Welcome to the fading of a Delhi winter and the first hint of Spring and the delight of a delicious meal from sunny Italy. Sequestered in the elegant confines of The Imperial in New Delhi, San Gimignano (remember the ‘g’ is silent) lures you with the promise of an authentic Italian gastronomic adventure.
San Gimignano, a lovely little town in Italy’s Tuscany region, has been the inspiration for cherished culinary secrets of Nonna's kitchen which await you at this charming restaurant at The Imperial.
Having wrested the Best Italian Premium Dining in North India NDTV Food Award in 2025, San Gimignano continues to set the standard for authentic Italian fare, further enhanced by its distinctly Italian setting.
The tranquil ambience at San Gimignano is what first captivates you as it’s created the perfect backdrop for a leisurely, uncrowded culinary repast. Amongst the gourmands who you’ll find dining in this polished gem of a restaurant are couples enjoying an intimate meal, business associates appreciating its calm for a business lunch or a bunch of friends, whisking themselves off virtually to Italy with each course!
If you are looking for an outdoorsy experience, just step out for a breezy al fresco experience at the freshly launched Pergola-Style Terrace. This sunny-side-up oasis, with its delightful wrought iron accents and cobblestone pathways and lovely Italian menu to explore, is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Connaught Place. Yet so near and yet so far!!! Tuck into pizzas straight out of the wood-fired oven or enjoy a glass of your favourite wine from the well- stocked bar with its fine selection of premium Italian wines while chilling out with friends and family.
An unmissable treat has been recently summoned up by Chef with the Pranzo Di Primavera- Lunch Set — a thoughtfully crafted 3-course Italian experience inspired by the freshness of spring.
From vibrant appetisers to soul-stirring main courses and indulgent desserts, the menu celebrates seasonal flavours in a relaxed, refined setting.
Complementing the luncheon is a new line-up of dishes where timeless Italian classics are reimagined with renewed vibrance while remaining rooted in authenticity. Highlights include Slow-Braised Lamb Shank Osso Bucco over velvety polenta, Roasted Tomato Soup with aged Parmesan panna cotta and basil mascarpone, Chicken Piccata with caper-lemon glaze, and Carnaroli Risotto with saffron, lobster, and Parmesan.
New dishes will be introduced weekly, ensuring each visit becomes a journey of delight and discovery.
Some Retail Therapy
Having spoilt your taste buds, a shopping spree is a great way to top off a leisurely afternoon. What could be better than plunging into the allurements of Connaught Place’s most iconic shopping paradise—Janpath. Hop across the road from The Imperial to the legendary Central Cottage Emporium, a treasure trove of India’s distinctive handicrafts. Savour a peaceful, unhurried experience browsing through shelves filled with silks from Varanasi and incense sticks from Mysore, carved walnut-wood artefacts and pashminas from Kashmir, textiles from Odisha, minakari jewellery from Rajasthan, chikanwork from Lucknow, embroidered slippers from Punjab, teas from Assam and the Nilgiris… and so much more. It’s a riot of colours and textures.
It’s the perfect place for gifts, souvenirs and personal indulgences. Prices are fixed and they even ship things home for you.
Further along the road Janpath’s line-up of shops and stalls spill over with a heady mix of inexpensive trinkets and sarongs, boho skirts, capris, and embroidered kurtis, ittar and hookahs; Kolhapuri chappals, mirror works cloth bags and cushions from Gujarat, and scarves and pherans from Kashmir. The Tibetan shops are a delight for their masks, Thangka paintings and prayer beads, ringing bowls and Buddhas.
Return home with your loot and the thrill of a day well spent in the city.