dining place. Subtle décor – great food and warm hospitality makes it a commendable indulgence. We have liked Hahn’s Kitchen but this Italian restaurant in Gurgaon raised the bar. So you could save this place for that special date. Whenever you are in the mood for good life in style – Artusi Ristorante is a classy Fun-do that is worth your drive wherever you are.