Tel: 011 4119 1010
Timings: Noon to 3 pm
Cost: Champagne brunch Rs 2,700 plus tax with unlimited Veuve Cliquot champagne; Non-alcoholic brunch Rs 2,550 per person; kids Rs 1,350 plus tax
Epicentre
It’s worth the drive to Gurgaon to pay so little for the brunch at Epicentre. Jazz music wafts through the room during brunch at the Apparel House. Menu items include eggs, pancakes, chaat and other fare. There are kid-centric activities including a puppet show, face painting and jugglers.
>Epicentre, Apparel House, Sector 44, Gurgaon
Tel: 98999 27626
Timings: Sun 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Cost: Rs 475 for adults; Rs 275 for kids below 12
Olive Beach
Known for its grills and jumbo prawns, Olive Beach’s brunch includes a huge buffet; non-vegetarian and vegetarian cold cuts and salads; soups, fish, homemade pizza, pastas and a dessert section that will make you wish you wore pants with elastic around the waist. The ‘Beach’ in the name is spot on as it is outdoor dining at its best. The ‘picnic on the beach’ comes with a picnic basket filled with a baguette, homemade bocconcini, cheese and a bottle of wine. Mediterranean dining at its finest. There’s a ‘breakfast martini’ shaken with orange marmalade that will have you hanging around till lunchtime. The pizzas and pastas on the menu will satisfy the kids while you can indulge in the fresh oysters.
>9 Sardar Patel Marg, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri
Tel: 011 4604 0404
Sunday brunch timings: Noon to 4 pm
Cost: Rs 1,895 plus tax per person including alcohol; kids under 10, Rs 895 plus tax
Patio
World class international cuisine can be found underneath one umbrella, so to speak, at Patio at the Metropolitan Hotel. Take a culinary journey that will take your stomach on a tour from Bangkok to Venice to Calcutta and back. Great option for parents who want to shy away from the fast food for both themselves and the children.
>The Metropolitan Hotel Bangla Sahib Marg, Connaught Place
Tel: 011 4250 0200
Sunday brunch timings: Noon to 4 pm
Cost: Rs 600 including champagne; pricing is the same for kids
Pickwicks
The brunch buffet is just an offshoot of the regular, always good and satisfying fare at Pickwicks. The spread includes European, Indian and Chinese food along with organic salads, soup, cheeses, seafood, and a live dim sum station with little elbow room 30 minutes into the brunch. A variety of desserts top the buffet. Unlimited select drinks are also included in the price. The Sunday brunch is in the extensive gardens with the pretty blossoming flowers as a backdrop. There’s organic salad, red snapper, imported cold cuts, and king prawns for grilling. The live dim sum station’s thronged by noon.
>The Claridges 12 Aurangzeb Road
Tel: 011 4133 5082
Sunday brunch timings: Noon to 3:30 pm
Cost: Rs 1,650 per person plus tax including alcohol;
Rs 1,200 per child plus tax for children under 15
Potpourri
Potpourri has one of the most affordable, value-for-your-money weekend buffets. Part of the Nirula’s family of restaurants, the Western breakfast buffet spread consists of pancakes, hashed brown potatoes, eggs, cereals, juices, cheeses and fruit. The Indian options include paranthas, omelettes and sambhar vada.
>N-64 Outer Circle, Connaught Place
Tel: 011 4151 7070
Timings: 7 am to 11 am
Cost: Rs 275 per person plus tax
Punjabi by Nature
Punjabi by Nature’s brunch is not for the faint-hearted and only serious meat eaters need cross over the threshold. There are lots of vegetarian options but the sheer gluttony of the offerings for the non-vegetarians may be a bit disconcerting. There is every kind of tikka or kebab and nans and curries to satiate diners at least until dinner.
>11 Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar
Tel: 011 4151 6666
Timings: Sat and Sun 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Cost: Unlimited veg platter Rs 399 per person plus tax; non-veg unlimited platter Rs 499 per person plus tax. Both platters include unlimited beer.
Sartoria
Italian restaurant Sartoria serves live music along with thin-crust pizzas, pastas, bruschettas and champagne to wash it all down.
