When all is seen and explored, go back to the classics. That is our motto when dining out. When we have become overwhelmed by Delhi’s fine dining scene, we turn back to the places that has grown essential to us over the years. Places that will always be our safe houses, as the gastronomy turns more and more exotic in the city. One of the best places for us to dine in Delhi, when in doubt, is ‘Smoke House Deli’, which is a lovely deli-inspired restaurant immensely sought after by the foodies. Since it’s arrival in Hauz Khas Village couple of years back, the eatery has only grown in popularity drawing gourmets from all over Delhi NCR with it’s eclectic food and cheery trendy décor. Try the one in Connaught Place on the ground floor of Odeon Building.

Smoke house deli is a deli style restaurant serving casual eclectic food with flair. The menu is heavily influenced by American culture but here is where the similarity ends. Their all day breakfasts are the backbone of this lovely eatery. If you feel like a lazy Sunday breakfast, this is the place you should head for. For starters they make fritters, skewers, lamb & chipotle patties, chorizo & potato picante and much more. You can make a meal with your bowl of soup and salad by adding half a sandwich. The restaurant serves various burgers and hotdogs with lamb/chicken/vegetable options. Pepperoni & bacon pizza is a pizza after your own heart. Their mains page is an interesting collection of recipes featuring lemon & mascarpone polenta, market vegetable pan crumble, peri peri grilled chicken and steak pit. The food speaks for itself. Its simplicity yet flavours packed punch bombards the mouth.

Settle for a sangria to wash down the meal. The restaurant keeps an impressive bar menu worth looking into. The desserts created are architectural masterpieces. Hazelnut mousse flan, crème brulee, warm apple crumble all wraps up the end of meal in a neat bow. The doodle-enhanced interiors of Smoke House Deli is one of the main attractions of this restaurant chain. A sprawling ivory painted room covered with black illustrations of famous Delhi architecture opens in front of you. There is more than plenty of room to sit; the generosity of the space is staggering. For a tad pricey bill, you can walk out of Smoke House Deli perfectly happy.