Niche, Lounge & Bistro, Connaught Place, New Delhi

Rating: 4/5

Niche’ is a breath of not so much of a fresh as much of a modernistic air with its intricate menu and design.
Typical luxury dining in a sophisticated whiff, Niche’ is a fitting compliment to the excellent fusion food.

Ambience: A humungous space that drips of new world charm and grandeur. Best interiors, bold impressions, divided between several sections and a beautiful outdoor area.
It was a delight to feast my eyes on the fast fleeing central delhi humdrum from the terrace while I tasted the signature dishes off the menu. The dim lighting adds to the tastefully done of luxurious abode.

 

Service: I was greeted warmly by the manager who paid full attention to detail and service. The staff was polite, well acquainted with the menu and efficient. However when the crowds started to pour in, they seemed a bit off their game and it took me a while to get their attention. Little work there?

Food is a Splendid celebration in Niche’. Here’s why,

Laal Maas was the highlight of the evening, a standalone winner dish. Beautifully cooked tender lamb shanks in a rich Indian curry with baby vegetables and nitrogen foam. The gravy had the perfect balance of decadence and texture. Giant hit of authentic flavours in a subtle fusion of cuisines. Served with butter garlic naan, I am salivating this very moment reminiscing the soft textures of the lamb.

Pulled pork spring rolls were just as spectacular as I expected. Pulled pork continues to be my weakness and these fried babies were filled with juicy strands of pork, heavily immersed in meaty juices and served with sweet chilly Thai sauce. They could have been a bit less greasy as it compromised on the crunch however it was a great starter.

Kathhal Tacos could easily confuse the diners because they tasted just as meaty and decadent as meat. Brilliantly cooked jackfruit with a rather tangy flavourful base sauce. The soft filling was a perfect pair with crispy fried tacos (which were tad bit too oily). Textures were bang on and the wasabi cream and salsa added another layer of flavour.

Beetroot salad was well, a work of art to be precise. Beetroot served in diverse textures as jelly, dehydrated beetroot chips, fresh beetroot and purée. The vegetable tasted sublime with goat cheese and micro greens. A textural and visual beauty but did it seduce my palate flavourwise? No.

 

 

 

Baked New York cheesecake with raspberry coulis, edible flowers and fresh grapes was bloody beautiful. Thick, creamy, rich yet subtle on the palate, the cheesecake was the perfect end to the meal. I loved how light and reasonably sweet it tasted because nobody wants a sugar tsunami at the end of a delicate meal. So full marks here.

 

Wash down the delectable menu with a rather elaborately concocted cocktail menu that will be the highlight of your meal. Word.
African Daisy was quite a showstopper, served in a gorgeous Marc Jacobs perfume bottle. Chamomile tequila flavoured with honey, citrus and toppled with egg white, this drink was a pseudo dessert except it would get you high.

Verdict:
Food is innovative, creative and sublime. The restaurant has a very avant garde and vintage feel to it and the perfect pick for an indulgent evening. A sure addition to your wishlist.

Cost/ person: Rs 1500 (inc alcohol)
Will I visit again? Yes.