>A-18, Basant Lok Market, Phase I Vasant Vihar
Tel: 011 4168 3305; 011 4168 3306
Sunday brunch timings: Noon to 4 pm
Cost: Rs 699 per person plus tax; children free up to age 5
Yum Yum Tree
Yum Yum Tree restaurant, broadly translated to mean celebration or tree of life, has taken Chinese food to a whole new level with its offerings. From dim sums, to sushi, to soups and grills, a leisurely lunch, brunch or dinner can turn into a 3 or 4-hour affair. Sunday brunch especially will have you coming back mid-week to sample other items on the menu. The menu includes several varieties of seafood, vegetable platters, curries, noodle dishes and meats. There is an unlimited supply of Grey Goose Martinis, Mai Tais, Carlsberg beer and Giant Mojitos and sparkling wine. A special Kiddie Buffet, which includes honey chicken, shredded potatoes, stir-fried vegetables, vegetable noodles and spring rolls, is arranged on the adjoining terrace of one of the dining areas. The high point of this brunch is the special area where children can take part in art and craft activities such as handbag designing, T-shirt or kite-making, sand art, colouring or aero-modelling, finger painting and colouring. There is also a play area within the play area for the under-2-year-old set complete with soft toys, balls, boxing gloves and toys that make them and the parents smile. Don’t forget the takeaway bag on the way out.
>1st Flr, Community Centre, New Friends Colony
Tel: 011 4260 2020
Timings: Sundays Noon to 5 pm
Cost: Rs 1,200 for adults; Rs 450 for kids up to 12 (activities included)
Web: www.theyumyumtree.in/
Worth a Visit
Angels in My Kitchen
Known for their desserts, but the food offerings are also satisfying. A great place for afternoon tea since there’s a huge selection of tasty treats to choose from.
>Shop No. 7, Main Market, Defence Colony Market, Delhi
Tel: 011 4155 1122, 011 41556474
Timings: Daily 11 am to 10 pm
Aqua
Sample everything from sirloin to seafood from the barbecue grill on the weekends. Aqua takes the word ‘lounge’ to a new level. Guests can also eat poolside. No one frowns on kids who want to dip their toes in the water, though they will if they try to cannonball inside.
>The Park New Delhi 15 Parliament Street
Nearest Metro: Rajiv Chowk
Tel: 011 2374 3000
Timings: Daily 11 am to 1 am; Fri to Sun outdoor 8 pm to 1 am
Cost: Rs 2,000 for 2
Arora’s Shake ‘n’ Juice
Multi-flavoured ice cream with a dollop of fruits and nuts are the order of the day. Aptly named the ‘traffic jam’, it can be had for only Rs 30.
>Shop 6, H-15 Vijay Nagar Road
Tel: 98680 96687
Timings: Daily 10 am to 11 pm
Baci
Upscale Italian food. The décor and the set-up isn’t particularly kid friendly, but the food is very good and you cannot go wrong with delicious pasta any day of the week. It is best to go at lunch time if you’re in the area after visiting the Zoo or after going to the Crafts Museum.
>23 Sunder Nagar Market
Tel: 011 4150 7445
Timings: Daily 11 am to 11 pm
Cost: Rs 2,000 for two
Basil and Thyme
European cuisine, but has a really nice pasta the kids will love. The menu changes to reflect seasonal offerings. And its location in Santushti Shopping Complex means a huge lawn to run around on while waiting for the food to arrive. Santushti Shopping Complex has the cleanest free bathrooms in all of Delhi.
>Santushti Shopping Complex, New Wellington Camp, RK Pu
ram, Delhi
Tel: 011 2467 4933; 011 2467 3322
Timings: Daily 10:30 am to 6 pm
Cost: Rs 750 per person
The Big Chill
American-style food, but with lots of Indian-style sauces. For picky eaters, it is best to say ‘hold the sauce’ several times. Indoor and outdoor seating options, though you have to walk up a flight of stairs to get to the first floor and yet another to the second floor. Outdoor dining options if it is not crowded. Delicious desserts and ice cream. The bathroom is located on the left of the landing before the ascent to the second floor of dining. It’s really tiny. So if you’re helping your little one, hold off on your dessert until after the pit stop. There are 357 (really) items on the menu. The eatery wants you coming back for more every day of the year.
>62-A Khan Market
Tel: 011 4175 7588
Timings: Daily noon to 11:30 pm
Cost: Rs 1,000 for 2
There’s a smaller Big Chill facing the parking lot in Khan Market with about 8 tables. This is also an option for parents with small children as you won’t have to worry about navigating stairs. No bathroom though.
