One of the first restaurants in the capital to bring the authentic Italian experience to our tables, La Piazza at Hyatt Regency celebrates 25 years this year. Opened in 1994, if you’re a resident of Delhi and enjoy Italian fare, it’s likely that you’ve grown up with this trattoria-style dining space. The iconic dome-like ceilings, intricate lamp-holders, and comfortable seating for that long lunch that runs into coffee, La Piazza has never paused on its warm, welcoming vibe.
With ongoing year-long celebrations, I dropped by for a lunch run, and needless to say, the La Piazza pizza was the first dish to be ordered. This combination of tomato, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, basil pesto, roasted garlic, goat cheese, and oregano on the lightest dough ever made for a delightful plate as always. While indulgence is more the order of the say for me here, if you’re looking for a healthy option, go for the La Piazza salad – nuts, greens, fruits, and veggies – it’s got a mix of all textures and flavours to keep it from being a ‘boring salad’.
The porcini mushroom risotto is a rich, creamy, earthy tasting affair, and a must-have for risotto lovers out there. And the tortellini pasta, stuffed with truffle and ricotta is light as a cloud, and as inversely heavy on the ‘tastes splendid’ meter. The winner of the afternoon was a tie between the pasta and the chicken scaloppini. The juiciest, softest chicken in delicate lemon sauce, and one of the best mashed potatoes on the side; you shouldn’t miss this. The classic tiramisu cup was an ideal match to round off the meal.
Not just exclusive menus, La Piazza is doing tons more to commemorate its silver anniversary. They’ve recently launched a house wine with Fratelli, the La Piazza wine. A medium-bodied red, it blends together Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a base of plum and blackberry, and hints of spice and vanilla. To go perfectly with the wine, they’re also set to launch a house range of cheeses soon; and a range of olive oil is a part of the celebrations too. With a quarter of the year still to go, you have ample time to make stops aplenty at this Italian haven to immerse yourself in the culinary revelry.
All images: Courtesy La Piazza
Megha Uppal
An innate love for travel and food has translated into many a trips since childhood for Megha; it also fed her curiosity to know about local cultures. When not writing, she is on the lookout for three things: A great dark chocolate dessert, a beautiful pool where she can practice her backstroke, and art that she can save up for.
