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La Isla: An Island State of Mind in the Heart of Delhi

At the heart of La Isla lies its cocktail bar, where mixology transforms into a storytelling experience. Featuring 15 signature cocktails inspired by island destinations, each drink serves as a sensory postcard, evoking the essence of places like Kyoto and the Scottish Highlands. This unique approach to cocktails enhances the dining experience, inviting guests to explore flavors and narratives.

For those who travel through food as much as geography, La Isla offers a passport-free escape in the heart of Delhi. In a city that rarely pauses, the island-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar arrives as a rare invitation to slow down—bringing together immersive design, globally influenced cuisine, and a narrative-driven cocktail programme to create a destination that feels transportive rather than transactional.

Conceptualised as a sensory retreat within the city, La Isla draws inspiration from island cultures across the world. The name itself—Spanish for “the island”—sets the tone for what unfolds inside. Designed with natural textures, warm earthy hues, and softly layered lighting, the space evokes the ease of resort living while maintaining a sense of understated elegance. Flexible seating encourages long, unhurried meals and lingering conversations, making it equally suited to intimate evenings, social gatherings, and post-work unwinding.

Smoked Romesco Prawns

The industry’s most renowned chefs helped develop the menu. Chef Megha Kohli helped develop the Mexican, Italian and continental dishes. While chef Vaibhav Bhargava helped curate the Asian menu. The menu moves fluidly across continents - menu concept is a global, easy-going philosophy. Pan-Asian favourites such as Truffle Cream Cheese Dumplings, Chicken and Water Chestnut Gyoza, and Mapo Tofu with Vegetables sit comfortably alongside Mediterranean and Latin-inspired plates including Prawn Plancha, Avocado Tacos, Paella, and Burrata Pomodoro Linguini. Designed for sharing, the food reflects a palate shaped by movement and memory—unfussy yet indulgent, much like coastal dining around the world.

At the heart of La Isla lies its cocktail bar, where mixology becomes a form of storytelling. The bar’s curated menu features 15 signature cocktails, each inspired by island destinations across the globe. More than just drinks, these creations act as sensory postcards—capturing the essence of a place, its people, and its rituals. Guests may find themselves wandering through the sakura-scented gardens of Kyoto, drawn into the smoky warmth of the Scottish Highlands, or immersed in the sun-drenched vibrancy of Mexico. From the tranquil blues of Bora Bora and the volcanic character of the Azores to the untamed landscapes of the Galápagos and the coffee-rich soul of Colombia, each cocktail unfolds like a chapter in a travel diary—layered, evocative, and deeply personal.
Speaking about the vision behind the space, Kripa Sial, Founder of La Isla, shares, “ La Isla was inspired from my years in California and trips across the border to Los Cabos, Cancun in Mexico, I felt Delhi would enjoy a relaxed place with tequila & mezcal based cocktails with tacos & other global favorites to go along, accompanied with a variety of coffees which add to the flavors. La Isla was imagined as a place where people can truly spend time—where dining feels unhurried and intuitive. We wanted to bring together global cuisine, island-inspired design, and a strong cocktail identity in a way that feels effortless. It’s about creating an experience that engages all the senses, not just the palate.”

Designed for modern travellers at heart, La Isla reflects a growing shift toward destination-led dining—restaurants imagined not merely as places to eat, but as experiences that blur the lines between travel, culture, and hospitality. In doing so, it establishes itself as a compelling stop on Delhi’s evolving culinary map—one that feels less like a meal, and more like a journey. By weaving together thoughtful interiors, globally inspired cuisine, and a cocktail programme rooted in storytelling, La Isla positions itself not just as a restaurant, but as a cultural escape—an island state of mind, tucked quietly into the rhythm of the city.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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