Discover a world where vegetarian creativity and Italian tradition meet in a memorable dining experience at Zanotta, writes SAKSHI PRIYA

For anyone who considers themselves a foodie, there’s an unmistakable thrill in the promise of a Michelin-starred experience. It’s not just about eating; it’s about savouring stories told through food, each dish a chapter of creativity, tradition, and mastery. As a vegetarian, I’ve often found myself navigating the labyrinth of fine dining, where plant-based options can sometimes feel like an afterthought. But my recent visit to Zanotta at The Leela Ambience, for a unique collaboration with Villa Cora’s two-Michelin-Key Chef Alessandro Liberatore, turned all my expectations on their head.

Picture this: a sparkling Gurugram skyline, soft live music and the kind of atmosphere that makes you lean in just a little closer to hear the clink of glasses and the hum of conversation. That’s the setting at Zanotta, perched elegantly on the sixth floor. The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences proudly presented this iconic pop-up featuring VillaCora, the prestigious two-Michelin-Key hotel from Florence. The stage was perfectly set for a menu promising innovation, comfort, and the finest ingredients, all tied together with a ribbon of Italian finesse.

It began with what could only be described as edible art: a Deconstructed Bruschetta, forget the standard fare of toasted bread and diced tomatoes; this was a vivid celebration of marinated cherry tomatoes, bursting with flavour and delicately balanced with a drizzle of herbaceous olive oil. It was light, refreshing and a reminder that sometimes, the simplest ingredients hold the most potential. The next dish, Millefeuille Aubergine, was a revelation. A delicate layering of eggplant, tomato coulis, buffalo mozzarella and basil pesto transformed the humble aubergine into something extraordinary. Each bite was an orchestra of smoky, creamy and tangy notes that remained long after the plate was cleared. It felt like comfort food, but with the refinement you expect from an Italian maestro.

Then came the Potatoes Gnocchi, a dish that, quite frankly, stole the show. The gnocchi were soft, pillowy, and bathed in a luxurious cacio e pepe sauce. But what set it apart was the addition of sour vegetable brunoise, which provided a sharp, tangy contrast to the creamy richness. It was bold yet understated, the kind of dish that makes you pause and appreciate the skill behind it.

And then, the pièce de résistance: Tomato Tarte Tatin. If there’s a dish that can truly redefine your perception of vegetarian food, this was it. Caramelised tomatoes, their natural sweetness amplified, rested atop a perfectly flaky pastry. The balance between the sweet and savoury flavours was brilliantly done, showcasing Chef Liberatore’s ability to surprise and delight.

For non-vegetarians, the feedback I heard was just as glowing. The Red Prawn Risotto was singled out as a showstopper, cooked to perfection, with the prawns’ sweetness melding beautifully with the risotto’s rich texture. Every plate seemed to have the same meticulous attention to detail, leaving no palate unfulfilled.

Throughout the evening, the service was impeccable, attentive without being intrusive. The vegetarian focus of the menu was a refreshing change, with every dish crafted with the same thought and care as any meat or seafood counterpart. It felt as though the vegetables were the stars of the show, celebrated for their natural flavours and textures rather than treated as just substitutes.

Dessert was another highlight: a Chocolate Cocoa Short Crust Pastry filled with raspberry cream and chocolate ganache. The sharp tartness of the raspberry paired beautifully with the velvety richness of the chocolate, creating a harmony that felt like the perfect conclusion to an already outstanding meal. Yet, it was the final offerings under Until We Meet Again that left me in wonder.

The Selection of Tea and Coffee was perfect to wind down, but the real treasures were the petit fours. These weren’t just bite-sized treats; they were flavour bombs that delighted and surprised. My personal favourites, Cabosse, Noisette, Mango & Coconut Petit each carried a distinct personality, but together, they created a symphony of textures and flavours that blew my mind. The Signature Lemon, Chocolate & Coffee Petit Four were as indulgent as they were unique, leaving a sweetness that felt like a parting gift.

Zanotta’s charm lies not only in its food but in how every aspect of the experience is curated to perfection. Chef Liberatore’s collaboration was a reminder of why Michelin stars matter, not for their prestige, but for the heart and soul they demand from a chef. Whether you’re a vegetarian, a seafood enthusiast or simply someone looking to experience an unforgettable meal, Zanotta delivers on every front. It’s not just a meal; it’s a memory, a moment and a masterpiece rolled into one. For me, it was proof that fine dining isn’t just about eating, it’s about truly living.