Restaurant Review: Zerruco by Zilli

What does Zerruco mean? “Heaven on plate,” said the duty manager at the restaurant. Did we find heaven on plate? In dessert universe, Tiramisu felt quite close to what heaven might feel like! Extraordinary in its flavour, enriched with Italian mascarpone cheese, it is a dessert that instantly connects with the soul. Our foodie souls scowl now thinking that we had almost decided to skip tasting this piece of heaven after relishing the hearty Mediterranean-Italian meal!

Zerruco by Zilli opened its doors way back in 2013 and is now all set to undergo renovation next month. There will be a dramatic change in interiors, making it more striking for city’s party lovers. So, We are not going to comment here much about the ambience. We do wish the exteriors aren’t changed much as the alfresco area is something to fall in love with (especially on a pretty winter evening). Not a part of the main hotel, Zerruco is the corner where Mashrabiya, the Middle Eastern restaurant was situated.

The menu will largely remain the same, we are told. The menu and the restaurant were conceptualized by Chel Aldo Zilli, an award-winning Italian chef and restaurateur. Zilli is known to use local ingredients and authentic Italian spices and seasoning to create distinct Italian flavours. Said to be true to Zilli’s style of cooking, the food at Zerruco is authentic Mediterranean and Italian, with simple preparations and authentic flavours. Although he does not frequent the restaurant, he ensured his magic is perceptible by getting his personal tem to train the local team.

Recommended dishes: We left it on Chef Harsh Pathania to decide the dishes for us to taste the best of what Zerruco has to offer. We began with Chef Special Non-Veg Mezze Patter, which is a meal in itself. Priced at Rs 2295, it is a complete Mediterranean platter with a variety of dips, pita basket, kebabs, samak mashwi (fish), prawns, grilled eggplant, shish touk, and more!

The Chef’s Special Platter is a meal in itself

Olive it up!

Spanish Khichdi! (Paella)

Wood fired oven pizza

We next got a taste of Italy with vegetarian Grilled Veg Wood Fired Oven Pizza. Remember, Chef Zilli’s specialty is vegetarian, so be rest assured that you’re going to love vegetarian dishes even if you are a non-vegetarian craver like us! We happily enjoyed Veg Paella (Rs 795). A Spanish rice preparation cooked with vegetables and saffron, it is a comfort food… can be called Spanish version of our khichdi. Another vegetarian meal we’d recommend especially if you’re in a mood to have something light is Veg Tagine (Rs 795) served with couscous.

Of course, you should not step out of the restaurant without savouring the creamy, full of love, Tiramisu! [This is the first time I began (and now ending) a food review with dessert talk. It is truly that good.]

Location: The Ashok Hotel, New Delhi [Not inside the hotel].

Also try Stellar restaurant at the hotel for delectable Chinese cuisine.