Al fresco dining has caught on Delhi like fire. The residents are preferring to dine outdoor than spending time cooped up inside four walls. The idea of eating under awning of stars and breathing in the crisp smell of trees has taken a root in the society. FIO cookhouse & bar at Epicuria at Nehru place is one such paradise. Serene place and lighted pebbled pathway leading to your seats leaves a sense of mystical romance. Hand in hand as you walk down the trail with your partner builds anticipation for the surprises to come. As you come to the seating expanse the sight that meets your eyes is unbelievable. Wooden tables dotted all over the courtyard prettily are lighted with dim candles. Overhead strings of fairy lights twinkle away adding to the romance.

The staff approaches and lead you to your seats, handing the menu in a courteous way. Soups and salad section hosts wonderful combinations. Mushroom & thyme, Fio casa salad, pollo pomello salad, minestrone pimentos soup are all delicious. Between the courses bread basket is accessible to keep you occupied. The starters like country bruschetta, chilli garlic butter prawns, polenta crusted calamari, phylo tazza are readily cooked in the kitchen. If Italian is the way you want to go then various pizzas and pastas are on the menu. Take advantage of little gnocchi which are tiny pillows of potato tossed with sun dried tomatoes, pesto and nuts. By the time main course is ordered you are heady with expectation. The restaurant serves contemporary cuisine so Ananas glazed pork chops are recommended. Vegetarians can opt for roesti primavera as it is too yummy with crisp potato pancake and exotic vegetables. For modern indian food rajmah ki gilauti and kosha murg offers lot of potential. Violet cheesecake jar is the final finishing touch to a superb meal. Fresh baked 15 min cake has earned lot of praises too.

All in all FIO cookhouse is a moderately expensive restaurant yet very much in demand. On lazy winter days the open courtyard seems attractive for the customers. So make a booking before visiting. This place is meant for both family and intimate dinners. It’s large enough to organise both the parties at the same time without losing its peacefulness.