Delhi 'O' Delhi

Overview

On the dividing line of two of Sydney's most eclectic suburbs, Newtown's Delhi 'O' Delhi on Erskineville Road brings the fine dining and elegance of the grand hotels of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata to the Inner West. Opened in 2007 by restaurateur Javed Khan, it owes its success to Javed's keen attention to detail and the nuanced regional cuisine elegantly prepared by head chef Kailash. 

Staying true to its locale, Delhi 'O' Delhi offers up a vegan and vegetarian menu including cottage cheese and potato dumplings in tomato and cashew gravy, and a vegan butter chicken made of tofu with delicately spiced dry fenugreek leaves, cashew nut and coconut cream. There is also a vegetarian sharing platter that features Achari Paneer, Potli Samosa and Palak Ka Kebab.

Elsewhere on the menu is an extensive list of poultry dishes including an organic chicken curry on brown rice and Assamese duck curry with whole spices, black pepper and ash gourd. The more adventurous amongst us might like to try the masala goat, marinated overnight in a tangy tomato masala, or Achamma's camel curry – diced camel served with coconut, coriander and fenugreek – straight from Kailash's grandmother's kitchen.

With the elegance of old-world India infused with contemporary techniques and regional delicacies, this is the kind of Indian restaurant you want to spend an entire evening in. Thankfully there is an extensive drinks list including cocktails such as the Bombay Spritz, a mix of gin, sweet vermouth, rose syrup and sparkling wine, as well as a wine list with a broad selection from Tasmania as well as the Yarra and Hunter valleys, by the glass or bottle. 

Winner of the Restaurant and Catering Awards for Best Indian Restaurant in NSW four years running, it's no surprise that Javed's dream of bringing the timeless charm of India's iconic hotels has not only survived but thrived. The impeccable service doesn't hurt either.