Dear Donna — Restaurant in Delhi

An Evening with Dear Donna: A Taste of Refinement in a Tumbler

There are times when a mere visit to an establishment transcends the pedestrian act of dining and becomes, instead, an experience. My recent sojourn to Dear Donna was precisely one of those moments. Now, I’ll admit, the very premise—a bar and kitchen inspired by the fictional, globetrotting ‘Donna’—might strike some as a touch twee. But then, one steps across the threshold, and the sophisticated reality of the place washes away any lingering scepticism.

Donna, it seems, has excellent taste.

The Allure of the Alchemy

Any serious appraisal of a modern establishment must begin where the heart of the matter lies: the bar. And at Dear Donna, the cocktail menu is not just a list of drinks; it is a meticulously curated memoir. We are promised an "ode to Donna's adventures," and for once, the lofty prose on the menu actually delivers in the glass.

The underlying philosophy here is an intelligent blend of the timeless charm of classic mixology paired with an astute grasp of modern techniques. It’s this quiet confidence, this refusal to merely chase fleeting trends, that defines their spirit.

I began with MEMORIES FROM MEXICO. The description—Tequila Blanco, Clarified Guava Juice, Citrus, Celery Salt—sounded intriguing. What arrived was a revelation. It possessed a delicate, almost ethereal balance. The smoky, earthy whisper of the tequila was gently lifted by the fruity clarity of the guava. Crucially, the drink avoided the cloying sweetness that mars so many modern concoctions. It was tailored, gentle, and utterly precise.

Next, I ventured into spicier territory with the EL PEPINO PICANTE (Tequila, Pico de Gallo, Citrus, Kaffir Lime Salt). This, we are told, is an “ambrosial riff on the classic Picante.” And indeed it is. The marriage of the tequila with the fresh, herbaceous kick of the pico de gallo and the aromatic salinity of the kaffir lime salt was a heady, savoury journey. It was vibrant, alive, and yet maintained a level of polish—the sign of a truly skilled hand behind the counter. Each sip, they claim, tells a story. And I can confirm, these were excellent tales, well told.

Beyond the Glass: Ambiance and Atmosphere

Dear Donna is blessed with both handsome indoor and outdoor seating, allowing for different moods. The interiors suggest a sort of Victorian-era, refined indulgence—exactly the atmosphere suited for contemplating one's perfectly balanced El Pepino. For those who enjoy a bit of zest in their week, a nod must be given to their Salsa Night every Wednesday. It’s a smart move: injecting a dose of spirited fun into the midweek lull.

Culinary Commendations

While the spirits captivated, the food menu proved to be more than a mere afterthought. My recommendation, for those looking for robust flavour and textural satisfaction, is the Thai Chilli Basil Krapow. I opted for the Hand Pounded Chicken—a key detail, as it retains a superior texture compared to the usual minced offering—served with fragrant Jasmine Rice and a perfect Thai Fried Egg. The dish was aggressively flavourful, fragrant with basil, and boasting a fiery, but controlled, chilli kick. It is authentic comfort in a bowl.

For the finale, one cannot ignore the desserts. The Soft Centre Chocolate Cake is what a chocolate cake should be: unapologetically decadent, with an oozy Belgian chocolate heart, tempered perfectly by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. However, for a lighter, more complex finish, the Eggless Berry Cheesecake is the winner. The creamy filling atop a crunchy Hazelnut Crumble, crowned with sharp Berry Compote, offers that ideal contrast of richness and tang.

Dear Donna manages the difficult feat of being both sophisticated and welcoming. It is a place that understands that true indulgence is in the detail—whether it’s the clarified juice in your tequila or the hand-pounded chicken in your curry. Go for the drinks, but stay for the carefully orchestrated...

We were visiting Delhi and heard this bar is the place to be . We booked a table for 6 and reached fairly early ( around 9). We had dinner and drinks but the music was really sad . The Dj wasn’t sure what he was doing and it sounded like someone is just randomly picking songs of the computer. They messed up few drinks as well and when confronted they told me they are using their own home made syrups instead of liqueur’s which goes in that cocktail. . Not something I would expect from such an establishment. But it gets worst later . We decided to leave and went to another bar nearby and had really good fun but it closes at 2 so we came back to Dear Donna . This time things got ugly as they started overcharging and making drinks with almost no alcohol in it . When I looked around I realised it’s because most of their crowd is rich 20-25 year old kids who shouldn’t be served alcohol anyways by law or they are not even sure what they are drinking. But they couldn’t fool me and when I informed the manger again they got annoyed and started ignoring us. This is happening when we have already spent close to 1 lakh in there restaurant. The bartender tried to charge me again by giving me juice in shot glasses (1400 for Tropicana in shot glass) which really pushed me over the edge. They said they will call the person in charge but no one ever came. DJ was lost again but he had the decency to play some of crowd favourites, my guess is he got the job cause he probably knows the owner or staff. Definitely lacks the skill to work the crowd . I understand they are getting people to come cause of the hype right now but if things keep this way , people will eventually figure out that they are cheating them constantly and find other place to go. I definitely won’t recommend this place to anyone over 30 , who knows alcohol and enjoys good music. The place has potential if they can find a good Dj and not mess up the drinks . It’s a cocktail bar , getting a proper drink is the bare minimum. Also if the manager can try to listen what the customer is saying instead of making excuses , it might help them .

I doubt I will ever visit them again and wanted to give an insight to people , specially who are visiting from abroad and don’t care about the fake hype . There are way better places than this .

P.s - Also you can notice they don’t can’t be bothered to even reply to any of their reviews which says a lot about...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Dear Donna in Delhi, and I must say it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. From the moment I entered the restaurant, I was greeted warmly by the friendly and attentive staff. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, creating a perfect atmosphere for a memorable dining experience.

The menu at Dear Donna is truly a culinary delight. The selection of dishes offered a fusion of flavors that were creative, unique, and expertly prepared. Each dish I tried showcased the chef’s expertise and passion for quality ingredients. The presentation was impeccable, and the flavors were absolutely delightful, leaving me craving for more.

I must give a special mention to the service at Dear Donna. The staff members were knowledgeable, attentive, and always ready to offer recommendations. They went above and beyond to ensure that my dining experience was exceptional, accommodating my preferences and dietary restrictions without hesitation.

The attention to detail and the overall level of care at Dear Donna is commendable. The restaurant’s commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience truly shines through in every aspect. The ambiance, the food, and the service all come together harmoniously to create an unforgettable culinary journey.

In addition to the outstanding food and service, the pricing at Dear Donna is reasonable, considering the quality and experience offered. It is evident that the restaurant strives to provide value for money while maintaining the highest standards of excellence.

Overall, I highly recommend Dear Donna to anyone in Delhi looking for a memorable dining experience. Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual outing, Dear Donna exceeds expectations with its delectable food, warm hospitality, and inviting ambiance. I will definitely be returning to this culinary gem in the future.

Thank you, Dear Donna, for a truly exceptional...