The New Citrus Menu At Sorrento Is Summer On A Plate

Finding good food in Delhi is never a tough ask. The national capital is a thriving hub for rustic local fare as well as the most sumptuous gourmet offerings to entice you. Why, then, if you are craving authentic Italian flavours but aren't sure if summer is the best time to indulge, you should look no further than the new menu of Sorrento, located within the luxurious confines of Shangri-La's Eros Hotel in New Delhi.

Ambience

From the moment you step into Sorrento, you are greeted with an elegant setting that blends modern decor with subtle Italian accents, creating an inviting atmosphere ideal for both intimate dinners and celebratory gatherings. The restaurant's design reflects sleek lines and warm tones, complemented by soft lighting that sets the stage for a great dining experience. A hanging display of vibrant, hand-rolled pasta peacocking at the entrance immediately makes you linger at the open kitchen counter. Great for group gatherings and family dinners, Sorrento also has plenty of nooks for couples and solo diners to spend quiet nights with their meals, well-separated from the main open dining space with the bigger tables.

The Citrus Menu

While the regular menu showcases a selection of well-curated Italian dishes, highlighting the culinary heritage of different regions of Italy, its sunny Citrus Menu was a tease to the senses. With dishes accentuated by the tang of citrus fruits paired excellently with each ingredient, every mouthful was a reminder of summer freshness. Although having its fair share of proteins and carbs, the infusion of citrus flavours in every dish doesn't make you feel overwhelmed.

We started with the antipasti with the delicate flavours of grilled squids paired with a zesty key lime puree and the refreshing cured melon carpaccio, complemented by grapefruit and arugula. The squid was succulent and fresh, and the melon carpaccio, while being cool and sweet, could've avoided the addition of grapefruit.

In the artisanal hand-rolled pasta offerings, the Black Lobster Ravioli with Cointreau sauce, lobster bisque, and orange zest was divine, and I ended up devouring more than I should have. All this complimented well with the glass of Chianti I was nursing. The mains was an elaborate affair. We ordered the Sous vide Jumbo Tiger Prawns and the Grilled Red Snapper. The prawns came with wine-braised shallots, lobster liver and kaffir lime sauce, radish and some baby spinach, all of which were polished off within minutes. The fish, which rested on a bed of butter-poached asparagus tart and a zucchini salsa, took time. The Amalfi lemon emulsion was zingy and added a depth of flavour that complimented the dish.

We finished the dinner off with a selection of fruity, fresh desserts. The Mandarin was inspired, featuring white chocolate orange cremeux, with mandarin confit and chocolate crumble, and the Citrus Semifreddo came with lemon curd, berries and candied fruits, tying together all the elements on the plate in a bow of finesse. The mark of a good meal is when you overeat without realising, and that's what we did at Sorrento. But even if you feel you are full with the savouries, do not miss out on the desserts, perfect for an after-summer meal.

Digestifs

What we loved about the space: The space is cosy with great mood lighting. The open kitchen adds a fun character to the overall ambience. Good for family dinners.

Must-haves from the Citrus Menu: Black Lobster Ravioli, grilled squids, The Mandarin.

Cost for two: Approx. INR 5,000 (plus taxes)

Address: Lobby Level Shangri-La Eros New Delhi, 19, Ashoka Rd, Connaught Place, New Delhi