Restaurant Review : A Memorable Evening with a Few Rough Edges (4/5)
Hidden on a quiet downtown street, La Serata is the type of restaurant you find once and remember forever. A contemporary Italian restaurant with a romantic but unpretentious atmosphere, La Serata combines sophistication with coziness. My last meal there was a mostly wonderful experience—characterized by memorable food, considerate service, and an elegant atmosphere. Nevertheless, some small missteps prevented it from being perfect, ultimately rendering it a good 4-star restaurant.
Ambience: Chic Yet Inviting Upon walking in, the first thing that struck me was the atmosphere. The interior design is sleek and understated—think warm wood finishes, soft amber lighting, and tastefully minimalist décor. An open kitchen behind a glass wall offers diners a glimpse of the action, while soft jazz music hums in the background, creating an intimate yet lively mood.
The design of the restaurant is ingenious. Tables are close enough together for quiet conversation, yet a gleaming marble bar at the far end invites solitary diners and cocktail enthusiasts. And there's an intimate little patio out front for balmy summer nights. Lighting and acoustics are perfection, enabling you to hold a conversation easily without that maddening hum common to most busy restaurants.
Service: Considerate, If Somewhat Stretched Our time was 7:30 p.m. on a Friday night, and the restaurant was lively. We were warmly greeted by the host and sat down quickly. Our server, Elena, found the perfect balance between friendliness and professionalism. She was very familiar with the menu, made some great wine pairings, and checked on us regularly without being overbearing.
All that aside, there were times when the service fell behind. Water glasses remained empty longer than they should have, and our dessert order took almost 25 minutes to come out. It was apparent the staff was working a packed house, and although it didn't take away from the overall experience, it's the type of detail that makes a very good restaurant into an exceptional one.
Food: Rustic Charm with a Refreshing Twist La Serata's menu is an Italian food lover's dream come true with a twist. It is not long, but every dish appears to have been chosen thoughtfully. Seasonal ingredients take center stage here, and the menu is updated quarterly to capture what's in season and newly available.
We started our meal with a duo of appetizers: the heirloom tomato-burrata and the wild mushroom arancini. The burrata was rich and creamy, paired beautifully with a mix of sweet, juicy tomatoes and a light balsamic glaze. The arancini were golden and crunchy, filled with earthy mushrooms and molten fontina cheese, served atop a smooth truffle aioli. Each dish had a harmony of texture and flavor that reflected a strong hand in...
Read moreVisited Kalsang Café in Majnu Ka Tila recently and had a really disappointing experience. We ordered a hazelnut mocha cold coffee, a Madrasi drink, chili garlic noodles, and chicken wings. Sadly, none of the food items met even basic expectations.
The noodles were dry, chewy, and drenched in artificial orange color — they looked more like plastic than food. The chicken wings were overly spicy, oily, and again, unnaturally colored — the food dye literally stained my nails. It felt like they were using color as a main ingredient.
Service was even worse. When I politely asked the lady at the counter for the Wi-Fi password, she ignored me completely and continued fixing her hair in front of the mirror. Throughout the visit, there was no staff attending to us. Every single time we needed something — to place an order, ask a question, or get the bill — I had to walk up and call someone. Zero attentiveness.
When it came time to pay, I asked if we could use Swiggy Dineout or Zomato Pay as it’s listed on the app. She bluntly said no and dismissed me. Only after insisting and showing proof did she reluctantly agree.
Another big downside — there’s no in-café washroom. You have to go outside into an adjacent lane to use a shared washroom, which is far from hygienic. No hand wash, no sanitizer — nothing basic was available.
All in all, it was a poor experience — from the food to the service to the hygiene. Would not recommend unless they seriously improve their food quality, staff behavior, and basic customer...
Read more🏔️ Living Room by Kalsang: Himalayan Flavors with a Side of Crowds! 🌶️ Just explored this gem in Majnu ka Tila with friends, and here’s the scoop! 🥄 📍 Ambience: A cozy, beautifully decorated space with Tibetan vibes – perfect for group dinners! 🪑✨ Spread across multiple floors but still packed – plan for a wait! ⏳ 🍽️ What We Ordered: Ema Datshi (Bhutanese chili-cheese stew) 🌶️🧀 Tigmo Bread (soft, buttery steamed buns) 🍞 Veg Hakka Noodles 🍜 Tiramisu Cake (post-dinner treat!) 🍰 👍 Hits: ✅ Ema Datshi: Spicy, cheesy, divine! First-timer approved! 🔥 ✅ Tigmo Bread: Perfect for dipping into stews! 🤤 ✅ Tiramisu: Creamy, coffee-rich – a sweet triumph! ☕💖 ✅ Service: Quick & efficient despite the rush! ⚡ 👎 Misses: ⚠️ Hakka Noodles: Basic & forgettable – skip it! 🙅♂️ ⚠️ Crowds: Even with 4 floors, be ready to wait (we ate in the queue area!). 🚶♀️🚶 💸 Damage: ₹500-600 per head for a hearty meal. Final Verdict: 4/5 ⭐ A must-visit for Ema Datshi lovers and first-timers craving Himalayan flavors! Go early, avoid weekends if possible, and don’t skip the Tiramisu! 😋 Pro Tip: Pair your meal with butter tea for the...
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