Delhi: In the name of the emperor

Set amidst lush green foliage and offering majestic views of the Qutub Minar, The Emperor's Kitchen lives up to its name. Designed and styled by Delhibased interior designer Mike Knowles, the 150-cover restaurant, replete with an open-air terrace and a verandah, makes for a welcome sight, considering the lack of new stand-alone fine dining options in the city. Its terrace, with its canopy-style seating arrangements and an open-air oriental grill, is great for a private party and can easily accommodate up to 50 people.

But if braving the vagaries of weather isn't your style, you could opt for their smaller covered verandah downstairs that's right next to the DJ console. The dim lighting goes well with the muted, but no less-luxurious, grey and mauve interiors and shining mirrors. That said, the food tries hard to match up to the appearance. Considering the place is bound to attract a lot of expats and tourists, they could go a bit easy on the spices. But some dishes stand out.

For starters, do try their Crispy Corn Nibblers with Garlic Chillies and Emperor Rolls-Thai "Por Pia" skin-wrapped vegetables, fried crisp and served with Sweet Chilly and Plum Sauce. Highly recommended among the main course dishes are Broccoli, Baby Corn and Mushroom in Chilly Soya Garlic Sauce, and Stir-fried flat Thai Noodles, flavoured with Lemon Juice and crushed Roasted Peanuts. Cosy and inviting, the Emperor's Kitchen is grand, but not imposing.

ADDRESS: 1, Qutab, Mehrauli, New Delhi
Timings: Noon-midnight
Meal for two: Rs 1,500-1,800 (including drinks)
MUST-TRY: Crispy Corn Nibblers with Garlic Chillies, Kung Pao Chicken, Bamboo Shoots and Black Mushroom braised in Cantonese sauce.