To celebrate the special occasion of my wife’s birthday, we chose to dine at Cena Pranzo located in the Grand Hyatt Gurgaon. The restaurant, which translates to “dinner” and “lunch” in Italian, offers fine dining Italian cuisine for both lunch and dinner. With a seating capacity of over 60 guests, the restaurant provides a sophisticated indoor and alfresco seating.
We began our evening with cocktails, noting that at Rs1050, Cena Pranzo’s cocktails are competitively priced compared to the straight alcohol; perhaps they want to showcase their cocktails. Complimentary bread platters accompanied by Ravigote and Pappa al pomodoro dip were served, adding a delightful start to our meal.
For starters, my wife, a vegetarian, opted for the Quinoa salad (Rs1250), while I chose the pan-seared scallops (Rs1750). The cold quinoa salad, served with avocado and assorted vegetables, was refreshing, and the generous size of the scallops was a rare find in Delhi-NCR. Served with asparagus, red onion compote, and orange slices, the scallops were a superb beginning to our meal.
During our visit, Cena Pranzo was hosting a truffle festival. I selected the potato, leek, and pumpkin soup (Rs1600) topped with fresh black truffle. The soup, accompanied by quality croutons, was a delight. Meanwhile, my wife, who is not a fan of truffles, opted for the classic minestrone (Rs1050), which she enjoyed thoroughly.
For the main course, we had the option of hand-made pasta, risotto, or stone oven pizza. But my wife chose the classic eggplant parmigiana (Rs1550) and I selected the asparagus, egg and Parmigiano (Rs2100) dish which featured fresh truffles. Both dishes were simple, but bursting with flavor. The eggplant was perfectly crisp, and the egg added a rich, runny texture. The truffles elevated the dish, adding a delightful umami flavor.
Dessert at Cena Pranzo is a must-try. The quality of mascarpone in the Tiramisu was exceptional, and the millefeuille (Rs1050 each) featured a delicious lemon custard complementing the thin, crispy pastry.
Meeting Chef Mauro Ferrari, the Italian chef from Milan, was a highlight of our evening. Despite no relation to Ferrari cars, Chef Mauro offered amazing insights into Milan and recommendations for my upcoming trip in March. This added a personal touch to our dining experience.
In conclusion, Cena Pranzo offers reasonable pricing, decently priced drinks, and attentive service. If you have a penchant for Italian cuisine, Cena Pranzo is a worthwhile dining destination.
Address:
Cena Pranzo at Grand Hyatt, Sector 58, Gurgaon | Phone: 01245031234
