Stella

Critic´s Review

• Food: 3.5 / 5
• Service: 4 / 5
• Decor: 4 / 5

-By Rashmi Uday Singh

In the classic and understated fine dining Italian restaurant of The Leela, Chef Marco Priolo from Lombardia creates traditional dishes with a creative flair. As the book goes to press, I dine here (fabulous truffle promotion is on). The crisp menu of 35 dishes serves up an amazing balance of textures, temperatures and colours on the plate. Start with the Asparagus Tower which cuddles the Parmesan Cheese Panacotta and is made even more delightful with Cantaloupe Emulsion. Veggies must ask for the Hot Vegetable Trine with Deep-fried Mozzarella paired with three sauces of Asparagus, Pumpkin and Sundried Tomato. But it's the handmade Half Moon Pasta with the flavour-packed Porcini Foam and Mixed Mushroom filling that comes out tops. Unerringly steamed Chilean Sea Bass with Green Pea Sauce is spiked with capers and enlivened with lemon and is worth trying. End with the artfully presented Cherries 'n' Hazelnut Trifle with its addictive Milk Ice Cream and Hazelnut Nougat. Ask for the White Chocolate Souffle, Chocolate Mille Feuille, the ever-popular Tiramisu or Panacotta and you will be happy you did. Plenty of choices on the menu, veggies can even ask for eggless ones. Chef Priolo makes it a point to spend time with his guests and custom makes dishes for them. Mostly popular with the foreign guests, this fine dining Italian restaurant is not for those who want a traditional Italian meal but most definitely for those looking for creativity on their plate. A well-stocked bar and wine list (112rnwines) and a stylish private dining too.