Under the pergola, slivers of sun fell near the bread basket. We were in the right place at the right time. As many in Delhi will know, at this time of the year, the best place to savour spring on the table is the San Gimignano at The Imperial that has just introduced Pranzo Di Primavera- Lunch Set, a thoughtfully crafted three-course Italian experience inspired by the freshness of spring along with the new line up of dishes.
A semi-fine dining limited-seating Italian restaurant in a truly unique space, San Gimignano sticks to its Italian roots. Its clientele though global is, however, popular with Indians for its personalised, unobtrusive service and authentic Italian fare. The restaurant offers a place in the capital for a business lunch conversation or a private affair. Hand-knotted pasta and signature cooking give breadth and depth at once — simple ingredients are truly what you need to tell a compelling story.
San Gimignano’s alfresco terrace, open on autumn evenings and warm winter afternoons, provides a gorgeous setting for a casual pizza and a glass of Aperol Spritz to catch up over a tête-à-tête with friends.
From vibrant appetisers to soul-satisfying mains and indulgent desserts, each dish of the Pranzo Di Primavera- Lunch Set, celebrates seasonal flavours in a relaxed yet refined setting. The plating is classic Imperial in sync with a food experience that is bespoke luxurious and feels understated and timeless.
The menu is full of seasonal flavours. Though the appetisers are vegetarian, this is just what one needs to scale down on non-vegetarian as winter makes room for summer. If you are an avocado fan, try the avocado tartar, or a bowl of roasted tomato soup with aged parmesan panna cotta, or go classic with the minestrone soup.
Our pick: a plump burratta sitting pretty among tomatoes and pesto and other little greens from the hotel’s herb garden. Burratta is of course for all seasons—works well for winter and summer.
The main course also heavily borrowed from the fresh seasonal offerings. Roasted bell pepper and spring vegetables do the talking in the Spaghetti Primavera as do the mushrooms in the homemade ravioli.
Zucchini, celeriac and carrot layered with mozzarella and cream sauce added lushness to the lasagna.
For non-vegetarians, a delightful sea bass with a side of potatoes and chicken breasts delicately lashed with a buttery caper sauce are the options.
To indulge your sweet tooth, choose from among vanilla panna cotta with marinated strawberries and warm dark chocolate fondant and tiramisu. We went for the tiramisu, San G, serves one of the best in town.
At ₹2800 + taxes per person, 12:30 pm – 2:45 pm