Toscano Has Arrived In Delhi And It's A Must-Visit For Italian Food Lovers

Delhi's food scene never ceases to amaze. From authentic Japanese ramen bowls to soulful Moroccan tagines, the city is a melting pot of global cuisines, constantly pushing culinary boundaries. Amid this vibrant landscape, the newly opened Toscano at Select City Walk promises a taste of Italy like no other. I recently dined there, and let me just say - I can't wait to return. With a menu crafted to transport you to a sunlit Italian countryside, every dish was a delightful testament to finesse and flavour.

We began our culinary journey with Arancini e Mozzarella Fritta, golden fried cheesy Italian rice balls made with Arborio rice. The crumb-fried fresh mozzarella inside oozed indulgence with every bite, perfectly complemented by the crunchy exterior. Served with a medley of carrots, zucchini, broccoli, haricot verts, and a tangy arrabbiata sauce, this dish set a high bar for what was to follow.

Next came the Pesto Chicken Bruschetta - a flavorful balance of textures. The herb oil-rubbed grilled bread provided a sturdy base for the succulent roasted bell peppers and tender chicken, while the red pepper coulis added a zingy freshness. Paired with mixed greens, it was the kind of dish that stays with you long after the last bite.

For salads, we tried the Insalata di Cesare and Insalata di Pollo e Funghi. The Caesar salad was a fresh, vibrant mix of young romaine leaves, crunchy pesto croutons, and aged Parmesan shavings, brought together with a creamy house dressing and a sprinkling of toasted pumpkin seeds. The chicken and mushroom salad, on the other hand, was a symphony of flavours-pulled roast chicken, roasted mushrooms, apple slices, carrots, a soft-boiled egg, and gouda cheese drizzled with sweet balsamic dressing. Every forkful was a medley of textures and tastes.

Feeling indulgent, we moved on to Pane all'aglio Ripieno, Toscano's filled garlic bread. Stuffed with Harissa chicken, roasted bell peppers, garlic, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese, this dish was both hearty and delightful. The warmth of the harissa paired beautifully with the creamy cheeses.

Craving some pizza, we opted for the Vegetarian Fungi e Cipolla - a white pizza with no marinara sauce. Topped with mixed mushrooms, salted ricotta, balsamic-glazed onions, romaine greens, goat cheese crumble, and a drizzle of truffle oil, it was earthy and rich in every bite. We also tried their signature Toscano Pizza, a vibrant offering of pesto chicken, bell peppers, onions, olives, and boiled egg, all on a perfectly hand-stretched sourdough base.

For pasta, we went classic with the Spaghetti Carbonara, a decadent blend of bacon, egg yolk, cream, Parmesan, and crushed pepper. Every forkful of the creamy, silky pasta was deeply satisfying.

The meal ended on a sweet note with Classic Tiramisu and Dutch Truffle Popcorn Cake. While the tiramisu offered the timeless combination of coffee-soaked bread and mascarpone cream, the popcorn cake stood out as a playful treat. Topped with caramelized popcorn, drizzled in caramel chocolate sauce, and paired with vanilla ice cream, it was the perfect balance of sweet and crunchy.

All in all, Toscano's impeccable flavours and elegant ambience make it a must-visit for Italian food lovers. The staff was friendly and cooperative, which amped up our experience. At the time, the restaurant had yet to get a liquor license which is why I wasn't able to explore their cocktail menu. However, if you're in the mood for wood-fired pizzas, comforting bowls of pasta, or indulgent desserts, this restaurant has something to please every palate.