With globule-like crystal chandeliers lighting up the earthy brown furnishings and long stretches of mirrors on walls, the 140-cover diner is spacious and inviting. And for the kitchen, it is being supervised by Marchetti himself. Before you head for the nibbles, take some sips of the Four Mushrooms Soup (Rs 125) that you almost mistake for a cappuccino. The frothy brew of wild and button mushrooms arrives in a white cup. Delicious and creamy, the ashen-coloured soup is accompanied by a palm-size cube of bruschetta, and gently leads you on to the next course. We went for an appetizer of oven-roasted potatoes (Rs 160) cooked with Parmesan and herbs — rustic and rewarding. You can also choose between garlic, Milano prawns (Rs 235) or the tongue-twister Girellini di pollo (Rs 190) that brings a platter of chicken and cheese rolls on a foamy omelette of corn and spinach.

The pizzas come with crispy-thin crackers or thin-crusted bases. We sampled pizza pollo pepper (Rs 325) with a cracker base. Thankfully, the crust did not turn blotchy and was loaded with chicken, olive and capsicum bits. We got a little experimental with spaghetti marinara (Rs365). The menu announced prawns, pomfret chunks and squid that were sautéed and tossed with spaghetti in a tomato sauce. But it was slightly disappointing with an overdose of seafood, with the tomato-based spaghetti oozing with fishy aroma in every mouthful. Pollo del pepe nero “black pepper” (Rs 295) was a redeemer. Juicy slices of chicken arrived, laced with fiery peppercorn sauce, on a bed of mashed potatoes.

Stick to the sizzling brownie (Rs 250) for dessert. A sweet equivalent of a sizzler, this one spits out chocolaty aromas. A wooden tray with an iron plate in the centre holds a brownie topped with a scoop of vanilla on which hot chocolate-brandy mix is ceremoniously poured. When the liqueur sizzles into a bubbly froth, it is the time to dig out the first spoonful. That is not all. The place will boast a wine ’n’ cheese bar once the liquor licence is in place. With wines by the glass and fresh, handmade cheese from Europe, it could be a show stopper.

Meal for two: Rs 1,200