Delhi has a new destination for Japanese cuisine lovers, and trust me, it’s more than just a restaurant. Nestled on Golf Course Road, Japonico seamlessly blends modern luxury with the understated elegance of Japanese tradition. From its impeccable service to its vibrant ambiance, creative cocktails, and unforgettable menu, Japonico knows exactly how to leave a lasting impression.
Japonico, Delhi’s Newest Japanese Haunt That’s Stealing The Spotlight
The moment you step in, you realise that this isn’t just another Japanese restaurant; it’s a vibe. The interiors, curated by the celebrated Freddy Birdy, are a stunning play of style and warmth. Think sweeping glass windows that frame Gurgaon’s urban skyline, a sultry yet electric mood, and a sleek stainless steel bar that demands attention. But the real showstopper? A waterfall installation behind the bar, enhanced by projection mapping. It is a mesmerising blend of dynamic art and cascading water that sets the tone for an immersive evening.
And then there’s the dedicated DJ table, strategically placed near an intimate seating area, ensuring you stay close to the beats while indulging in Japonico’s meticulously crafted menu.
A Culinary Journey At Japonico
Japonico is all about elevated Japanese flavours with a contemporary twist, and I was all in to explore.
Small Plates & Starters
- Chilli Garlic Edamame:
A simple yet perfect start. Steamed to perfection and tossed in a punchy garlic chilli mix, it made for a flavourful and addictive nibble.
- Japonico Shiitake Mushroom & Truffle Oil Salad:
A revelation! Crisp, earthy mushrooms were dressed in a fragrant truffle oil dressing, perfectly balanced with fresh greens. Every bite of this salad is packed with umami goodness; it is easily one of the best salads I’ve had in a long time.
- Rock Shrimp Tempura:
Light, crispy, and addictive. These bite-sized morsels, paired with spicy mayo, togarashi, and wasabi pea seasoning, packed a flavourful punch. The crunch, the spice, the dipping sauces; it was comfort food done right.
- Dimsum Platter:
A highlight of the meal! Featuring Chicken & Truffle, Hoisin & Orange Duck, Prawn Har Gow, and Atlantic Crab & Prawn Gyoza, each dumpling was delicately crafted with bold flavours. The Atlantic Crab & Prawn Gyoza was the clear winner. It was silky, succulent, and perfectly paired with an array of house-made dipping sauces.
Sushi & Sashimi
- Norwegian Salmon Tiradito:
A fresh and vibrant dish with salmon, jalapeño, cucumber, and ponzu sauce. The balance of flavours was exquisite, enhancing the natural richness of the salmon.
- Ebi Roll:
Featuring prawn tempura, avocado, and wasabi mayo, this roll delivered on flavour but didn’t quite reach the heights of the other dishes. Good, but I’ve had better.
Robata & Mains
- Chicken Yakitori:
Skewered and grilled to perfection, the chicken was juicy and infused with a rich teriyaki sauce, with scallions adding just the right amount of crunch and bite. It is a must-try dish at Japonico!
- Chicken Thigh In Sesame Spicy Sauce With Burnt Garlic Fried Rice:
It was the perfect finale to the meal. The chicken was flawlessly cooked, the spicy sauce had just the right amount of heat, and the fragrant burnt garlic fried rice tied everything together beautifully.
Dessert
- Coconut Panna Cotta:
Light, creamy, and subtly sweet. Paired with a seasonal fruit compote and fresh mint, it was a refreshing way to end the meal.
A Cocktail Program Like No Other
Japonico takes its cocktail program as seriously as its food, drawing inspiration from the anime journey of Kaito.
- The Legacy:
A sophisticated mix of gin and vodka, fat-washed with truffle, infused with wasabi and passionfruit, and garnished with Tobiko caviar, pickled radish, and olive. An absolute showstopper.
- The Humble Beginnings:
Served as a welcome drink, this in-house fermented fruit wine combined with sparkling sake and Absolut vodka was delicate, effervescent, and beautifully balanced.
- The Wanderer:
Made with Patrón Reposado, hibiscus, grapefruit cordial, and Sancho pepper salt, this was refreshing, slightly smoky, and delightfully zesty.
Japonico isn’t just another addition to Delhi’s Japanese dining scene; it’s a game-changer. With its impeccable service, striking ambiance, and a menu that fuses traditional flavours with modern innovation, it guarantees an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re there for the food, the cocktails, or simply the vibe, Japonico makes sure you leave impressed and eager to return.
Would I visit again? In a heartbeat.
Where: 2nd Floor, Tower D, Vipul Tech Square, Golf Course Road, Gurgaon
When: 12 pm – 4 pm; 7 pm – 2 am
Cost: ₹2,500 (For two)
Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied and Mallika Khurana
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