Ottimo, meaning ‘excellent’, is the signature Pan-Italian dining experience that celebrates quintessential Italian dishes prepared from the finest local and imported ingredients in a modern and contemporary setting, yet keeping the traditional elements alive.
Ambience: There’s more than a hint of promise in the air as you enter Ottimo at ITC Gardenia. Nature peeps in through all corners at Ottimo, like the “Terrariums” which are micro gardens in jars and the Ottimo Coat of Arms represents their affair with rustic herbs and woody essences. It is an endeavor to bring a slice of Italy to Bengaluru and they have done it right.
Men behind the making: Chef Sasha Fernandes, Sous Chef- Ottimo, ITC Gardenia rules the pots and pans here. Trained by Italian Master Chef Vittorio Greco and extremely passionate at what she does, Sasha comprehends the importance of ingredients in Italian cuisine and that’s what makes her an ace chef as she clubs her culinary skills with her charming and endearing persona. General Manager Amaan Kidwai keeps a check on the quality of the entire functioning.
What’s hot: The menu boasts of thoughtfully composed appetizers, soups, pastas, risottos, pizzas and main courses that showcase inverted specialties from Rome, Florence, Parma, Milan and Livorno. The menu is complemented by an impressive wine and grappa library, all combined with the heart-warming aromas drifting from the oven at the centre of the show kitchen. Ottimo revels in interesting ingredients. Olive Oil Ice Cream, Frozen Honey Drops, Indian Naan Khatai all come together for sinful delights, with a twist of contemporary Italian. We began with an Antipasti of Capesante pecorino asparagi e tartufo bianco, which was delicious Scallops stuffed with asparagus and pecorino with citrus coulis, asparagus puree and white truffle oil. Vegetarians will love the Parmigiana revistata con olio al carbone, a deconstructed eggplant parmigiana with trio of eggplant, parmesan and tomato mousse, parmesan crisp, eggplant salad, charcoal oil and fresh basil that was plated like an artwork on plate. It wasn’t only a visual delight, but a treat to the palate as well. The Zuppa di caarciofi con gorgonzola e cioccolato fondente or Jerusalem artichoke soup with dark chocolate and gorgonzola was subtle yet flavourful at the same time. The second course came in the form of Ravioli doppio al fungi e ricotta con olio delle tartufo bianco which was double stuffed ravioli with assorted mushrooms and truffle scented ricotta. Sea food lovers must try the Tortellacci all’arragosta piccanti e arrabiatta, Lobster and chilli ravioli with tomato dust, alio olio pepperoncino and lobster bisque. The Dolci here deserves a special mention. The dessert section seals the case for Italian culinary mastery and ours came in the form of Mango Popsicle, Lemon and mango curd tart; a perfect end to a perfect meal.
Where: Ottimo, ITC Gardenia, # 1, Residency Road, Bengaluru. Call: 080 6682 5002.
