"Delhi's grand French-Italian table - Le Cirque on the 10th floor of The Leela Palace, sister to the New York legend, on the 50 Best Discovery list."
Le Cirque sits high on the 10th floor of The Leela Palace in the Diplomatic Enclave at Chanakyapuri, the New Delhi outpost of the New York fine-dining legend. The room looks out over the city and serves the brand's celebrated French and Italian cooking.
It features on the World's 50 Best Discovery list. The kitchen is led by chef Vashisht Ajit Kumar, and the restaurant anchors part of our New Delhi guide and our fine-dining coverage of the capital.
Chef Vashisht Ajit Kumar plates refined French and Italian dishes with a luxurious hand. Signatures include ravioli stuffed with Barolo-braised duck leg in pumpkin veloute with rosemary-infused morels, a scallop and rock-lobster risotto in lobster bisque, and the Le Cirque signature Caesar salad. To finish, the house creme brulee - vanilla-bean custard under a caramelised crust with fresh berries.
This is classic luxury cooking - European technique, premium produce and polished presentation - rather than anything experimental. The wine list and service match the ambition.
The setting is a grand, softly-lit tenth-floor room with city views, formal and unmistakably special-occasion. Service is attentive and well-drilled, geared to anniversaries, proposals and important dinners.
It is a dressed-up evening out - book ahead, particularly for dinner and for a window table at dusk.
Le Cirque suits a milestone anniversary, a memorable proposal, or a room to impress clients. For other Delhi tables, compare Dali Ristorante, Indian Accent or Olive Bar & Kitchen.
Not for a casual or budget night - it is a formal, jacket-preferred fine-dining room with luxury prices, built for milestones rather than a quick bite.
Refined French and Italian fine dining on the 10th floor of The Leela Palace New Delhi - the sister of the New York legend. Signatures include Barolo-braised duck ravioli, scallop and rock-lobster risotto and the Le Cirque creme brulee.
The kitchen is led by chef Vashisht Ajit Kumar, who plates the brand's French and Italian dishes with a luxurious, classic hand.
It sits in the top $$$$ band, with a meal for two running roughly INR 8,000-12,000 with wine.
Yes - Le Cirque New Delhi features on the World's 50 Best Discovery list, the guide's index of standout restaurants worth seeking out.
Reservations are essential, especially for dinner. The dress code is formal, so dress smart and elegant.
Reservations are essential, particularly for dinner and a window table at dusk. Phone +91 11 3933 1234. Find it on the 10th floor of The Leela Palace, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Le Cirque anchors part of our New Delhi guide - French-Italian fine dining on the 10th floor of The Leela Palace.
See the New Delhi guide →