Indy by Qla — Restaurant in Delhi

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Indy by QLA, located on the ground floor of Eldeco Center in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi. Indy is all about rewriting the story of Indian fine dining, where traditional classics are given a modern twist. The moment I walked in, I could feel the thought and effort that had gone into creating this space, and it was clear that Indy is not just another restaurant; it’s an experience.

The decor is nothing short of stunning. As soon as you step inside, you’re embraced by the warm, cozy interiors that effortlessly blend tradition with contemporary elegance. Every corner exudes charm, inviting you to sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the ambiance. Indy feels like a place where history meets the present, offering an intimate yet stylish backdrop for a culinary journey through modern Indian flavors.

The mastermind behind the magic in the kitchen is Chef Manish Kumar. The menu is inspired by India’s rich regional cuisines, and every dish feels like a bold reinterpretation of something familiar, with flavors that are innovative yet comforting. Each bite feels like a revelation—Indian classics with a refreshing contemporary flair.

Drinks and Starters

To kick off the evening, I indulged in some mocktails that were as refreshing as they were creative. My favorite was the Zesty Imliana, a tangy mix of tamarind puree, fresh orange juice, kaffir lime leaves, and tajin. It was the perfect balance of sweet and sour with a hint of spice. The Tropical Sip, a delightful combination of fresh pineapple, coconut, basil, and lime juice, was another standout, taking me straight to tropical shores with its vibrant flavors. The Orange and Kaffir Lime Exotica added an intriguing twist with its fresh orange chunks, kaffir lime leaves, and a splash of passion fruit and soda.

For starters, I began with the Mutton Kakori, which melted in my mouth. The spices were subtle yet deep, perfectly highlighting the tender meat. Next up was the Tandoori Lamb Chop, cooked to perfection with a smoky char that added richness to each bite. The Calamari Prawns, delicate and flavorful, completed the trio of starters with their unique, peppery marinade.

Mains

Indy's mains took the evening to another level. The Rajasthani Lal Maas paired with Besan and Mirch Ki Roti was a fiery celebration of bold Rajasthani flavors, where the richness of the lamb curry met the hearty, spicy flatbread. For those who love a classic, the Silken Butter Chicken was luxurious, creamy, and paired beautifully with the Coriander Garlic Naan, each bite an indulgent mix of flavors and textures. But the true showstopper for me was the Indy Gosht Biryani—richly spiced, aromatic, and cooked to perfection, this dish was a complete experience in itself.

Desserts

No meal is complete without dessert, and Indy did not disappoint. The Jalebi Sandwich was a fun and inventive take on the traditional sweet, with crispy jalebis sandwiching rich, creamy fillings. The Shrikhand was light and refreshing, with just the right amount of sweetness, while the Indian Baklava was a perfect blend of textures and flavors, offering a sweet, nutty conclusion to a fantastic meal.

Indy by QLA is more than just a restaurant; it’s a space that celebrates India’s rich culinary heritage while daring to reimagine it for the present. With Chef Manish Kumar at the helm and an eye for detail in every corner, from the decor to the dishes, Indy is truly setting the stage for a new era of Indian fine dining. If you’re looking for a place where innovation meets tradition in the most delicious way, Indy should be at the top...

I visited Indy by Qla at Eldeco Center in New Delhi, largely due to recommendations and the buzz surrounding this new hotspot. I was pleasantly surprised by the exceptional experience that awaited me. From the moment I stepped inside.

The interior design was impeccable, with perfect low lighting, comfortable seating arrangements, and bar chairs at just the right height. The décor was tasteful and inviting, setting the tone for a fantastic dining experience. Even at 7 p.m., when the restaurant was bustling with guests arriving and departing, the atmosphere remained calm and welcoming.

What struck me the most was the impeccable temperature control. Unlike many restaurants where the air conditioning can feel overwhelming, especially during peak hours, Indy by Qla maintained a comfortable ambiance throughout my visit. Even when the place was packed an hour later, the atmosphere remained relaxed and pleasant.

The drinks were exceptional. I highly recommend this place. The food was truly mind-blowing. The quality of the food was superb, with each dish expertly prepared and presented. The flavours were complex and well-balanced, showcasing the chef's skill and attention to detail.

The team was knowledgeable and attentive, knowing exactly what they were doing to ensure a seamless dining experience. The service team was constantly on their feet, smiling and catering to guests' needs with ease.

What impressed me most was the attention to detail and the clear passion for delivering an exceptional dining experience. From the décor to the food and service, every aspect of Indy by Qla was well thought out and executed.

If you're looking for a great dining experience in New Delhi, Indy by Qla is definitely a place to visit. With its excellent food, creative drinks, and welcoming atmosphere, it's sure to become a favourite among foodies and casual diners alike. I'll certainly be returning soon to experience more of what this fantastic restaurant...

We visited this restaurant recently and had a mixed experience. The food was tasty, portion sizes were adequate, and the décor was tasteful. Overall, the ambience was nice and inviting.

However, the service left me a little disappointed. Having dined at several boutique and premium restaurants, I expected the staff to guide us better through the menu. When we asked for recommendations or taste profiles, we didn’t really get much information on what’s popular or what might suit our preferences.

While placing our order, we requested one large plate and another smaller dish to share between two people. The server immediately cautioned us about “ordering too much” and mentioned it couldn’t be canceled later. We were confident we could finish it, so the response felt unnecessary. The same server also asked us to state the dishes in the exact order we wanted them served instead of clarifying sequencing later. Honestly, didn't understand this as there wasn't too much rush either. If the servers were super occupied or having a busy day I could still excuse this but this didn't feel like premium dinning at all.

Interestingly, we saw the same thing happen at another table, and those guests also seemed visibly uncomfortable.

When diners ask for recommendations, we expect servers to either share what’s fast-moving or ask a few quick questions about our tastes to suggest something meaningful. A little more warmth and attentiveness would have made the overall experience...