Think gondola, eat gorgonzola

With bold flavours and a casual yet classic ambience, Italia recreates the finger-licking Romanian feast

With bold flavours and a casual yet classic ambience, Italia recreates the finger-licking Romanian feast

Such is the flavour of tandoori chicken, paneer do pyaza, vegetable raita and butter naan that if something extremely different is served to us, we wrap up the meal as quickly as possible and drive back home to eat last night's leftovers.

But gourmet lovers with adventurous tastebuds would not only be game to try the stuff here, but also take pleasure in the pure yet pumped up preparations.
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Khaao, Peeyo, Aish Karo: The understated and elegant du00e9cor of this private dining area spoils you with special service; a portion Assorted Crostini

In short, Italia would disappoint the good old Indian tummy, but appeal to those with a global taste.u00a0
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Food: The menu is selective, but wise. It has a good mix of preparations that are fresh, healthy, rich, and absolutely irresistible.

We approve the fresh buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes and basil with pine nuts (Rs 325; veg), pear and walnut salad with gorgonzola dressing (Rs 325; veg), frito misto of seafood with horseradish sauce (Rs 495; non-veg), and crostini-shrimps and pesto, prosciutto and cherry tomatoes, chicken and olives (Rs 525; non-veg).

What we didn't like was the baked asparagus with fontina and parmesan crust (Rs 395; veg).

No doubt, it's healthy, but tastes raw and untended, as if you've picked it from your refrigerator and straight away dipped it in cheese. Pasta variants served here taste awesome, from the first to last bite.

We suggest linguine with prawns, tomatoes and garlic ( Rs 695), bucatini carbonara (Rs 595; non-veg), forest and field mushroom risotto (Rs 575; veg) and trofie with pesto (Rs 375; veg).

You don't need an elephant's appetite to taste all of these, since the preparations are very light, and servings, small.
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You can end with Italia's dessert of the day (Rs 225), chocolate and grand marnier pot (Rs 195), tiramisu (Rs 195) and panna cotta with raspberry sauce (Rs 195).

Drinks: There are bartenders, beer mugs and a massive bar counter, but no liquor. The bar permit is still awaited.

So you'll have to settle for some lassi turned Italian yoghurt shakes (Rs 175), fruit flavoured smoothies (Rs 195), milk shakes (Rs 175), cold coffee (Rs 175) and iced tea (Rs 175).

We liked some, and wasted some. We couldn't taste the hot beverages, but it has interesting options from tea, coffee and hot chocolate, served at Rs 145 onwards.

Ambience: That's an area where the joint gets a thumbs-up without any second thought. We liked it for it's upmarket appeal, flamboyance and comfy seating.

The floor is divided into three sections casual, fine dining and private room (with a seating for 12).
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The arrangement of the floor is such that the place wouldn't appear crowded at any time, no matter the number of guests.

Music was something they didn't play when we were there. How about a tune or two, folks? Overall, a good place if you're looking for a well-spent afternoon.

Italia
Where: Second floor, DLF Place, Vasant Kunj
Timings: Noon till 10 pm
Meal for two: Rs 1,800 plus taxes
Ring: 43111777 or 43111778