Known for its colonial architecture, which houses many shops and restaurants, Connaught Place is one of the best shopping destinations in Delhi. Also called Rajiv Chowk, its construction began in 1929 and was completed in 1933. It regularly shows up in the top ten most expensive office locations in the world. As a major shopping and tourist destination, restaurants and cafés are in no short supply. With most young urban Indians gravitating towards Continental cuisine, a lot of Italian restaurants and cafés have opened up in Connaught Place. Some of these restaurants are:
San Gimignano
This restaurant, which is part of The Imperial Hotel, has an old world feel to it, which is enhanced by the white tablecloths, wooden walls, and gazebo outdoor seating. We ordered the Alla Puttanesca Pizza and some Italian wine, which transported us to the Riviera. The Linguini, Spaghetti, Sorbetti, and Gelati only managed to elevate our experience. Definitely one of Delhi's best Italian restaurants.
USP Dishes: Risotto with Tomato and Basil Sauce and Tenderloin Lasagne.
Timings: 12:30 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. to 11:30 P.M., Monday to Sunday
Location: 1, Lobby Level, The Imperial Hotel, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi-110001.
How to get there: Opposite Janpath Metro Station on Janpath Road.
Cost for two: Rs.6000
Sorrento
Located in the Shangri-La Hotel, Sorrento serves creative Italian dishes with an Indian twist. Outstanding service with well-cooked, well presented, authentic, and fresh Italian food makes Sorrento one of the best Italian restaurants in Delhi. We were enthralled by the Potato Gnocchi and Dough Baked Chicken, while the Campari Sorbetto and Mount Vesuvius sweetened the dining experience for us.
USP Dishes: Grappa Negron, Burrata Cheese and Agnolotti.
Timings: 12:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M., Monday to Sunday
Location: Lobby Level, Shangri-La Eros, 19, Ashoka Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi-110001.
How to get there: A 6 minute walk along Janpath Road from Janpath Metro Station.
Cost for two: Rs.4000
Caffe Tonino
The textured white walls with monochromatic frames and tables set up under them give this place a soothing and quiet touch. We tried the Square Pizza which reminded us of Tuscany with its preparation in wood fired ovens. The Veg Minestrone was light and tasty, with well-balanced flavors. The Homespun Tiramisu and Choco Lasagne with Ice Cream were sinfully delectable. We cannot recommend this restaurant enough.
USP Dishes: Square Pizza, Sangria and Ravioli.
Timings: 8:30 A.M. to 11:00 P.M., Monday to Sunday
Location: Plaza Cinema, Building No. 9, Block H, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi-110001.
How to get there: In PVR Plaza building on PVR Cinema road.
Cost for two people: Rs.1800
Aqua At The Park
With tables set by the poolside, this restaurant is located within one of Delhi's well-known hotels, The Park. With an ideal atmosphere for a romantic dinner, this multi-cuisine restaurant has a fine selection of Italian food and beverages like Lasagne Bolognese, Potato Gnocchi, Crispy Pizzas and Pastas.
USP Dishes: Spring Vegetables And Ricotta Bruschetta and Lasagne Bolognese.
Timings: 12:00 P.M. to 12:30 A.M., Monday to Sunday
Location: The Park Hotel, 15, Sansad Marg, Hanuman Road Area, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi-110001.
How to get there: Opposite Palika Kendra on Sansad Marg.
Cost for two: Rs.3500
Diggin
Located in the inner circle of Connaught Place is Diggin. With a vintage vibe that resonates with the rest of CP, the cozy interiors have painted walls, vintage wall clocks, and chandeliers with plenty of potted plants all around. We sampled the Rosemary Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Spinach with Ricotta Cheese, both of which were simply heavenly. The Pan-Seared Fresh Fish is also a must-try dish here.
USP Dishes: Cannelloni and Rosemary Fettuccine.
Timings: 11:30 A.M. to 11:00 P.M., Monday to Sunday
Location: 12-A, Block A, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi-110001.
How to get there: Beside Museum of Illusions in A Block.
