At The Qube In Delhi, Art And Culinary Expression Come Together For An Elevated Dining Experience

It was just a few minutes into my dinner at The Qube when I heard an enthusiastic “Wow!” from a nearby table. I turned to see a group of women staring in awe at the digital art wall, which at that moment was displaying a particularly striking painting. I smiled to myself—their reaction mirrored mine from earlier that evening.

For a brand that has long championed artistic expression, this felt like the perfect evolution. The newly revamped Qube at The Leela Palace New Delhi now claims the title of India’s first luxury dining destination with a digital art gallery. Here, visual and culinary artistry converge to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Guests can not only enjoy the rotating art but also purchase pieces that catch their eye.

All Eyes On Art

If it had been lunch hour, sunlight would have poured into the 108-cover restaurant—its glasshouse-like structure offering views of the manicured lawns and the striking Devi statue by artist Satish Gupta. But at dinner, chandeliers cast a warm glow across the space, their reflections dancing on the glass walls.

From nearly every vantage point, the digital gallery makes its presence felt. Even when you're not looking directly at it, its reflection shimmers in the glass. Created in collaboration with contemporary art platform Masha Art, the cutting-edge LED wall displays a curated mix of works that refresh every ten minutes. One moment you’re admiring a piece by Shrikant Kadam, and moments later, a Swaraj Das artwork takes its place.

According to Samarth Mathur, founder of Masha Art, the collaboration is built on a shared belief that “art should engage, inspire, and add value beyond what is visible.” He adds, “Through careful curation and meaningful storytelling, we’ve created a space where each showcase features both established and emerging artists, offering guests an experience that’s memorable and enduring.”

As the art changed, I found myself just as captivated by the rotating visuals as I was by the food and drink before me. 

Food For The Soul

The digital art may steal your attention, but the food certainly holds its own. Having recently returned from a work trip to Thailand, I was craving Thai cuisine, and Chef Krung Thong delivered beautifully. The Qube’s new à la carte menu now features a dedicated Thai section, alongside a curated set menu served at high tables specially designed for the experience.

Still, I wanted to sample more, so I chose a regular table to explore dishes curated by Chef Ashmeet Singh Jolly as well.

The amuse-bouche—a jaggery and peanut dumpling served on roasted pineapple—set the tone for a thoughtful, layered meal. Next came the Yam Som O: a vibrant pomelo salad with bird’s eye chilli, lemongrass, and cashew nuts, served with prawns. Chef Thong assembled it tableside with a smile. “Now chef is hungry,” he joked. I understood why—it was as delicious as it looked.

The Pla Neung Manao, steamed seabass with chilli-lime sauce, was delicate yet flavourful. But it was the Gai Krapow, Thai-style minced chicken with basil, that stood out, showcasing the classic Thai balance of spice, savouriness, and fresh herbs.

I couldn’t resist venturing beyond Thai. The Nizami Pudiney Ki Seekh may not top my list of favourites, but it was flavourful enough to hold its own. The Kosha Mangsho, however, was a winner. The semi-dry Bengali-style lamb, rich with caramelised onions and spices, paired perfectly with a flaky lachcha paratha.

For dessert, I circled back to Thai with a Tub Tim Krob—sweet water chestnuts and coconut milk served in a halved coconut. 

Drink It Up

Heat and herbs did a merry dance inside my mouth with Siam Heat, a fiery chilli-infused tequila cocktail with tamarind, galangal and smoked palm sugar syrup. This one was not for the faint-hearted but perfect for someone like me, who prefers her drinks on the spicier side. But the menu has something for everyone—even no-proof cocktails such as the mildly-sweet Golden Lotus with jasmine green tea, lemongrass and kafir lime honey, and the savoury and creamy Tom Kha Essence with coconut water and galangal coconut cream.

The Smoked Masala Negroni has bold flavours, while Bombay in Delhi is a classic gin cocktail with grapefruit, rosemary and tonic.

ELLE Gourmet’s Verdict

There’s a lot going on in The Qube’s menu as well as on the walls, but somehow, they all seem to come together with a finesse that only The Leela can manage.

⁠Timings:

Breakfast: 6:30 am-10:30 am

Lunch: 12:30-3:30 pm

Dinner: 7 pm to 12:45 am

Sunday Brunch: 12-4 pm

Pricing: INR 4000 for two without alcohol (plus taxes)

ForReservations, Contact: +011 3933 1212