>35 Khan Market
>F-38, East of Kailash, Delhi
Tel: 011 2648 1030; 011 2648 1020
Timings: Daily 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Bikanervala
Vegetarian meals, snacks to desserts. The restaurant is upstairs.
>A-2/43, Rajouri Garden, Delhi
Tel: 011 2593 5288
Timings: Daily 11 am to 11 pm
Cost: Rs 200 for 2
Café Turtle
Located inside Full Circle book stores (see Shopping, pp.174–5), Café Turtle is worth a visit, even if you don’t want to buy a book. Its vegetarian menu consists of salads, pastas, sandwiches, quiches and cakes. The Khan Market and GK outlets have balconies so outdoor seating is a great option.
>Saket, MGF Metropolitan Mall, Shop No. 13, 1st Flr.
Tel: 011 4059 7541/2
Timings: Daily 10 am to 9:30 pm
Cost: Rs 600 for 2
>5-B Khan Market
Tel: 011 2465 5641/43
>N-8, GK I, N Block Market
Tel: 011 2924 5641/44
China Garden
Authentic Chinese cuisine.
>M-73, Greater Kailash II, Delhi
Tel: 011 2922 3456/9
Timings: Daily 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm, 7:30 pm to midnight
Cost: Rs 1,500 for two
Choko la
Choko la seems to do everything right when it comes to families so you’re going to see it mentioned quite a few times in this guide. We’ve already covered the fabulous all-day breakfasts. Lunch and dinner options are also memorable. Menu items include mezze platters, bruschetta, soups, salads, pizzas and pastas. These can be followed up by some of their signature desserts or the selection of chocolates. This is not a place for meat-lovers as you won’t get any pepperoni on your pizza or a side of bacon with that egg order. They also offer an array of fresh fruit juices. Even the kids will like the Red Defender, a blend of strawberries and grapes. The name alone can be a selling point.
> 36 Khan Market, Middle Lane
Tel: 011 4175 7570
Timings: Daily 8 am to 11 pm
Cost: Rs 700 for 2
> Choko la Vasant Vihar Basant Lok Market Near Hotel Vasant Continental Vasant Vihar, Delhi
Tel: 011 4166 3787
Cocoa by Belgique
If a business can have prime real estate at a mall, this would be it. Located on the ground floor of upscale Select Citywalk Mall in Saket, this café has outdoor seating that overlooks the huge garden pathways of the mall. You can enjoy burgers, sandwiches, soups, pastas, salads and all-day breakfast, including waffles, while keeping an eye on the kids as they run around the lawn. (See also Rise and Shine, p.125.)
>Select Citywalk Mall, Ground Flr, Saket
Tel: 011 4265 8279
Timings: Daily 10 am to midnight
Cost: From Rs 600 for two
Colonel’s Kebabz
>29, Defence Colony Market, Delhi
Tel: 011 2433 8137; 011 2433 0136; 011 2433 3124
Timings: Daily noon to midnight
Cost: Rs 700 for 2
Dilli Haat
Dilli Haat isn’t just for shopping. The food stalls offer everything from momos and fish to organic thalis and grills, and cover the best of Indian cuisine from across 25 states. The prices are reasonable and the kids can walk and explore as they eat. (Also see Shopping, pp.185–6.)
>Sri Aurobindo Marg, Opposite INA Market
Tel: 011 2611 9055, 2467 8817
Timings: Daily 10:30 am to 10 pm
Entry: Rs 15 adults, Rs 5 children
Eatopia
Five express food counters with multi-cuisine, mainly Indian food in a food court setting make up Eatopia. However, there’s a kid’s platter of burger, fries and a soft drink. To keep them stimulated post meal, there is a cyber café, video arcade and a play area. The restaurant regularly hosts special events on the weekend.
