Date: 26th Aug 2018
Venue:  ITC Maurya, Chankyapuri

Ottimo, the Italian restaurant at ITC Maurya in New Delhi, has taken a step forward.  Originally open for dinner only, Ottimo is serving lunch on Saturdays and have Sunday brunch, well on, Sundays. Eventually, the restaurant is planning to open all week long for lunch and we can’t be happier about it. You see, we have dined here earlier during our Masterclass at Fabelle some time back and can vouch that they probably have the best view in the city.

Ottimo is serving a five course lunch on weekends and the concept is Buffet Cart (a combination of buffet and a la cart). You can enjoy your first course that comprises of soups and salads from their buffet. The antipasti station is gorgeous and replete with cold cuts, cheese and salads, is heaven for lovers of Italian fine dining. The buffet is neatly laid out in vegetarian and non-vegetarian sections. We had our fill of antipasti and enjoyed it, marveling at this super green unspoiled view of Delhi Ridge. Chandon Rose Sparkling wine on the side enhanced the experience.

To take a break between different courses, we went out to the balcony to soak in some of the beautiful weather that afternoon. A waterbody where birds gather to quench their thirst, made the outdoor view surreal. While we were here, we smelt pizza all of a sudden! Oh there was a pizza oven right there and the good chef asked us if we want a pizza. We couldn’t afford to commit the sin of saying no to pizza and go to foodie hell so we ordered a pizza with chicken and some vegetable toppings. The chef made it live and watching the pizza made with fresh dough and freshly cut ingredients makes you wanna ditch the order-at-home pizza from fast food restaurants for ever.

Our next course was served on the table. This was an exquisite salad that served as a palette cleanser and prepared us for rest of the meal. Meanwhile, we ordered a Duck Risotto and a Chicken Pasta from their lunch menu. Both the items were made to perfection and we made silent orgasmic sounds with every bite. We were happily full but on chef’s mention, realised we were yet to have the main course. Though there was very little appetite, we went for this chicken dish served with grilled veggies. Rarely have we come across such a beautifully cooked piece of chicken.

For desserts we had Tiramisu, salt caramel cake and a pudding. The desserts were what they call on Instagram these days – Dessertporn. Delicious to the last bite, we polished our Tiramisu in no time.

The exemplary service by ITC Maurya guys reflects everywhere, be it their all day dining restaurant Pavilion, Fabelle. It is no different in Ottimo – The West View. No wonder we keep coming back here again and again. Cheers to Ottimo’s weekend lunch – come here for the food and also the view.