The Leela Palace New Delhi has announced the much-anticipated reopening of Le Cirque, its celebrated Franco-Italian dining destination. Long regarded as one of the capital’s most iconic culinary landmarks, recognised on the World’s 50 Best Discovery list, the restaurant returns with a renewed space, an evolved menu, and an immersive dining experience that reflects both its illustrious heritage and its progressive future.
At the heart of the reimagined Le Cirque is a belief that gastronomy is both timeless and cultural, where each plate is a canvas of artistry and refinement. The new menu sustains inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of France and Italy, balancing classical sophistication with modern creativity and the finest seasonal ingredients sourced globally. Guests can look forward to signature highlights including Yellowfin Tuna Crudo, Wild Mushroom and Black Truffle Tart, Lobster Ravioli “Le Cirque,” the 40-layer New Zealand Lamb Lasagna, Salt-baked Mediterranean Sea Bass, and the Mille-Feuille à la Vanille, an enduring Le Cirque finale.
For the first time, Le Cirque now welcomes guests for lunch, offering its à la carte menu in an elegant afternoon setting. Dinner transforms into a theatre of taste with five- and seven-course degustation menus, each thoughtfully designed to showcase the finest of the restaurant’s culinary artistry. Vegetarian and vegan menus are seamlessly incorporated, with dietary preferences accommodated with care.
The restaurant also unveils a dramatically reimagined wine programme. Striking temperature-controlled cellars, intimate tasting tables, and guided sessions led by the in-house sommelier elevate the experience, while the acclaimed collection of rare vintages and celebrated international labels is curated to perfectly complement Le Cirque’s Franco-Italian cuisine.
The refreshed interiors embody Le Cirque’s legacy of understated theatre balanced with warmth and intimacy. Drawing on its Franco-Italian lineage and New York origins, the design features a bespoke glass tile wall in plum and gold, sculptural lighting, rich wood panelling, and plush textures, unfolding into experiential tasting tables, a grand main dining room, and exclusive private spaces. With just 40 covers, the restaurant promises both exclusivity and intimacy in its reimagined avatar.
To celebrate the reopening, Le Cirque hosted an exclusive four-hands dinner with former Head Chef Diego and current culinary head Chef Vashisht, symbolising a passing of the baton that bridges tradition and innovation while showcasing both timeless classics and contemporary creativity.
Commenting on the reopening, Anupam Dasgupta, Senior Vice President – Operations (North India) and Head of Wellness at The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, said: “Le Cirque has always stood for excellence and artistry in fine dining. Its reopening not only reaffirms our commitment to bringing the best culinary experiences to our guests but also continues a legacy that resonates with global acclaim.”
Adding to this, Preeti Makhija, General Manager, The Leela Palace New Delhi, stated: “The reopening of Le Cirque reflects The Leela’s enduring philosophy of offering world-class experiences to the country. With its evolved design, immersive storytelling, and refined menu, the restaurant is poised to set new benchmarks for fine dining in the city and reaffirm its place among the world’s most celebrated culinary addresses.”
With its renewed vision, Le Cirque at The Leela Palace New Delhi reaffirms its position as a culinary icon, where tradition and innovation meet in perfect harmony. More than a reopening, it marks the beginning of a new era in the capital’s fine dining landscape, blending global sophistication with timeless artistry to create experiences that linger long after the last course.
Dining and Cooking