To say that Delhi reigns supreme as the food capital of India would not be an exaggeration. Just look at the sheer number of stand-alones that opened up in the city between 2015 and now; it would be suffice to say that you no longer need to plan in advance for fine-dining.
The fact is that the F&B sector across Delhi-NCR is booming and is slated to further grow this year.
Cashing in on this huge opportunity is a new restobar in Delhi by the name of Ikka - the Ace Bar.
Brainchild of first-time restaurateur, Sanchit Aneja, Ikka was open to public amid much fanfare on December 16, 2015. The property is divided into three levels and can accommodate more than 1050 people at any given time.
Sanchit Aneja |
An IHM Pusa graduate, Sanchit brings along more than six years of core F&B experience, having associated with some of the biggest restaurants and café lounges in city. He has also contributed to the success of several great party places in the city.
Yours truly at the Ikka Studio |
Equipped with all the arsenal required for running a successful restaurant, Sanchit is planning to start series of 'happening places' with different formats in the city. As his first, he has decided to put his best card upfront - Ikka.
Seating at Ikka Studio |
Projector Screen at Ikka Studio |
Seating at Ikka Studio |
Ikka Studio |
Ikka Studio |
What I really liked about Ikka is it serves as a perfect concert venue for new and upcoming artists. The restobar opens every day from 12 noon to 1 am, and hosts Events Night on every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of the week, wherein you can expect live performances by popular artists like Sultan Masood (violinist) and Hiten Pawar (Percussionist). Along with renowned musicians and bands, Ikka hopes to provide a new platform to budding artists to create a delightful experience for Delhiites.
Food Bloggers at Ikka |
Each level at Ikka is designed for a special purpose and provides a different experience altogether. Level 2 has the Cave, Level 3 has the Studio, and then there is the rooftop terrace. The Cave is reflective of classy royal past, the Studio is futuristic, and the terrace caters to the lovebirds besides being a perfect option for Sunday sundowners. Both the floors are equipped with river stone finish bars and stages for events. Every wall, ceiling, and dome inside Ikka changes color within a short span of 30 minutes. Isn't that fantastic?
Ikka Cave |
Ikka Cave |
Ikka - The Ace Bar |
Dome at Ikka |
Terrace at Ikka |
With a cover area of 7500 square feet, Ikka has the necessary infrastructure to bring in ace artists of all genres for creating a musical vibe in Delhi.
Ikka plays a broad range of electronic dance music (EDM) for patrons, but the genre is changed to Bollywood dance music (BDM) from time to time.
The kitchen is in the capable hands of Chef Honey Abrol, who has 5 years of international work experience. Honey specializes in Italian and Continental food.
Chef Honey Abrol |
At Ikka, Honey introduces Indian food with a twist. Expect a flurry of innovative dishes like Golgappas with Hummus, Butter Chicken Spring Rolls, Pudina Raita Kebabs, etc.
Popular food and beverages at Ikka |
Ikka serves the most popular multicuisine food from various parts of the country and world over.
The Ace Bar is hailed for its extensive cocktail menu, which comprises classical and signature Ikka drinks, to make sure you experience your highest highs.
Sheesha at Ikka |
Sheesha at Ikka |
Sheesha at Ikka |
Ikka also runs an interesting contest every Sunday wherein participants need to finish a mug of beer in 4 seconds. Winners get to pay Rs 1 only for the beer. That's not all! On Cocktail Sundays at Ikka, you get to make your own cocktail and if your friends end up liking it, the same is included in the menu. Very creative and engaging, I must say!
Here are my food recommendations at Ikka.
Starters
Golu Golu Honolulu
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
With a name as unique as this, it is hard to second guess what's coming your way. However, you can be rest assured this complimentary starter will woo you away with its aesthetics.
Golu Golu Honolulu |
Golgappas with filling of hummus was a first for me. The topping of freshly chopped tomatoes and onions made Golu Golu Honolulu a clear winner.
Golu Golu Honolulu |
Assorted Bruschetta
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
You'll instantly fall in love with this unique assortment of tomato and mushroom ragout served on toasted garlic/Italian bread.
Assorted Bruschetta |
The Mezee Platter
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
A classic combination of flavorful Lebanese snacks, comprising of falafel (fried chickpea patties with mint coriander), hummus, pita bread, baba ghanoush, and batata bil kizbara (potato with coriander) served with Tzatziki sauce.
The Mezee Platter |
Springers On The Go
[My Rating: 4 out of 5]
How can you not savor these Asian flavored spring rolls, filled with pan tossed vegetables and served with sweet chili sauce!
Springers On The Go |
Dahi Ke Kebab
[My Rating: 4 out of 5]
Soft and tender vegetarian kebabs made from spiced hung yoghurt deep-fried to a golden finish. One bite and you can feel the crunchiness of onions and the sumptuous flavors of ginger and pepper taking over your senses.
