Ikk Panjab — Restaurant in Chandigarh

Visiting the “City Beautiful” Chandigarh has always been a pleasure, though it had been a few years since my last trip. The moment you enter the city, you feel the difference—it’s in the air, the orderliness, and the greenery. The wide roads lined with mature trees, the remarkably disciplined traffic (which, at times, makes you feel amusingly out of place—pun intended), and the overall calm, captivating aura make Chandigarh truly unique.

We had an evening planned with family at my favorite fine dining spot—Ikk Punjab. I had previously experienced their outlet at Connaught Place in Delhi and was eagerly looking forward to visiting their Chandigarh branch.

The ambiance at Ikk Punjab was nothing short of spectacular. The space is thoughtfully designed with distinct zones: a well-appointed Dining Room with a large open kitchen right as you enter, the charming Bagheecha offering open-air seating and cozy Cabana enclosures that comfortably seat 8–10 guests, a chic Trophy Bar (strictly for adults, with a no-child policy), and a relaxed Alfresco area ideal for intimate gatherings of 20–25 people. The interiors are adorned with a blend of contemporary artifacts, vintage photographs, traditional paintings, and books—evoking a nostalgic, yet cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

Since we had evening plans later, I invited my nephew, his wife, and their adorable son to join us, turning the evening into a lovely family reunion.

We selected few items recommended by the Chef Vinay Bhatt and my daughter. Served graciously by Suman and Vishal, the spread included Samosa with Chole, Bharwan Khumb, and Amritsari Paneer Tikka, accompanied by a comforting cup of masala chai. The flavors were rich, authentic, and unforgettable—the taste still lingers in our memories.

While coffee isn’t traditionally part of Punjabi cuisine, we couldn’t resist trying the Vietnamese-style cold coffee, especially knowing that Ikk Punjab takes its coffee program seriously. Their in-house coffee brand, Ngarum, sources beans directly from farmers in Nagaland, which are then hulled in-house. The result? A beautifully smooth, bold brew that left a lasting impression.

The tea was served just as any true Punjabi would love it—alongside crisp mathri, matar, and atte ke biscuits. Now that’s what you call a proper “chaa-shaa” experience!

Despite our indulgence, we couldn’t resist a quick peek into their grill restaurant, G T Road. Though we were quite full from the samosas, we sampled a few dishes there too—and they didn’t disappoint.

I’m already looking forward to my next visit to Chandigarh—to catch up with friends, explore more of its scenic charm, and most definitely, enjoy a full-course meal...

A Warm Slice of Punjab – With a Side of Ghee and a Dash of taste

Visited Ikk Punjab recently, and I must say – it’s one of those places that charms you with its warmth, even if it occasionally leaves you wondering what just happened.

Let’s start with the ambience – delightful! The place oozes warmth, both literally and metaphorically. The interiors are thoughtfully done, creating a homely yet upscale Punjabi vibe. The service was prompt and courteous, with a special shoutout to Lama – truly the gem of the place. Lama, keep smiling – you are the kind of service star that turns a visit into an experience.

The condiment collection deserves its own round of applause. From pickles to chutneys, it felt like a mini festival on the table. Small touches, big impact.

Now, a few things that could use a touch of that same Punjabi warmth: I was told over the phone that dinner reservations weren’t necessary – naturally, I believed it. But arriving at 6:30 PM, I was greeted with a surprised look that said, “You thought you could just walk in?” That said, the staff did manage to find us a table – not my dream spot, but perfectly doable. The garden seating, which looked emptier than my fridge on a Monday, was apparently “fully booked.” Mysterious. But hey, the hospitality was warm enough to make me forget my garden-seat heartbreak.

On to the food – the menu is impressive, with plenty of authentic Punjabi offerings. Since I was dining with my senior-citizen parents, I kept the order safe and homely:

Multani Paneer Tikka – soft, balanced in flavor, and thankfully not an assault of spices. A definite winner.

Half-plate Mutton Beliram – a riot of flavors, albeit a bit too riotous. The gravy was thick, rich, and yes, swimming in ghee. Might be a delight for those chasing richness, but a bit much for my folks who prefer their curries lighter.

Dal Makhni – a classic, done reasonably well. Again, the ghee – it’s as if the chef was feeling particularly generous that day.

The rotis, however, could use a gentler hand. For a place so attentive, I’d gently suggest having a “senior-friendly” version – you know, rotis that don’t challenge one’s dental insurance. My home tandoor does a softer, melt-in-the-mouth version, just saying.

A sweet gesture at the end – the little paan bites. Classy touch. And a big thank you to the chef and property owner, who made the time to greet us personally – rare, and appreciated.

In summary: Would I recommend Ikk Punjab? Absolutely – at least once, to soak in the ambiance, savor the hospitality, and maybe even develop a fondness for ghee (if you haven’t already). Just don’t forget to smile back at Lama – and maybe call twice about that...

We went to this place with family to celebrate an evening and everything was just beautiful.

The location of this place is easily accessible, parking was not such a hassle. The interior is really beautiful and feels homely. The lighting was perfect and the sound was good enough to hold a conversation with your loved ones.

Our server was Mr Sahil and he was ever bit of courteous, attentive and knowledgeable.

He grasped good knowledge of each and every item on the menu and answered each and every query of ours quite patiently, He is an asset for thus restaurant.

The food presentation was great and we did not had to wait much for the same.

There Mathi chole and hara bhara kabab are a must try.

The dinner was absolutely delicious and the main highlight was the size of the naan, which was big and is 1 naan is enough for 3 people.

Overall the restaurant is a must visit, the property manager, the chef everyone made sure too visit us personally and made us comfortable which is not so common nowadays.

We loved each and every aspect of our visit and would surely love to visit again..

Thank you so much Sahil for making our visit special and thank you team...