Please note: This review was done on an invitation from the restaurant to taste their food, and no bill was presented to the author. The prices given are for a full dish, while what you may see in the photographs is a tasting portion size. Also, while the author assures you of objectivity, the review may be influenced by the personalized attention the author got.

Pellegrino Artusi was an Italian businessman and writer, best known as the author of the cookbook La scienza in cucina e l'arte di mangiar bene ("Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well"); source: Wikipedia. Oscar Balcon, an ex-banker, India lover and the owner of Artusi Ristorante decided to name his restaurant after Pellegrino Artusi, who is seen as an architect of Italian cuisine. I am here at the recently opened restaurant at Horizon Centre at his invitation for a lunch time tasting session of their Tasting menu (priced at Rs 2290).

I enter the elegant and quietly posh looking restaurant to find Oscar waiting. Oscar and his chef both hail from a town situated close to Bologna in the Emilia-Romagna region, considered one of the richest regions of Italy with regards to its gastronomic and wine-making tradition.

With the anticipation of some delicious food to follow, we start the tasting session with an Amuse Bouche of Tortino di Porri (cheese and leeks quiche topped with Prosciutto di Parma and Gorgonzola cream – Rs 680 for a full portion) which is creamy deliciousness.

The gorgonzola in the quiche has my palate now wide awake for more, and what follows next is a delicate carpaccio di Tonno (Rs 790;  sliced sashimi grade tuna with fennel salad, capers and fresh oregano, and dressed in Mediterranean citrus fruits) with the paper thin tuna melting in the mouth.

Next is pasta course with fresh two handmade pasta dishes, both of whom are tasty and technically perfect – Ravioli al Burro e agli Asparagi (Rs 820; ravioli filled with spinach, herbs and ricotta cheese, set in a butter sauce with sage and asparagus) and Tagliatelle al Ragu, (Rs 890; in Bolognese sauce).

The next dish, Risotto Zafferano with Scallops, (Rs 1390), or risotto made with Carnaroli rice and saffron, topped with Norwegian scallops has perfectly cooked scallops but the risotto is a bit too liquidy.

The next dish, Branzino (Rs 1290) has a perfectly cooked, flaky sea bass baked in "Cartoccio" (en pappiote; in a paper envelope) with steamed vegetables, and a light broth. The dish is light and flavourful.

 A smooth Sorbetto (Rs 390) of Lemon, Rosemary and Coconut comes in as a palate cleanser, before the dessert courses. Panna Cotta (Rs 780) with caramel, sweet figs and almonds is the first dessert to be served, and it is mind blowing – easily the best panna cota available in NCR. 

A pleasant fruity Strawberries and Mascarpone (Rs 780) is next but I go back to licking the remnants off the panna cotta plate.

Artusi serves authentic Italian food from north eastern Italy and serves it rather well. I would be back to taste more….and for the panna cotta.

Ratings (Out of 5)

Food: 4.0 | Ambience: 4.0 | Service: 4.5 | Value: 3.5 | Overall: 4.0

Meal for two: Rs 3000 |  Tasting Menu - Rs 2290

Alcohol: Yes | Credit Card: Yes | Wheel chair friendly: Yes

Address: Plaza Level, Two Horizon Center, Golf Course Road, Gurgaon. Tel: 0124 667 6666