Verve Bites: Schengen Deli-Bistro-Bar

Bhanu Nehra, restaurateur, foodie, globetrotter, has married his two loves and started the three-tiered Schengen Deli-Bistro-Bar at Malcha Marg, New Delhi. He brings European cuisine from the different Schengen countries, be it the hearty paella or the earthy lasagna, a Neapolitan Pizza or blueberry cheesecake, washed down by a Tuscan wine or a heady Cuban daisy cocktail.

The interiors have been designed by the owner himself, inspired from various artworks glimpsed during his European travels. Dressed in white and pale green with yellow windows and doors, the eatery delivers a calm, comfortable feel that is livened up by Latino music. “The idea behind the décor was to create a calm place where conversations start from food and bubble forth,” says Nehra. Start your day with an enviable breakfast spread of hot croissants, fresh cold cuts, fluffy pancakes and a generous choice of eggs-as-you-like-’em, paired with gluten-free bread. The Breakfast Deli also touts a ‘step-in, step-out’ concept that is ideal for people on the move on busy weekdays. So from breakfast to a leisurely Sunday brunch to a buzzing watering hole for after-hours, Schengen has it all!

What we liked: Braised lamb shanks on ratatouille with creamy mashed potatoes; baked spinach with polenta and red velvet cake.

Decor: A multitude of colourful plates with scenes from different parts of the Schengen area decorate the walls, a giant wine rack connects all three floors.

Cuisine: European fare with New World Cuisine.