There’s something inherently soothing about dining at Ottimo Cucina Italiana — the hush of polished cutlery, the scent of warm bread (and their flavoured butters), the amber light falling on linen. This festive season, the restaurant introduces Tides & Treasures, a special seafood menu that feels like a slow sail along the Italian coast; elegant, unfussy, and deeply sensory.
The menu opens with a medley of seafood-led artistry: Seared Scallops adorned with Salmon Roe, delicate and glistening; Lobster Ravioli draped in a silky Chardonnay glaze; and the Frittelle di pesce al mango, where crisp Topshe fritters meet a spicy tomato sauce and Genovese pesto — an unexpected yet delightful harmony of textures. The Asparagi Bianchi is another standout, pairing white asparagus and smoked salmon with Oscietra caviar and a prawnage bell pepper glaze; indulgent yet impossibly light.
For those drawn to deeper, heartier flavours, the Himalayan Trout paired with roasted peppers and a balsamic glaze offers gentle smokiness that lingers, while the Grilled Tiger Prawns with gremolata and cauliflower cream are all about balance: rich yet refreshing. The Bhetki alla Puttanesca, with its fennel slaw and jacket potatoes, brings a subtle local nod; an Italian classic with a whisper of Bengal. The Garlic Fettuccine tossed in extra virgin olive oil with red chilli, mussels, scallops, and prawns, is comfort on a plate — the kind that makes you exhale mid-bite. But if you’re looking for comfort, look no further than the Salmon Risotto.
But if I had to play favourites, the Crab tortelli would take the crown. The sauce was an absolute dream. Smooth, buttery, and balanced — the kind of dish that stays with you long after the last bite. The Himalayan Trout and Grilled Tiger Prawns followed close behind, both so precisely done that they almost told their own stories.
To sip, the Hachiko Dog, bright and citrusy, was the perfect companion to the meal. Dessert came as a gentle close to the sea-soaked symphony: a Lemon Tart that was zesty, clean, and almost sunlit, and a Tiramisu that felt like a quiet sigh of contentment at the end of it all.
Curated by Chef Darshini and her team, Tides & Treasures is more than a seafood menu — it’s a sensory journey, a lingering pause between tide and time. Available till October 15, 2025, it’s one of those rare culinary experiences that feels both transportive and grounding, reminding you that sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most exquisite.
Images: ITC Royal Bengal
