New Delhi’s Growing Obsession With Art-Centric Restaurants

Upon entering Ristorante by Dali—a newly opened Italian restaurant in Delhi’s Greater Kailash (GK) 2—a sense of wonder washes over you. Unlike several spaces in the national capital where art is one of the many elements, this fine dining venture by Prateek Gupta is a homage to the surrealist Salvador Dali. 

With a fascination for spaces that evoke emotion not just through food, Gupta wanted to offer Delhi a destination where art wasn't relegated to the sidelines. “I wanted it to live and breathe art. I call myself a ‘hardcore Italophile’ since I love everything about the country. During my travels to Italy, I have appreciated and collected art,” he adds. “Ultimately, it made sense to create a space for this art to live and bring joy to others.”

This isn't a singular example. In less than a year, a barrage of restaurants offering a blend of gastronomy and art have mushroomed in Delhi-NCR. 

Pastiche, a European restaurant on 32nd Avenue in Gurugram, stands out for its devotion to creativity and art. For the founders, the vision was to go beyond ‘art display’ on walls. Thus, art has been woven into every touchpoint of the dining experience, from the interiors to the food. 

“Even the menu has been imagined as a coffee table book featuring artworks, blurring the line between utility and creativity,” says Shirin Sharma, co-founder of 32nd Avenue. “We envisioned a place where people who notice and value these layers—whether in the way a dish is plated, a chair is crafted, or a menu is curated—could find a home.”

There's also Arts Room, a popular restaurant in Malviya Nagar’s Eldeco Centre where guests can dine amid curated collections centred on Indian artists. 

“It’s about encouraging conversations and offering an immersive cultural experience to our diners. My interest in interior design and aesthetics has led me to appreciate art and value the work of Indian artists,” adds founder and owner Navneet Randhawa Bajaj. 

Attention To Detail 

While each of the spaces integrates artistic elements in unique ways, the common thread is their attention to detail. For instance, Begeterre, located on Gurugram’s Golf Course Road, is India's first museum-themed restaurant. The décor, in particular, takes inspiration from the timeless Roman culture. 

The first thing that catches one’s attention is the fresco, The School of Athens, cascading across a wall—a masterpiece that dissolves the lines between past and present. The space is also dotted with towering statues that are hand-sculpted by local artisans.

“The marble floors, the grand staircase, the ornate arches—every detail screams old-world grandeur but with a new-world soul,” says co-founder of Begeterre, Sanyam Kalra. 

At Dalí, the aesthetic is a vivid extension of its artistic spirit. Its curated collection of contemporary and surrealist art, sourced from emerging and celebrated artists across India and Europe, makes the restaurant one of a kind. 

Sculptural installations, hand-painted murals, and custom lighting pieces add to its dreamlike atmosphere. Alongside textured walls, plush velvet seating and dramatic accents like gold-leaf ceilings and marble inlays add layers of luxury. The highlight is a wine cellar in the basement that doubles as a private dining room that can host up to 18 people. 

“Every corner is designed to feel like a living gallery; even the plating of every dish matches this aesthetic. It is akin to walking into a coven of candlelit beauty ensconced in a gothic Italian church with accents of fine art, fine wine, crisp white tablecloths, hand-forged bronze sculptures, and handcrafted porcelain pieces,” shares Gupta. 

Pastiche is no different. Every element, from the furniture to the finishes, has been custom-designed and built in-house by its team. In addition, the artworks displayed are original creations curated by the restaurant and available for sale. 

Art connoisseurs and patrons can also appreciate and buy art at the Arts Room where pieces are showcased on rotation. Currently, the Summer Collection by Studio Kishangarh, inspired by Mughal gardens and Kishangarh miniatures, is in focus. Before this, artworks by the Gondwana Art Project, a tribute to India's rich tribal art traditions, received a positive response. 

“We carefully source pieces in collaboration with curators, galleries and art collectors to ensure authenticity and variety. The artworks change every few months, ensuring a fresh experience for returning guests,” Bajaj. 

Arts Room also has a literary collaboration with Bahrisons, offering curated books for guests to browse. Even finer details, including signature fragrances worn by the staff, reflect the restaurant’s inclination to cater to a discerning audience. 

Art On A Plate 

Masterpieces are not just framed on walls but also on diners’ plates. The menu at Dalí is crafted like a canvas with dishes that are visually striking and innovative in flavour. Some of its signatures include Edible Canvas, burrata with edible flowers and caviar or Surrealist Garden, a salad with rare microgreens, white asparagus and exotic dressing. 

The art-inspired cocktails at Arts Room are also a huge draw. These take cues from specific pieces of art, translating colours, emotions, and stories into vibrant, layered drinks, says Bajaj. 

Some of the popular creations are The Two Fridas, a bold tequila-based cocktail infused with jalapeño and cilantro; Goan Rains, featuring dry kokum-infused tequila and curry leaf that evoke the spirit of monsoon-soaked Goa; and La Guernica, a dramatic whiskey-based drink with dark chocolate and Mexican chilli, paying homage to Picasso's masterpiece.

“We complement the art on our walls with a specially curated cocktail and food menu, drawing on the vibrant flavours of the season and the culinary traditions of the region where the art belongs,” explains Bajaj.   

In Pastiche, diners can expect reimagined classic European dishes with bold, unexpected twists. Some of the signature plates include Mushroom Cappuccino Soup, topped with pepper Chantilly and served alongside black garlic brioche; a vibrant Green Goddess Salad with kale, avocado, and confit lemon vinaigrette; and the indulgent Lobster Ravioli, bathed in saffron bisque. For heartier appetites, the Pressed Pork Belly with port wine jus delivers rich, slow-cooked comfort with finesse.

Is The Trend Here To Stay? 

With the evolution of travel and greater disposable income, Delhi’s audience today seeks more than just a good meal; they crave experiences, believes Gupta. 

“Art-based restaurants tap into this evolving sensibility, offering an immersive escape where food, design, and creativity come together. The blending of visual and culinary arts resonates particularly well with a city that is rich in culture and constantly looking for the next level of luxury and storytelling,” he adds. 

Kalra agrees. In his opinion, guests crave destinations where they can slow down, connect, and be inspired — not just eat. “In these art-based restaurants, dining becomes a conversation, a memory, and a gallery visit, all at once. It’s an experience people want to live and share.”