Cost for two: Rs.1700
The Big Chill Café
A part of the chain of cafés that started operations in the year 2000, The Big Chill Café specializes in Italian food. The mustard yellow brick walls, adorned with posters of old Hollywood movies, give this place a unique vibe. We started with the lip-smacking Caesar Salad and moved on to the Chicken & Porcini Mushroom Risotto and the Pizza Rolls, and we must say that we weren't complaining. The Mississippi Mud Pie was a heavenly dessert.
USP Dishes: Peri Peri Pizza and Chicken Pizza Rolls.
Timings: 12:00 P.M. to 11:30 P.M., Monday to Sunday
Location: B-40, Rajiv Chowk, Block B, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi-110001.
How to get there: A 1 minute walk from Rajiv Chowk Metro Station.
Cost for two: Rs.2400
Dr. Zombie
This little café tucked away in the bustling lanes of Connaught Place has a quirky theme and offbeat interiors. This restaurant deals in North Indian, Asian and Italian cuisines. The appetizer we had was the Patate Al Forno followed by a main dish which was the Linguine Al Nero Pasta. We absolutely devoured both of them and had no qualms about the flavors and textures we had just experienced. If you're looking for mouthwatering Italian food at pocket-friendly prices, then this is the place for you.
USP Dishes: Spaghetti Carbonara and Salmone Piccata.
Timings: 12:00 P.M. to 12:00 A.M., Monday to Sunday
Location: First Floor, C Block, C 35, Rajiv Chowk, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi-110001.
How to get there: Opposite Bank of Maharashtra on Radial road number 4.
Cost for two: Rs.1400
The Junkyard Café
While not strictly an Italian restaurant, this café aims to serve delicious food in a stunning setting with live music. The decor is made of old auto parts, and the place is well lit. The Caesar Salad and the Four Cheese Pizza were ordered. Both were delicious and creamy. Finally, we ended with the Spaghetti Agli Olio Peperoncino, a splendid culinary masterpiece.
USP Dishes: Baked Mushroom Alfredo Macaroni and Lasagna.
Timings: 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 A.M., Monday to Sunday
Location: Pratap Building, 90,91,93, 2nd floor, Connaught Cir, McDonalds, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi-110001.
How to get there: Opposite KFC on Connaught Circus road.
Cost for two: Rs.1800
Local
With extremely well-lit interiors and ample seating, this multi-cuisine restaurant has a decent number of Italian offerings on its menu. We ordered the Spaghetti With Prawns and Spinach and were impressed by the flavors of the dish. With some more cravings for Italian cuisine to quell, we had the Traditional Margherita Pizza and we must say that this place knows its pizzas.
USP Dishes: Penne Arrabiata and White Sauce Pasta.
Timings: 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 A.M., Monday to Sunday
Location: Showroom No. 11, Ground Floor, Atmaram Mansion, KG Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi-110001.
How to get there: An 8 minute walk from Barakhamba Road Metro Station.
Cost for two: Rs.1900
Domino's Pizza
Part of the global chain of pizzerias called Domino's Pizza, this place specializes in pizzas, pastas, and a few side dishes. Pizza cravings had been gnawing at us for a while now, and what better place to satisfy them than Domino's Pizza. We ate a garlic bread while waiting for the Veggie Paradise and Peppy Paneer Pizzas to arrive. It seems Domino's Pizza has retained a distinctive flavor and taste that sets it apart from others in the pizza game. The Choco Lava Cake was delectable and a must-have.
USP Dishes: Farmhouse Pizza and Chicken Dominator Pizza. Taco Mexicana and Stuffed Garlic Bread.
Timings: 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M., Monday to Sunday
Location: M-42, Connaught Cir, Shankar Market, Hanuman Road Area, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi-110001.
How to get there: Beside The Imperial Spice restaurant in Connaught Circus road.
Cost for two: Rs.500
With so many options spanning different price brackets, it shouldn't be a challenge for visitors to Connaught Place to indulge in some Italian gastronomy.