Love the look

Louve’s design philosophy mirrors its culinary ethos—refined, powerful, and understated. Inspired by classic Italian dining rooms and the restraint of French Michelin restaurants, the space has been designed by Sarbjit Singh, Principal Designer, Fabinteriors. It also draws from the architectural language of Lutyens’ Delhi. Located in the tony neighbourhood of Khan Market, the building reflects a modern interpretation of neo-classical design, defined by symmetry, arched windows and doors, and elegant proportions.

Design nods to its locale are constant. Note the colonial-style lanterns at the entrance, referencing the historic street lamps of Lutyens’ Delhi. Seating at the 170-cover restaurant is spread between a cosy interior and gazebo-style garden dining pavilions, with classical lattice detailing sheltered beneath modern pergola structures.

Inside, double-height interiors create a sense of openness and scale, while plush seating and soft lighting introduce warmth and intimacy. Step inside, and a giant bespoke crystal chandelier known as Eden de Crystal dominates the centre—crystal branches and birds suspended above a circular fountain. Beneath it, a glass bowl fountain is surrounded by live plants, creating a compact ecosystem of light, water and plant life. Huge arched French windows bring in natural light, suffusing the space in a warm glow.

More allusions to Roman classical architecture appear in the geometric black-and-white marble flooring and grand arched figurative paintings. A break in style comes in the form of floral wall artworks arranged in structured grids, inspired by Cubism and early French modernism.

‘A table at 1’

The table complements the design in multiple ways. Indeed, an address—1 Humayun Road—carries its own heft. “In a city like Delhi, an address often carries a sense of identity and cultural weight,” explains Begwani. “With Louve, we wanted to translate that into an experience centred around the table. ‘A Table at 1’ therefore becomes both a literal and symbolic invitation to be part of a one-of-a-kind dining experience, where food, service, design, and conversation come together in perfect balance.”

The menu has been designed by Chef Selim Fidan, whose culinary journey includes the Michelin-starred Mikla in Istanbul and Cipriani in both Istanbul and Dubai. He refers to the menu as a quiet harmony of Italian comfort, French precision, and Indian warmth.

Currently, the kitchen is helmed by Balwant Kumar, Executive Chef, who ensures it delivers at its best. Having learnt a great deal from Chef Selim, he stresses that the food is at the level of a top European restaurant. “From sourcing ingredients such as San Marzano tomatoes to celeriac to implementing techniques, we are using what European restaurants use,” he points out. “The restaurant’s menu is most directly influenced by classic Italian and French fine-dining hubs, particularly Venice and Milan, reflecting Chef Selim’s professional journey and culinary philosophy.”

The menu isn’t extensive, but selective. There are 10 pasta and eight pizza options, along with four risottos, besides several large plates, sides, soups and salads. Burrata with Grapes (creamy burrata, roasted fennel, balsamic) makes for a comforting start. Going by looks alone, you would be forgiven for mistaking the Smoked Salmon Cheesecake (mascarpone, black tobiko, gold leaf) for a dessert from the bakery counter.

John Dory Fillet (pan-seared with sliced potatoes, pinot grigio, lemon sauce) is an expected favourite. Another hit is the Sous-Vide Lamb Loin (black garlic, cauliflower mash, jus, maque choux), heavily encrusted. Alternate tempting choices include Truffle Brie Crostini, and Chitarra Cacio e Pepe. There is a strong dessert selection too, including the Louve Meringue Cake.

The bar menu is a highlight—and note how thoughtfully it is done. As the menu says, ‘there is a cocktail for every mood’. Each of the eight comes with a story. Equilibrium (gin, fig, elderflower, seltzer) stands for balance with time. The descriptor reads, “striking the tender balance between leisure and duty…”. Maybe you prefer happiness (Epicure), freedom (Memento Mori) or just wisdom (Metis).

Louve, where ‘food, service, design, and conversation come together in perfect balance’, is set to expand further with a new Chinese restaurant opening on the upper level soon. Adding another 150-odd covers, it will become one of the city’s larger dining destinations. As for lupa, she stands as a symbol of strength, instinct, and quiet power—apt for a space that is as much about atmosphere as it is about intent.