Adrift Kaya — Restaurant in New Delhi

Back Again in Less Than a Week – Even Better the Second Time!

Returning to Adrift Kaya in less than a week says it all—this place is truly exceptional!

Adrift Kaya continues to impress, not just with its exceptional food, but also with the way the team personalizes each visit. Whether it’s your first time or a return trip, you’re guaranteed a memorable experience. Can’t wait for my next visit!

This time, Puru and Rajesh welcomed me warmly, gave me the choice of seating, and I opted for the outdoor area, which was perfect with the great weather. As a vegetarian, they thoughtfully reviewed what I had tried before and curated new recommendations for me.

New Favorites from This Visit • Vinegar Tofu – Don’t let the name fool you! The tofu was incredibly soft, paired with a perfectly balanced sweet vinegar sauce. But the real star? The eggplant fritters—absolutely addictive! Possibly the best dish I’ve had here so far. • Chioda Drink – A bold, spicy mix of ginger and guava juice—refreshing with just the right kick. • Yakiudon Noodles – A comforting and flavorful addition to the meal.

A special mention to Chandra at the bar, who recommended the Chioda drink and ensured every detail of my experience was perfect. Her attention to detail and hospitality went above and beyond my expectations.

ORIGINAL REVIEW: A Must-Try Japanese Dining Experience at Adrift Kaya!

As a vegetarian, I had never tried Japanese cuisine before. Since Adrift Kaya is in India, I assumed they would have vegetarian-friendly options—and I was right! But instead of speculating about Indo-Japanese flavors (since I’m a complete newbie to this cuisine), let me jump straight into my experience!

Located within JW Marriott, Adrift Kaya is a concept by the renowned Gypsy Chef™ David Myers, a Michelin-starred chef. I also had the pleasure of meeting Chef Vladimir Villarba, who is truly a magician in the kitchen! Thanks to him, I got my first taste of Japanese flavors, and I’m so glad I did.

The Experience • Warm Welcome & Personalized Service: Vani greeted me so well and helped me navigate the menu with ease. Her recommendations were spot on! • Incredible Ambience: The interiors are beautifully designed, making the space feel both cozy and stylish. You’ll want to linger longer than planned! • Energetic Yet Relaxing Vibes: Great music, a lively yet comfortable atmosphere, and a mix of families, couples, and solo diners—this place truly caters to everyone.

What I Ordered & Loved • Rice Cracker with Avocado & Wasabi Dip – A super-thin, delicate cracker that paired perfectly with the dip. • Vegetable Tempura with Daikon Dipping Sauce – The asparagus tempura was shockingly good! It transformed a simple veggie into something unbelievably tasty and beautiful. Must try! • Hokkaido (Drink) – A refreshing drink with a hint of melon, well-balanced and not overpowering. • Asparagus Maki Roll – Way better than any California roll I’ve ever tried. Another must-try!

Ratings (Out of 5 Stars)

⭐ Service: 5/5 – Darshan provided stellar service and made sure everything was timed perfectly. ⭐ Interiors: 5/5 – Modern, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed. ⭐ Ambience: 5/5 – The music and overall vibe were just perfect. ⭐ Portions: 5/5 – Just the right amount, without feeling too heavy or too little. ⭐ Taste: 5/5 – Every dish was incredibly flavorful and well-executed. ⭐ Vegetarian-Friendly: 5/5 – Plenty of great options for vegetarians!

Final Shoutout

A special thanks to Vani for making my first Japanese dining experience so memorable and custom-tailored. If you’re a vegetarian like me—or just someone looking for an amazing Japanese meal in India—Adrift Kaya is a must-visit!

Would highly recommend and can’t...

What a beautiful dinner! We went with the Omakase. It was incredible. As a chef, I have worked in Japan and this tasting menu did not disappoint. The sourcing of ingredients from Japan was on point and added authenticity to each course.

Chef Vladimir’s vision, creativity and execution of the dishes was what really stood out. His spin on classic Japanese dishes throughout the dinner really was a testament to his skill and passion for food. Watching him cut fish was incredible.

Girija worked alongside Chef Vladimir. As we sat at the counter, I was amazed by her knife skills, organization and how clean she kept her station. Very impressive. Not only did she put on a culinary show for us throughout the dinner but she was incredibly personable and very nice to talk to. It was inspiring to watch her roll sushi!

From the minute we walked in the door to when we left Sumitra was there to guide us throughout our dining experience! She was incredibly attentive and helpful, ready to answer any question or make the dinner more enjoyable for us. The level of service that she provided is something that I’ve never experienced before. Her dedication to us throughout the dinner in combination with the food itself proved to be very spectacular.

When visiting India, Japanese food is not the first thing that comes to mind. With that being said, you need to try Adrift Kaya. I’ve eaten many Omakase dinners in Japan and this one will not disappoint. The whole team at the restaurant made us feel so welcome. We were even gifted incredible chocolates made by the Pastry Chef. Delicious. Sumitra even gave us each a beautiful pen as a parting gift. What a night. Thank you so much everyone that made the...

If could give more than 5 stars, I would. Dining at Adrift was nothing short of spectacular—an experience that set a new standard for excellence in both cuisine and service. From the moment we stepped in, we were enveloped in an ambiance that was both sophisticated and welcoming, a perfect balance of modern elegance and warm hospitality.

What truly made our evening extraordinary was Chef Vlad, who went incredibly above and beyond to craft a meal that was not just delicious but unforgettable. His attention to detail, passion for his craft, and ability to personalize our dining experience made it feel like we were enjoying a private chef’s table.

Every dish was a revelation—the delicate balance of flavors left us savoring every last bite. Chef Vlad personally ensured that our meal was tailored to perfection, offering insights into the ingredients, preparation, and even making special off-menu recommendations that took our experience to another level. It’s rare to witness such dedication and artistry in a restaurant setting, and his efforts did not go unnoticed.

Adrift is not just a place to eat—it’s a place to experience food in its highest form. If you’re in Aerocity and appreciate world-class cuisine with an unmatched level of care and hospitality, this is the place to be. The music was so fun and added such a lovely element to the whole experience. We will absolutely be back for another...