We sample Fritti Sole Pesce (Rs 245), crisply fried fish fingers served with a sour cream dip, and Ripieno Patate Buccia

(Rs 150), potatoes stuffed with mushrooms and mashed vegetables — both passable. The drinks menu, with the same old list of cocktails and mocktails, seems to have little in it to lift the spirit. But try their Rusty Nail (Rs 250) with scotch and drambuie on the rocks, and it is the perfect companion to sink into the sofa. Everything But (Rs 275) with whisky, gin, brandy and orange juice meanwhile turns out to be the mother of all cocktails.

The main course has pastas and risottos, with an additional section of meat, fish and vegetable offerings. We cautiously order Penne al Arabiata (Rs 325), but the ubiquitous dish proves disappointing, with the sauce overpowering the pasta. Pollo Alla Griglia Bistecca (Rs 495), although unpronounceable, is better with two slices of evenly grilled chicken breasts with vegetables on the side. Costelette di Agnello al Rosemarino (Rs 1,195) too is finely done with lamb chops served with rosemary jus. Vegetarians can safely go for Bistecca di Formaggio con Spinaci (Rs 495), grilled cottage cheese stuffed with spinach and a light drizzle of tomato sauce. Yet, there isn’t much to prowl around in this Den.