38 Barracks Restaurant and Bar — Restaurant in New Delhi

Fancy a few drinks and a meal at a colonel's house? The possibility of an invite is pretty low, but the next best thing would be a visit to 38 Barracks !

Location M-block, Connaught Place. Parking : Find your own (as always) Metro exit : 4 or 5 (depending on where you're coming from)

Seating and Ambiance The establishment has two levels (the lower level is mostly reserved for private parties on weekdays and open for all on weekends).

The entire place has been themed to look like a Colonel's residence - with dedicated areas to represent the sitting room, balcony and bar. The interiors have been very tastefully done with a number of relics like guns, war memorabilia, books, radios, a set of golf clubs, a pile of trunks, etc.

The seating, too, is different for the balcony (an interior section designed to represent without an actual open view) and the living room. The former has high tables with raised cushioned seating for 4-6 and low 2-seater tables. The latter has a standard height seating arrangement ideal for dining.

Service The staff is polite, helpful and professional. The manager takes frequent rounds to ensure everything is running smoothly. Also, it is a delight when the very affable owner visits the tables and takes our feedback.

Beverages The drinks are mostly mixed well (though they have a tendency to be on a lighter alcoholic tone for cocktails - something they usually fix if you ask for it).

Our order :

BULL FROG Red Bull, Blue Curacao and an assortment of alcohols - perfect for anyone who loves the iconic Red Bull taste.

HULK This was the only mocktail we ordered and we were totally blown away by its mix of flavours! If you're a non-alcoholic, this is one of the best things you could get.

Food The first thing to mention here would be how well (and sometimes ingeniously) everything is presented. Second, the starters are nice and the main course is top notch!

We were welcomed by an amuse bouche (French, translation "mouth amuser") which definitely amused us :P. A bite-size piece of watermelon with a dash of hung curd and a drizzle of soy sauce served on a leaf on a plate over a big bowl oozing dry ice vapours. (Hard to imagine? Check the picture!) The taste was, well, interesting.

SEAFOOD PAO BHAJI The dish caught our attention and we decided to try it. Result? It was definitely worth it!

MALAYSIAN MILITARY CHICKEN SATAY As the chef-in-the-making of my group said : this is exactly what satay should taste like.

PANEER TIKKA BARRELS Paneer cylinders (barrels) stuffed with paneer.

GOSHT DUM BIRYANI With tender pieces of meat, this is one of their best dishes and it's the rice that steal the show - long grains cooked to perfection with an aroma that fills your lungs. Yum!

KADAI PANEER Served with Dal Makhani and Butter Naan, it is a complete meal in itself with all components presented in a redesigned thali.

BARRACKS SPECIAL BUTTER CHICKEN Also served in a thali setting, it comes with Dal Makhani and steamed rice. What sets this dish apart is that the tomato-ey gravy is served separately, while the chicken pieces are basil scented and are stuffed with olives - a truly unique taste!

NALLI KI NIHARI Nalli Nihari with super tender pieces and a delicious gravy.

Desserts After eating ALL of the above (yes, we were a group of very hungry people), it was time to end things on a sweet note.

CHOCOLATE WALNUT BROWNIE Served with vanilla ice cream, the brownie was pretty good (though a few of my friends got hard and slightly burnt pieces - changed upon request).

BAKED RASGULLA PIE This one was a surprise. It was ordered by my friend who asked us to guess what it was. Our guesses ranged from apple pie to banana pie and what not. It was only when we were halfway through the pie (and none the wiser about what it could be with the vanilla ice cream on top, an occasional raisin, the consistent texture and incredible taste) that we were told that the stuffing was RASGULLA! And did I mention how...

Welcome to the colonels hangout. This restaurant is a tribute to the life and lifestyle of the army man. Kudos to the detailing and concept of Ankur Agarwal who is an avid traveller and on one such trip, he came across a retired army man and Inspired by his stories, he decided showcase the different aspects attached to the life of a soldier. The same can be contemplated not just in the interiors and decor but also in the names of the dishes as well. The whole place is divided into four zones each depicting how a retired soldier would have exhibited his valour, memories and priced possessions. The medallions, the trophies, the memorabilia is splendid and collecting all this must have been a tedious process in itself. I just love it when the team takes extra effort to look into intricate details to match up with the theme. Located in the heart of the capital on the outer circle of Connaught place in M block and the 38 on the name of this beautiful restaurant is actually the address of this place M 38, at the same time as most of the battalions of the army are given a number. it adds to the theme.

#Clash of the clans - this platter that was divided into two parts with a line of control(made of sauces) between them after if there is a battle between the Indian ajwaini Mahi(Fish) tikka on one side and the English Fish and chips on the other. The awesome river sole fish marinated with Indian spices was very tender and juicy. The mint sauce served along was very nice.

