Think authentic Italian food, freshly-picked garden herbs, and juicy treats from the sea coast that reminds you of a delicious European food trail. Think of a delicious experience that satiates your soul, while you bite into delicious homemade style pasta and creamy layers of tiramisu. If your mind is still wandering for a perfect continental platter that you tried at your last Italian holiday, we suggest you make a reservation and head to Bella Cucina at Le Meridien Gurgaon. An ideal occasion would be a lovely date, but even if you are in a group or dining solo, you would be in for a treat. After all, the reason for a good mood is good food.
The name ‘Bella Cucina’ translates to ‘beautiful kitchen’ in Italian and has an extensive menu inspired by the secret recipes of an Italian nonna (grandmother). Right from the décor to the seating arrangement in this private dining restaurant, you can experience the fine details of up-market food preparation in an open Molteni kitchen run by all women staff and headed by Chef Monika Talwar and her team of efficient chefs. “At Bella, we like to engage with every customer and know their food preferences before preparing their choice of food. We source our ingredients from our kitchen garden, and we like to follow the farm to fork philosophy to promote seasonal herbs and food items grown organically,’ informs chef Talwar.
Must try:
While there are multiple options like the signature bread, juicy grilled seafood, meats, handmade pasta, and Neapolitan pizzas etc., we decided to go with some chef recommendations for a hearty lunch. The meal started with a refreshing minty drink along with some pretty looking hors-d’œuvre served with a pretty edible flower on top. We moved to the delicious handmade pasta assortment, as the chef personally makes them right from the scratch at her kitchen to add a special touch of homely feeling. She uses imported Italian flour and oils to give a luxe touch along and the filling is high-quality cheese and mélange of herbs, veggies, and meats.
One of my favourite standout dishes at this restaurant is the gooey Burrata served with chopped cherry tomatoes and green lettuce. Popular as the queen of cheeses, Burrata is a semi-soft white Italian cheese made from mozzarella and filled with curds and cream – it melts in your mouth and transports you to food heaven. The second recommendation would be the marinated grilled lamb chops served with mashed potatoes and a mix of veggies by the side. If you love meat, this is something you wouldn’t forget. To wrap up this gorgeous gastronomical experience, the dessert recommendation is the quintessential delicacy – the tiramisu, which comes in a massive platter and the chef personally serves it as much as you can eat. Trust me, despite a heavy meal you don’t want to miss out on this amazingly delicious sweet that makes you crave for more. For the more traditional sweet lovers, a scoop of gelato is a must-try to take back a little bit of Italy in your heart.
(The restaurant timings are 7:00 pm to 11.45 pm, and for special occasions, private dining rooms alfresco seating for two is also available.
For reservations call at: +91 90155 62244)