Dahi Ke Kebab |
King Kong Caramelized Ribs
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
This is one dish you've got to have at Ikka. Slow-braised pork spare ribs infused with Thai flavors and served with Asian slaw.
King Kong Caramelized Ribs |
Chili Idli
[My Rating: 4 out of 5]
I gorged on these South Indian idlis, tossed with vegetables in Pan Asian style. Very creatively done! You can also try the Til Ki Idli if you have a South Indian palate.
Chili Idli |
Mini Burger Sliders Platter
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
Serving of four mini burgers, this classic platter includes two different choices of burgers that you'll end up liking very much.
Junglee Samosa
[My Rating: 4 out of 5]
True to its name, these baby samosas are stuffed with mushrooms and ricotta, and served with red pepper chili dip and fresh herb salsa.
Mains
Butter Chicken
[My Rating: 3 out of 5]
Not much innovation in the mains I believe, but still the traditional butter chicken stood out for me. Succulent pieces of chicken tikka cooked in a mild, rich tomato sauce, leaves you wanting more.
Butter Chicken |
You can also go for the classic Dal Makhani and Rice if you are a hardcore vegetarian.
Dal Makhani and Rice |
Desserts
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
In the mood for some great indulgence? Don't leave Ikka before tasting the Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla and Walnut Brownie with Vanilla.
Walnut Brownie with Vanilla |
Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla |
Beverages
Mocktails
Strawberry Mojito
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
I quite enjoyed this strawberry crush made of mint, lemon and demerara sugar muddled and topped with soda.
Cocktails
Orange Passion
[My Rating: 3 out of 5]
Vodka infused drink containing orange chunks, passion fruit, and soda, Orange Passion is a popular signature cocktail at Ikka.
Whisky Rose
[My Rating: 4 out of 5]
If you're a whisky connoisseur, you'll enjoy this cool cocktail made of triple sec, lime juice, and rose petals.
Vineyard Banana
[My Rating: 4 out of 5]
A classic vodka infused drink made of banana puree and red wine.
Beverages at Ikka |
You should also try other popular beverages like the Harrogate Nights with Whisky, Orange Fruit Sandy, and Vanilla Base Frozen Margarita.
Me and Sinchita at Ikka |
Saloni, Shagun, and Me at Ikka |
Me, Saloni, Shagun, and Hency |
Food Bloggers at Ikka |
Food Bloggers at Ikka |
Food Bloggers at Ikka |
Food Bloggers at Ikka |
Food Bloggers at Ikka |
Finally, Ikka takes your fine-dining experience to the next level. Sanchit understands Delhi's love for good food with great music and intends to offer the highest level of culinary and musical experience. Go for Ikka!
[Address: A19, Vishal Enclave, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi - 110027]
What should I say? I was reading and getting mesmerized with Ikka. So much of hard work is out behind this restaurant. Ceiling and dome changing color in every 30 minutes..this is just wow. I have never been to any such place. I must say you are lucky to experience this experience.
ReplyDeleteFirst I really like the name of place. it is so unique . next I really liked that the place is a perfect concert venue for new and upcoming artists. this is amazing. also, would love to give a try to indian recipes with twist collection, all are looking so tempting.
ReplyDeleteThe starters look beautiful and delicious. I would love some of those tasty food. I am definitely adding The Ace Bar to my list of places to visit. Looks like a nice hangout place with friends.
ReplyDeleteThe interior with red and grey shades has given a spicy yet stylish look. The bar area looks so unique. I'd like to visit this place once.
ReplyDeleteDelhi is a great place to try amazing food and new restaurants. This place looks really nice with a great menu and interior!!
ReplyDeleteWow, I can't get off my eyes from the mouth-watering food dishes. Looks like a best place to hang out with our friends. Love the interior and the corner section of sitting
ReplyDeleteSo nice to see the bunch of you all having great experience with some of the finest food present on the table. Fine dining is one thing that I miss alot here in my part of Bangalore. But yes would love to visit such a place with the family. How is this place to go along with kids.
ReplyDeleteThe food is absolutely droolworthy. Never even heard of Golgappas with hummus. This place looks perfect to unwind after a long day. Great music too!
ReplyDeleteThe sight of the food makes me crave. And what amazing combinations to look out for. No wonder you all had a fabulous time there.
ReplyDeleteThis place looks really nice with a great menu and interior!!
ReplyDeleteThis place indeed taking fine dining to next level. Love the amazing combinations of food... A must visit place
ReplyDeleteThe bar area and the entire set up of this place looks fabulous. I loved the pani puri with Hummus. Looks so yum and so different.
ReplyDeleteThis is one place where I would love to hang out with my friends. Food, music, fun and a lot of positivity
ReplyDelete