Delhi’s food scene never ceases to amaze. From authentic Japanese ramen bowls to soulful Moroccan tagines, the city is a fusion of global cuisines, constantly pushing culinary boundaries. Amidst this vibrant landscape, the recently opened Toscano at Select City Walk promises a taste of Italy like no other. I dined there recently, and let me just say – I can’t wait to return. With a menu designed to transport you to the sun-lit Italian countryside, each dish was a delightful testament to beauty and flavour.
We started our culinary journey with Arancini e Mozzarella Fritta, golden fried cheesy Italian rice balls made with Arborio rice. The crispy fresh mozzarella inside drips deliciousness with every bite, matching the crunchy exterior perfectly. Served with a mix of carrots, zucchini, broccoli, haricot verts and a spicy Arabiata sauce, this dish set a high bar for what was to come.
(L-R) Arancini e Mozzarella Fritta, Pesto Chicken Bruschetta.
Photo: Nikita Nikhil
Next came the Pesto Chicken Bruschetta – a delicious balance of textures. Grilled bread rubbed with herb oil provided a sturdy base for the juicy roasted bell peppers and tender chicken, while the red pepper coulis added a burst of freshness. With mixed vegetables, this was a dish that stays with you long after you eat it for the last time.
For salads, we tried Insalata di Cesare and Insalata di Pollo e Funghi. The Caesar salad was a fresh, vibrant blend of young romaine leaves, crunchy pesto croutons and aged Parmesan shavings, brought together with a creamy house dressing and a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds. The Chicken and Mushroom Salad, on the other hand, was a blend of flavorful roasted chicken, roasted mushrooms, apple pieces, carrots, a soft-boiled egg and Gouda cheese sprinkled with a sweet balsamic dressing. Each forkful was a mix of textures and flavors.
(L-R) Insalata di Cesare, Insalata di Polo e Funghi
Photo: Nikita Nikhil
Feeling euphoric, we moved on to Toscano’s loaded garlic bread, Pan all’Aglio Ripieno. Loaded with harissa chicken, roasted bell peppers, garlic, ricotta and mozzarella cheese, this dish was both hearty and indulgent. The heat of the harissa pairs beautifully with the creamy cheeses.
Craving some pizza, we opted for the vegetarian Funghi e Cipolla – a white pizza without marinara sauce. Topped with mixed mushrooms, salty ricotta, balsamic-glazed onions, romaine greens, goat cheese crumbles, and a drizzle of truffle oil, it was earthy and rich in every bite. We also tried their signature Toscano Pizza, a lively offering of pesto chicken, bell peppers, onions, olives and boiled eggs on a perfectly hand-crafted sourdough base.
(L-R) Harissa Chicken Garlic Bread, Spaghetti Carbonara
Photo: Nikita Nikhil
For pasta, we went with the classic Spaghetti Carbonara, a heady blend of bacon, egg yolks, cream, Parmesan and crushed black pepper. Each forkful of the creamy, silky pasta was intensely satisfying.
The meal ended on a sweet note with classic tiramisu and Dutch truffle popcorn cake. While tiramisu offered a timeless combination of coffee-soaked bread and mascarpone cream, popcorn cake stood out as a playful treat. Topped with caramelized popcorn, drizzled in caramel chocolate sauce, and paired with vanilla ice cream, it was the perfect balance of sweet and crunchy.
(L-R) Tiramisu, Dutch Truffle Popcorn Cake
Photo: Nikita Nikhil
Overall, Toscano’s impeccable taste and great ambiance make it a must-visit for Italian food lovers. The staff was friendly and helpful, which enhanced our experience. At the time, the restaurant had not yet received a liquor license, which is why I was not able to explore their cocktail menu. However, if you’re in the mood for wood-fired pizza, comforting bowls of pasta, or delicious desserts, this restaurant has something to please every palate.
