CT Review: I Thought Delhi Had Peaked, Then Top Banana Served Me That Pickle Mutton Seal

I’ve lived in Delhi long enough to stop being impressed easily. At some point, every new café starts to feel like a remix with the same playlists, same Pinterest lighting and same menus trying to sound clever. So when I say Top Banana in Delhi felt different, I don’t mean “a little better.” I mean, I actually paused mid-step and thought, okay… this is new. Entering here, if you’re expecting a heavy dinner situation, you’re doing it wrong. This is where you go to sit with your friends for hours, order drinks that take their time, and let the food play a strong supporting role.

Inside Top Banana Delhi: Where Cocktails Shine More Than The Food

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the music or the crowd; it was the lighting. The entire place was dipped in this deep and warm yellow glow. It was not bright, but not dim in a dull way either. It was just intentionally dark. There are small lamps scattered across tables, each one casting its own little pool of light, almost like every table exists in its own bubble. It felt super intimate without being closed off.

And then there are these illuminated plates on the walls. I don’t know why, but they stayed with me. There’s something slightly surreal about them, like you’re not just in a restaurant, you’re in a space that’s been designed to feel a certain way.

It has that nightclub DNA, with the mood and the aesthetic, but none of the chaos. You can actually hear your friends, which already makes it better than half the places in Delhi. Also, quick mention, the staff just gets it! They’re not just taking orders, they’re involved. They know the menu, they’re excited about it, and they genuinely try to match dishes to your taste instead of just pushing bestsellers. 

Also Read: CT Review: With Umami Cocktails & European Grandeur, Delhi’s New Louve Has Our Attention

Dishes We Tried & Digged HARD At Top Banana In Delhi

1. Midnight Monaco

We started with something from their “Tiny Temptations” section, the Midnight Monaco. On paper, it sounds indulgent with Parmesan crackers, four cheese foam and a special kind of ketchup. But what stood out wasn’t just the richness, it was how everything played off each other.

You get that sharp and clean crunch from the crackers. Then the cheese foam comes in; it is soft and almost cloud-like. And just when it starts feeling too heavy, the ketchup cuts through with a tang that resets your palate. Also, the cheese shavings on top? They are not just for show. They actually add that extra layer of texture that makes you slow down and notice what you’re eating.

Also Read: CT Review: At Grammie, Delhi’s New Wafu Spot, I Enjoyed Brothless Ramen And Pistachio Tiramisu

2. Artichoke Ice Riot

This one surprised me, not because it was unusual, but because it felt familiar in the best way. Fried artichoke hearts, goat cheese, chilli gremolata; with these ingredients, it sounds fancy, but the first bite instantly reminded me of pakoras. Not in a literal sense, but in that comforting, crispy, “I could keep eating this without thinking” way.

Except here, everything is fancier. The flavours are strong, full of masala and full of character, but there’s no heat and spice. It’s one of those dishes where you just keep reaching for the next piece.

3. Pickle Mutton Seal

I’m not exaggerating when I say this, I could eat this three times a day and not get bored. This dish comes with Shiopan, which is basically soft, slightly sweet milk bread, and a tangy and spiced mutton filling. You’re supposed to put them together, but honestly, even separately, they’re incredible.

The bread has this gentle sweetness that almost feels like a reset button. And then the mutton hits with its sharp, tangy and properly masaledar notes. We also ordered extra Shiopan (couldn’t not), and weirdly, it worked like a palate cleanser after all the intense flavours. If I go back, and I will, this is the first thing I’m ordering again without debate! 

Also Read: Did You Know Vindaloo Was Portuguese Vinha d’Alhos Before Goan Spices Changed It?

4. Charred Onion Flatbread

Okay, this one’s tricky. It’s just… not as exciting as everything else we tried. Think of it as pizza’s quieter cousin. There’s a soft sweetness in its layers, a creamy layer from the cheese, and a generally mild flavour profile that doesn’t push in any direction too strongly.

Personally, I like my pizza chaotic, in a good way. I want layers, and I want things competing on my palate. This didn’t do that for me. But if you like food that leans more balanced, you might actually enjoy this a lot more than I did.

Dessert That Stole The Show

Truffle Vice Trove

By the time we got to dessert, I was torn between playing it safe with strawberry or going full chocolate. I chose chocolate and had no regrets. This dessert is part theatre and part comfort. A warm chocolate sauce is poured over it right in front of you, and the outer layer cracks open slightly. It’s subtle, but satisfying to watch.

Texture-wise, it’s not your typical soft and melt-in-the-mouth dessert. It leans more towards a structured bite with a slight crunch, a slight biscuit feel and chocolate tying it all together. Also, it’s not overly sweet, which I appreciated after everything we’d eaten. 

Also Read: From Wakame To AlienKind, 10 New Delhi Restaurants Redefining The City’s Dining Scene

Drinks That Were Way Too Rad

1. Not Today

This drink was slightly dangerous, to be honest. It looks inviting with pineapple, passion fruit, kaffir lime, but then the jalapeño shows up. There’s this moment when you take a sip and feel it hit your throat, just enough to make you pause. And then, almost immediately, you want another sip. It’s indulgent in a way that sneaks up on you. If you like your drinks with a bit of personality, this one delivers.

2. Watch It

Now this one was a completely different mood, and it was my personal favourite. Where ‘Not Today’ pushes you, ‘Watch It’ settles you down. With lychee, vanilla, and jasmine tea, it’s softer, more balanced, and almost calming. There’s a slight tang running through it. Also, there’s something slightly citrusy about it that keeps it from becoming too sweet or predictable. If you’re someone who doesn’t want their drink to challenge them, but still wants something interesting, this is the one! 

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So, Would We Go Back?

Yes, but not for the reasons we usually revisit places. I won’t go in there for comfort food or for familiarity. I’d go back because Top Banana feels like it’s doing its own thing and is anything but ordinary. Also, I’m still thinking about that Pickle Mutton Seal, and that alone is enough reason.

Cover Image Courtesy: Mahi Adlakha 

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