Vinci Ristorante Is Where European Elegance Meets Delhi's Flavours

After being caught in Delhi’s Diwali traffic for nearly two hours, the prospect of a leisurely meal felt almost distant. But the moment we stepped into Vinci Ristorante, the city’s chaos fell away. Tucked inside the luxury of DLF Emporio, Vinci exudes a serene sophistication. Helmed by restaurateur Prateek Gupta, in collaboration with Kapil and Sandy Khurana of the Entertainment Design Company (EDC), with chef Hritek Ahluwalia, the restaurant marries culinary precision with a design sensibility that makes each visit feel like a pause from the everyday.

Design In Every Detail

The moment you enter, it is like being transported to a European culinary dream, with warm lights and elegant cutlery that make dining a pleasure. At the centre, a canopy-topped bar shines softly, creating a focal point that balances intimacy with quiet grandeur.

Vinci’s interiors have an understated elegance to them, a scene out of an Italian movie. Spanning 2,400 sq. ft., the 48-seater restaurant is dressed in muted ivory and sage, lending a sense of calm that immediately invites you to slow down. Emerald accents, tall palms, and vintage lamps add warmth and depth, while plush banquettes encourage lingering conversations. Bring your film cameras for some impromptu pictures, as this is one beautiful restaurant you would definitely want on your feed.

Plates That Balance Precision And Pleasure

Seated and ready to dine, we were greeted by Chef Ahluwalia, who patiently walked us through Vinci’s classics and most popular dishes. My mother immediately took to the Caesar Salad, crisp romaine, perfectly balanced dressing, and a satisfying crunch that spoke of freshness. I had the pleasure of making my mother try truffle fries for the first time, and soon they became her favourite as well. It was the perfect accompaniment to our long conversation, lightly salted and fragrant with freshly shaved truffle. It was a long catch-up interrupted only by the sound of crunching from our fries.

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The menu also has a wide range of non-vegetarian delights, as explained by the chef. There are standout dishes like the Saffron Pappardelle XO Lobster, which combines sous-vide lobster with a cognac-infused XO sauce, and the NZ Pistachio-Crusted Lamb Chops, which is a flavour bomb in every bite. For those looking for a taste of luxury, the Oscietra or Beluga caviar is the natural choice. With a three-tier high tea service, featuring delicate savouries, handcrafted patisserie, and rare teas, that acts as a respite from the long hours of the day.

Among the mains, for those seeking familiar favourites, the Aglio Olio Pasta was light yet flavourful, while the Lasagne impressed with its layers of pasta, cheese, and well-seasoned ragù. It was a different presentation of lasagna that I hadn't seen before, minus the usual excess cheese dipped in a sea of sauce. The Tiramisu Drawer, playful and light, concluded the meal on a whimsical note. 

An Afternoon That Lingers

Vinci is the kind of restaurant that makes time feel expansive. It works effortlessly for family outings, long lunches with friends, or a quiet retreat after a day of shopping at DLF Emporio. The service is attentive without being intrusive, the lighting flatters without overwhelming, and the music provides a gentle, unobtrusive background for conversations. 

ELLE Gourmet's Verdict

As Delhi’s dining landscape evolves, Vinci emerges as a sanctuary for those seeking an understated European escape, a place where the small details linger long after the last bite of truffle fries. The restaurant serves 'Instagram aesthetics' along with European cuisine while staying true to Delhi's taste. 

Where: 3rd Floor, DLF Emporio, 4, Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj II, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, Delhi 110070
Timings: 12 pm to 12 am (Tuesday closed)
Reservation: +919811095888