There's nothing more enticing than Italian food. The swirl of well cooked fettuccini, the robust radiance of a full flavoured tomato sauce, the creamy comfort of Gorgonzola, the whiff of fresh herbs, Italian food truly allures your senses. Classic Italian food was always a rich affair with accent on well cut meat with seasonal vegetables and a fair dose of delicious pasta. Ottimo, the all new Italian restaurant at the sparkling ITC Kohenur, which is fast setting new benchmarks in fine dining in the city, brings this delectable cuisine to Hyderabad with flair and finesse. Ottimo, which translates to 'excellent', is ITC's Pan-Italian dining experience (4th in the country after Chennai, Bengaluru and New Delhi.)
Perched on the top floor of ITC Kohenur, Ottimo dazzles with its rich orange and peach tones, inspired by terracotta pots of Italy, and a stunning floor of Travertino Rosso, a fine flame coloured Italian marble. With a stunning view of Durgam Cheruvu and plenty of natural light during the day and twinkling tinsel of city night lights after sunset, the restaurant also boasts of a walk-in cellar and a highly interactive live kitchen that is enhanced by Chef Greco Vittorio's lively presence as he moves from table to table interacting with guests and rustling up great dishes with his characteristic flair in the attractive live kitchen. Hailing from Tuscany, Chef Greco grew up with classic influences such as emphasis on game meat and fresh herbs, while his favourite ingredients to work with remain extra virgin olive oil and Parmigiano Reggiano. He has also spent considerable time in Australia and now in India and thus well acquainted with international palates. Gauging from my one meeting with him, I found him amiable yet very humble, with none of the smugness and self aggrandising one often finds in successful Indian chefs these days, at times. He surely lets his food do the talking.
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| Lobster Salad with Compressed Pineapple & Burrata |
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| Burrata with Sundried Tomatoes & Pesto |
For the special preview of this fabulous restaurant, we sampled the tasting menu which is a sneak peek into the craft of this creative genius. The table with its sophisticated, handmade peach and white crockery is fetching. We start with Antipasti of Lobster Salad with Compressed Pineapple & Burrata. The plate is a riot of colours oozing freshness and the hint of spring. The vegetarian version has Burrata with Homemade Sundried Tomato and Pesto. We are at a table of all non vegetarians but we ask for an extra veg sample that all of us can share and truly in many courses the vegetarian dish surpasses the non veg.
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| Artichoke Soup with Black Chocolate & Gorgonzola |
Case in point being that for Zuppa or soup we all have the Jerusalem Artichoke Soup with Black Chocolate & Gorgonzola which is a slow and steady stairway to heaven. The unusual combination weaves magic and pops on your palate in bursts of contrasting tastes. Simply stunning! The Seafood Soup with Cous Cous is sure to please all seafood lovers. The next course is Ravioli which happens to be Chef Greco's most prized item. The Pumpkin Ravioli with Butter, Sage and Truffle is sublime and balanced and simply melt-in-the-mouth and the garnish of pumpkin seeds is just the right touch. In comparison the Rabbit Ravioli with Balsamic Reduction seemed a bit tough to me.
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| Pumpkin Ravioli with Butter, Sage & Truffle |
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| Asparagus Risotto |
Next is another Italian classic without which any Italian meal is incomplete - Risotto. Here again both the options are equally distinct and unforgettable. Asparagus & Sundried Tomato Risotto competes very ably with King Prawns Risotto & Chamomile Flowers. Creamy, moist, yet al dente and flavourful. One is reminded of the expression that true creative geniuses do not compete with anybody, they compete with themselves everyday and the proof of that commitment is evident in Chef Greco's food.
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| Grilled Australian Lamb Chops, Gin Sauce & Vanilla Mash |
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| Eggplant Parmigiana |
For Secondi, or main course we have Grilled Australian Lamb Chops, Gin Sauce & Vanilla Mash, a harmonious dish blending great flavours in a winsome combination. But once again it is the exquisite Eggplant Parmigiana with Basil & Tomato Coulis, which at first glance we all mistake for a pretty cake or dessert. The presentation is unique and endearing. At this stage I am reminded of a famous quote by George Miller, "The trouble with eating Italian food is that five or six days later, you are hungry again." However Ottimo maintains the portion size in such a way that you do not get overwhelmed with any dish. You relish it to the core and move on to the next with ample space.
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| Vertical Panacotta with Berries |
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| Tiramisu |
No matter what, Italian desserts are not to be missed. My all time favourite dessert Tiramisu comes in a robust avataar here and it is actually blissful to have a mean Tiramisu after ages(as there are so many fake versions all over the place these days). Not too creamy, not overly fattening with the focus on the coffee liqueur and flakes of coffee touille, you can dig into this Tiramisu guilt free. However the Vertical Pannacotta is another optical illusion dish, that takes many by surprise by its quirky presentation. The elaborate menu gives you diverse tastes, textures and colours, without being overpowering. You feel refreshed at the end of the meal, as the fresh ingredients and deft interplay of flavours and traditions with contemporary touch maintain a drama. Ottimo is that much needed restaurant that you go to when you want everything to be impeccable, be it to woo a special someone or to impress your finest business associates. The walk-in cellar is sure to store some great wine to go with this classic offering. While there are other restaurants in the city offering rustic Italian fare, Ottimo boldly adheres to classic Italian, confident of its product. The food and ambience are sure to click with an audience seeking a high-end, wine focused, chic, Italian restaurant that is the epitome of Italian culture and fine dining. So do put on your smart formals and go experience the good life, 'la dolce vita' at Ottimo!
