shane watson, virat kohli
Shane Watson / Instagram

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) cricketer Shane Watson, on Saturday, May 13, posted a photo on Instagram along with Virat Kohli, ahead of their Sunday's match against Delhi Daredevils (DD). Kohli and Watson posed right in front of Kohli's new NUEVA restaurant.

What can he not do? A beast of a batsman and a fielder on the pitch as well as a businessman with tactical acumen, Kohli surely is living up to his tag of being a role model for plenty of youngsters.

So, what is this restaurant NUEVA like?

First things first, Nueva is the first-of-its-kind restaurant in India that serves authentic South American food! The unique restaurant, set up this year itself, boosts a major firepower in the form of two-time Gourmand Award winning Chef Michael Swami.

The menu might be everything South American, but the food also draws inspirations from Spain, Italy, Portugal, France, Japan and Asian food.

Lip-smacking already?

Here's more: The one-of-a-kind delicacies

  • Ceviche de Camarones
  • Sopa Brasilena de Frijol Negro (Brazilian Black Bean Soup)
  • Pariheula (Peruvian Fishermen's Soup)
  • Spicy mole
  • Pan-seared Duck Confit with Chilean pear sauce
  • La Caja de Pinturas (a decadent dessert platter of pink purple raspberry mousse, peppery lemon curd, fresh summery orange curd, decadent spicy chocolate mousse with crisp sponge biscuits)
  • Peruvian piscos

Now, apart from the unique meals known as Pinchos, Cazuelas, Cosa De Picar, Sushis and more, you can also enjoy tea, coffee and other alcohol-free beverages in the cafe.

FULL MENU and PRICE LIST HERE.

Definite foodgasm this, but do you know that the alcohol license is still not attained by the restaurant. Does it make the experience a dampener or well, not a big deal as such for the hardcore foodies?

Restaurant reviews (via Zomato)

The famed South American restaurant promoted by Celebrity chef Michael Swamy is finally here after creating a buzz in London, NYC and Dubai. Located on the Ground Floor of the Sangam Complex, that has emerged as a Foodie Destination, the ground floor has been designed as bar/ lounge while the spiral staircase takes you to the first floor which houses the dining area. The decor has been done in white and gold to give impression of grandeur.

The presentation of the food is superb followed with exceptional service. Though, the food is a bit of a disappointment as the flavours are very subtle but overall the restaurant offers a good variety and will definitely be liked by patrons who have an eye for the finer things in life.

My personal favourite is the Flava Beans with Black rice in red sauce, followed by Lemon Chilli Noodles. The silken tofu was just about average and is served with a portion of sticky rice. As the restaurant seems to be promoting art, the recommendation for the dessert is the paint box, that comes with four options of mousse served with a lemongrass stick that doubles up as a brush to be used on a blank canvas(plate) along with delectable biscottis.

As of now they are still awaiting the bar licence but signs are that they have CA ought hold a good mixologist as the flavourful mocktails would suggest.

Will I recommend this place? Yes definitely for the fine dining experience but don't visit if you are a fan of Indian flavours.

Food 3.5/5.0
VFM 3.0/5.0
Ambiance 4.0/5.0
Service 4.0/5.0

- Sameer Chaudhary

I have been to this restaurant right after it was launched. I didn't go there specifically, but just to check it out and mark it for a later visit. However, the owner Chef Micheal Swami turned out to be very persuasive as I was checking out the interior and I did sit down for a meal. I told them I would like some vegan meal choices and they were more than happy to accommodate the request. And even though I had declined the order so that the chef might not have to go extra mile for me, they did and I got to the tastiest carrot roll tapas. Speaks volumes about their services. The ambience itself is well done with a view of kitchen on the dining floor. Corporate dinner with a seating for about 12 is also available. The latin music being played over a screen with vibrant videos is a great attempt to cater to music lovers and also is well in sync with the latin American theme of the outlet. For me, it was a 5 on 5 experience. They were waiting for their liquor license when we visited. I really hope this food joint catches up with the crowd swiftly and we get to enjoy some choicest of the South American cuisine right in our city.

- Sanjana

How do I get there?

Nueva is located at RK Puram in New Delhi. More specifically, on the ground floor of Delhi NCR's culinary hotspot Sangam Courtyard.

Closest metro stations: Dhaula Kuan, AIIMS, Green Park.

Opening hours

12 noon to 12 midnight.