Piso 16 is a spanking new addition to Delhi's culinary-scape. To describe it succinctly, it is a combination of a luxe dining space with dimly lit bar area. A large screen plays live sports, bartenders add a modern twist to classic cocktails and the kitchen churns out some delicious European fare. An added plus is that it sits high on the 16 th floor {Piso 16 is Spanish for 16 th Floor!}. Let's admit it: there is a unique charm of dining at a rooftop restaurant, whether it's the night-view with the glittering lights of surrounding buildings, the Delhi Metro zipping past and the buzz of the restaurant hub way below or the green cover and open skies over the city during the day.
At the helm of the kitchen is Chef Agnibh Mudi, a specialist in European cuisine. He has put together a delectable menu for this all-day restaurant and bar, which features power bowls and sandwiches for a quick weekday lunch for professionals. A more elaborate spread and bar bites are served till late in the night. Vegetarians will be happy to know that the menu offers good choice for them. The tomato marmalade that accompanies a fresh burrata on tart or the gorgeous looking kale and mushroom roulade and the pillowy beetroot and goat cheese ravioli, can satiate even those who prefer non-vegetarian food. From the red part of the menu, the lamb Corsica is quite a star. The pulled lamb shoulder is braised and cooked in red wine, served with a peppery jus, buttery mashed potatoes and the most delicious confit of baby carrots.
With distinctive blends and home-infused alcohol, the bar offers an interesting choice of cocktails. You can expect vibrant colours, heady aromas and even some edible elements in your drink. The purple-coloured Illusion is a gin-based drink with violette liqueur while the Alfresco Spritz is a refreshing mix of chamomile tea liqueur, vermouth, bitters and tonic water. We even tried an off-the-menu drink called Soul Revival - its reddish colour comes from the berries but the lingering taste of coffee that is infused with the gin is the surprise element here. We're told that this, along with a few more gin-based cocktails, is being added to the current list. The experimentation, however, doesn't end with the drinks. In the desserts, you'll even find a gin-amisu. Tiramisu lovers may find it blasphemous but if you're open-minded enough we'd suggest that you give it a try and let us know what you think of it.
16th Floor, Eros Corporate Towers, Nehru Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110019.
Timings: 12 pm - 1 am.
An edited version of this article first appeared on BlackBook.net.in on July 2, 2018.