For when you want to release your inner hipster
What do you think of hipsters? I ask because
Imperfecto with its suspended 2 wheeler at the entrance and beaten, repurposed
wood interiors is definitely hipster. The laudable thing is that it transcends
that dubious distinction to be a very good restaurant.
Looks Like
So when I tell you the place is super hipster you’re
rolling your eyes at me because that’s what all of HKV is aspiring to, right?
What sets Imperfecto apart from the rest is the scale at which they’ve
implemented these aspirations. By village standards the place is massive – 2 whole
floors and a multilevel balcony/terrace. The owners have clearly taken their
time to dot their i’s and cross their t’s before opening. They’re also usually
present on most evenings, keeping a hawk eye on the premises which makes me, as
an admirer of detail oriented, micro-managers, very happy.
I understand they initially hired a design firm to do
the place up but when they were dissatisfied with the results they tore it all
down and started from scratch. Their commitment is clearly visible in what is one
of HKV’s most visually impressive restaurants.
The walls are weathered and painted different
colours, there’s an eclectic collection of knick knacks flung around the place
in interesting ways and unusual design elements in every corner. Literally. My
favourite is an installation of books tumbling out of a box. The indoors is fun
but if the weather allows it, I would recommend sitting out in the grassy
balcony. If you’re in a group try the cabana style seating on the terrace.
TASTES LIKE
Imperfecto primarily serves Italian and Spanish food
and does a good job of it. The highlight of their menu are their grills. If
you’re on the balcony you can watch your food being grilled fresh in front of
you – try a seafood platter with the lightly seasoned, succulent jumbo prawns. Their
pizzas are also worth trying, very thin with heaps of well sourced and
obviously fresh toppings. Get their deliciously, strong red wine sangria pitcher
as an accompaniment and you’ll have everything you need for a memorable evening.
To add to the happy homey vibe, I love the cheerful chef who bustles around with samples of different food making small talk with patrons.
They also have hummus and other mediocre Mediterranean
suspects but these are too ordinary for the price you’ll be paying. I wish they’d
just get rid of the ho-hum Mediterranean menu, they have plenty left to choose
from without it. Similarly Imperfecto’s dessert options are pretty limited and
seem to be outsourced. If they fix their dessert menu, it would be wonderful to
sit out in their balcony on winter evenings with a portion of coffee and cake. Till then I'll just make do with pizza and sangria.
FEELS LIKE
The place is so busy most evenings that even with the
best intentions the staff looks like it’s struggling to contain the crowds.
This is another reason why I recommend the outdoor seating, the inside can get
annoyingly noisy. I love that they’ve started using the space for live
music acts and the performances they set up look like a lot of fun. Just keep in mind
it can get pretty choc a bloc.
At this rate, it looks like TLR’s
mantle has been usurped by the quirky Imperfecto. Small hiccups aside this is a
great, unexpectedly reliable place to head to in HKV.
Should you go: Absolutely.
Vegetarian Options: YesLiquor License: Yes
Smoking Area: Yes
Address: 1A/1 Hauz Khas Village
Phone: 011 41090093
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