Italy via Punjab – Long way to go! — Reviewed!

Italy via Punjab – the name somehow gives the sneak peek to the theme of this small newly launched restaurant at NIBM Road. Located in the prime location near Nine hills, the place is easy to find. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating space. Evenings can be spend outdoors but Indoors are the better choice for the scorching summer noons. As soon as you enter, you can see the 'desi' style decor, typical dhaba style rustic and raw interiors like carts used as the table, barrels transformed to the chairs, charpai, quirky frames, colorful cushions, planters, and big coolers. Overall, a very Punjabi feel is given to the restaurant.

Menu consists of Indian, Italian, Continental, European, Mughlai with the choices of fusion food. If you wish you can ask for the regular dishes as well. Currently they are running exciting combo offers on meal for 2 or 4 people. Also, there are daily promotions too. I was really eager to try the fusion food here. I opted to sit outside and sadly it was a bad decision. Hot winds and heat was unpleasant. Nevertheless, I was looking for the food. Chef Ninad Joshi, who is also the owner of Italy via Punjab, suggested me few of the dishes to try.

My lunch meal started with Tuscan Tomato Shorba. Presented beautifully in the crescent shaped cup, the Shorba was the Indian twist to the Italian tomato broth. It was thick, spicy and had the hint of garlic, pepper and ginger. Loved the herbs used.

I have a small appetite so asked chef to bring small portions in a platter to try more varieties. My veg platter had Jalapeno and Cheese ke Samose, Paneer Pepper Parsley and Dahi ke Kebabs. Jalapeno Cheese Ke Samose were sort of patti samosa with gooey, mushy, cheesy filling. Samosa was soft and the filling was delicious. A fusion of the most popular Indian snack with the Italian ingredients. Recommended!

Paneer Pepper Parsley was again a dish with the twist. Sadly, it failed to impress me. For me, the pepper was overpowering the dish and could not find the 'fusion' in it. Just the cottage cheese was slathered with oil and grilled with some minimal herbs. Adding some more of parsley and spices could have made this better.

Dahi ke Kebabs are their signature for usual reasons. They are just melt in mouth kebabs. Crisp outside, mushy inside with perfectly balanced Indian spices. Highly Recommended!

Wanted to try something from Salad, so ordered Winterwash Vegetable Salad. Exotic vegetables with garlic balsamic dressing, lettuce and lebnah dressing sounded something exciting but the presentation and taste could have been worked upon. I would avoid this in my next visit.

Pastas had two variants - Desi and Videsi. Again a fusion dish - Penne Kadhai,the name appealed me so I was quite willing to try. Penne was sauteed in capsicum, crushed coriander and spices. Nice spicy, sweet flavours. Base was of Indian curry; the twist was adding the penne. Nice attempt. Recommended!

Paneer Tikka Cannelloni was my next main course. I loved the presentation. Rolled pasta stuffed with paneer tikka filling in white sauce was scrumptious. The filling was grated paneer, spices and a wonderful combination overall. Dish was very filling, cheesy and heavy. A perfect main course. Highly Recommended!

I was too full to have dessert. But their Chai Pannacotta or Baked Lassi are on my list for my next visit. 

Overall, a nice place to enjoy food. However, I want to get surprised by some kick-ass fusion recipes. As the chef mentioned meat lovers can have a feast as most of their popular recipes are non-veg. Hopefully to see some lovely recipes for vegetarians too.