>India Habitat Centre
Tel: 011 5122 0000
Timings: Daily noon to 11 pm
Cost: Rs 300 for 2
>Sri Aurobindo Marg (opposite INA Market)
Timings: Daily from 10:30 am
English Dairy
Strictly vegetarian Indian fare
>A-22, Connaught Place, Delhi
Tel: 011 4151 6700
Timings: Daily 10:45 am to 10:45 pm
Cost: Rs 250 for 2
Ego Thai
Some of the best food outside of Thailand according to some under sevens who really like Thai food. There’s a library on the top floor of Ego Thai where kids can peruse books while waiting for the order. Spacious with big sofas and 2 floors, the kids will feel free to roam. The sticky rice and coconut ice cream is a great ending to a satisfying meal.
>53, Community Centre, New Friends Colony
Tel: 011 2633 1181/2
Timings: Daily 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm; 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Cost: Rs 1,700 for 2
Flavors
Quite popular with locals, Flavors serves up Italian food, Indian style. There are definitely better Italian restaurants to choose from, but the ice cream offerings are great and there’s plenty of outdoor seating overlooking a park. Reservations are recommended as it tends to fill up quickly. However, if you have a tendency to eat lunch on the early side, you’re unlikely to have a problem getting a table.
>52-C Moolchand Flyover Complex Defence Colony
Tel: 011 2464 5644
Timings: Daily noon to midnight
Cost: Rs 1,500 for 2
Food Court, EDM Mall, Kaushambi, Ghaziabad
Whatever you fancy, it can be found here. From kebabs, street food, Chinese, pizza and 69 different kinds of paranthas at Parantha 69, there are lots of choices. Bribe the kids with a promise of bowling at the mini alley afterward. At just Rs 50 an hour, it is well worth a trip.
>Kaushambi, Ghaziabad, 201010
Timings: Daily 10 am to 11 pm
Cost: Rs 300 for 2
Gulati
Traditional north Indian, Mughlai and tandoor food. There’s a children’s play area and outside seating.
>6 Pandara Road Market (Behind Bikaner House)
Tel: 011 2338 8836; 011 2338 8839; 011 2378 2949
Timings: Daily noon to midnight
Cost: Lunch buffet starts at Rs 299 per person
Web: www.gulatirestaurant.com
Haldiram’s
Really satisfying vegetarian Indian fast food. They are everywhere. You’re bound to stumble across one.
>B-1, H/8, Mohan Cooperative Industrial Estate, Main Mathura Road
Tel: 011 2889 8004; 011 2889 8017
Timings: Daily 8 am to 10 pm
Cost: Rs 200 for 2
Web: www.haldiram.com/ for more locations
Hotel Metropolis
The rooftop restaurant has a menu that offers an eclectic
mix of food. Open since 1928, it is surprisingly quiet given its location in the main bazaar of Paharganj.
>1634 Main Bazaar, Paharganj
Tel: 011 2356 1782
Nearest Metro: New Delhi Railway Station
Timings: Daily11 am to 11:45 pm
Cost: From Rs 75
The Imperial
Royal options galore at the Imperial. A range of dining options can be had on the beautiful lawns. The buffet at 1911 La Brasserie offers a feast that feels like it hits almost every region across the world. There’s foie gras, seafood, Italian and Indian fare. The menu changes weekly and you get a chance to sit out on the lawns which are huge. At any given time, you see little kiddies scurrying after the birds and squirrels. The courtyard at the Spice Route serves up Far Eastern fare. It’s a bit on the pricey side so it’s best to share your food with the kids or order an entrée for them to share. A gazebo and lion fountain will keep them busy while you eat in the Paradiso Divino courtyard at San Gimignano. There’s also a spacious patio area on offer here.
>The Imperial, Janpath
Tel: 011 2334 1234
Nearest Metro: Rajiv Chowk
It’s Greek to Me
The name says it all. Greek food in Delhi. Try it, you’ll like it.
>B6/4, Commercial Complex, Safdarjung Enclave, Delhi
Tel: 011 4101 2240; 011 4101 2241
Timings: Daily 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm, 7 pm to midnight
Cost: Rs 2,000 for 2
Kachori Jodhpuree
No, you don’t have to go all the way to Jodhpur to satisfy your taste for kachoris. Kachori Jodhpuree sells 3 varieties of kachoris and 2 kinds of pakodas from Jodhpur. Priced at just Rs 10 each, they will satisfy the palate and the pocket book. Kachoris made of channa dal, potato and onion with robust spices and other menu items including mirchi bada and an onion and garlic kofta make dropping in worthwhile. The air-conditioned restaurant has about a dozen counter-type seats.
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