As a longtime admirer of Italian cuisine—and a loyal fan of La Piazza at Hyatt Regency Delhi—I approached my recent dinner with a mix of anticipation and nostalgia. Thirty years is a milestone few restaurants even dream of achieving, and La Piazza’s legacy has become synonymous with authentic, heartwarming Italian fare.
So when word arrived of a refreshed anniversary menu curated by the Italian-born Head Chef Fabrizio Berretta, my curiosity piqued: how would a beloved classic reinvent itself without losing its soul? Stepping into La Piazza that evening, nothing had changed about the place’s lively, welcoming atmosphere, a testament to its timelessness.
Assisted by the restaurant manager, we settled at the very comfortable corner table by the window, overlooking the dreamy, twinkling lights of the beautiful Hyatt Delhi property. But as I perused the new menu—a collaborative vision of Chef Fabrizio Berretta with Executive Chef Alessandro Sandrolini—there was a palpable sense of excitement in the air.
To start, our table was graced with the Truffle Ricotta Agnolotti Plin. Creamy ricotta, earthy truffle essence, and delicate pasta envelopes—this dish was nothing short of poetry, offering a depth of flavour that both surprised and satisfied. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes with the first bite and nod in silent appreciation.
My Vegetarian wife rejoiced at the Eggplant Parmigiana, Chef Berretta’s homage to the simple pleasures of Italian cooking. The layers of tender eggplant, gooey cheese, and rich tomato sauce achieved a harmony that was outright comforting, yet never heavy-handed. The Quinoa Salad with Asparagus was a refreshing vegan choice, showcasing the menu’s thoughtful expansion into healthier, contemporary offerings, and the Tomato and Basil Risotto—creamy, aromatic, and gluten-free—was a fresh classic in the making.
And yet, the new menu isn’t just about inclusivity or even nostalgia; it’s about innovation woven seamlessly into tradition. This spirit shone brightest in the Sardinian Seadas—a golden, crisp pastry filled with tangy pecorino cheese and drizzled with honey.
The momentary transportation from the heart of New Delhi to the sun-splashed coasts of Sardinia was spontaneous.
Throughout the evening, attentive service and a robust selection of Italian wines and cocktails elevated the dining experience. Each dish told a story, and every pairing felt intentional.
By the time dessert arrived, with the deliscious Tiramisu and its subtle nods to Italy’s dolce vita, it was clear: this menu is a love letter to three decades of culinary artistry, a bold step forward that honours the past without being tethered by it.
La Piazza’s doors remain open for both lunch and dinner, from noon until late, and if this new chapter is a sign of things to come, the legend is in very good hands.
Anirban Dasgupta