Paneer Tikka Barrels - delectable roundels of cottage cheese stuffed with dry fruits and thickened/dried milk topped with mint leaf served along with butter milk. The combination of sweet stuffing and savoury cottage cheese was a winner all the way. I definitely recommend this dish.

khumb ki Galouti- was an star dish from chef Gautam Chaudhary crunchy outer layer and melt in the mouth stuffing along with Beetroot Quenelle the dish was deep fried and the flavours of Beetroot mixed with the Galouti were just mind blowing. Yet another must have.

#Malasian Military chicken satay- palatable marinated chicken on skewers which was mildly spiced and grilled with sauces on top and the chicken was fresh and juicy it was served along with peanuts chutney.

#sergeant- a very refreshing mocktail which comprises of Pineapple juice,fresh lime juice and khus syrup topped with soda. This drink reminded me of my childhood days when we used to have a ice lolly called Limchu outside the school. Served on top of a brass tea top with nitrogen fumes coming out from underneath.

#Portuguese Army Goan fish curry- this was basically fish chunks in a spicy goan gravy served along with steamed rice. Definitely Recommended it was served along with papad, circa onions and some chatni. The consistency was perfect to have along with steamed rice.

#Nalli ki Nihari the best dish of the day, lamb shanks were Simmered in their secret in house recipe served along with dal makhani and saffron khichdi. The Mutton wasn't tender but was well cooked. You must try this and thank me later.

#Barracks special Butter chicken this dish was very different from the usual butter chicken served across Delhi, they had fresh basil scented chicken cooked in a thick tomato gravy with no sweetness added unlike the usual butter chicken. Great taste

#Murg Banjaara- succulent boneless chicken pieces cooked in a spicy onions tomato gravy was palatable and excellent choice to have along with the blue cheese naan.

I must say that the service was impeccable, food was very impressive and the ideas were innovative. Full marks on the attention to details, Add to this moderate pricing, this place has it all and if you are in the area looking for a relaxed atmosphere and a perfect meal 38 Barracks is where...

This is My second visit to this Restaurant and it never disappoint me. Beautiful ambience.

Located in the heart of the capital city, Connaught Place. It is spread across two floors wherein the ground floor is for co working space. And The first floor has energetic ambience eye-catchy interiors and comfortable seating area. They offer an eclectic menu of delectable American, Italian and North Indian delicacies.

As the name says Barracks, their theme is of army where you can find the equipments use by army etc. Beautiful Ambience.

I went with my husband, daughter and a very close friend. We were warmly welcomed by manager “Atul” And rest the the awesome service was done by the “UPKAR” and Brilliant and tempting food by the chef “PRASHANT SINGH”

Yes, As I said and from my rating you came to know that I had some tempting food.

We had in starters(veg)

1. BEETROOT KI GALOUTI- It was marvellous. As the name says it contains, beetroot. Yes it was filled with beetroot. Beautiful presentations. Had you tasted ever? Nah?! Than you need to try its yummy And its a signature dish too.

-Basically, I tried their signature dishes in veg and non- veg.

2. SPANAKOPITA- Basically it is of spinach. Spinach & feta filled phyllo wraps. Awesome. It is also a signature dish. And worth to try. Presentation is awesome.

3. PANEER TIKKA BARRELS- As the name says, Paneer tikka were in the shape of barrels. Served with beautiful presentation.

4. Red Sauce Pasta- So yummy. Quite tangy. Awesome.

Now comes to non-veg-

5. SERRENO CHICKEN- Chicken was very well cooked. It is also a signature dish.

6. CHICKEN DUET TIKKA- MUST TRY. 2 types of chicken served in this. Actually 2 types of marination of Chicken- Basil & Cheese. Ye nahi mangaya to kya mangaya. Beautiful presentation chutneys were in shot glasses. Awesome.

7. PERI PERI CHICKEN PIZZA- On both of My visits I had this Pizza. So yummy.

And In drinks-

1. MANGO JUICE- It was so yummy. So thick, no mixture of water. Perfect.

2. HULK- Actually its a virgin mojito. Awesome. Do try.

3. WATERMELON DESI THUNDER- Awesome. Beautiful presentation. Must try.

4. RED BULL

Overall ambience to service to food. Everything was awesome. And how could I forget to tell, even chef “PRASHANT SINGH” came to ask whether we liked it or not. Of course we loved it. And the service by “UPKAR” was awesome. Of course I am going to come again. And even Recommend. And if after reading my review you are visiting, do let me know how was your experience. As I know, You would...