Ophelia
By Seema Dhawan
It was one of those classic Delhi days—loud, packed, unpredictable. By late afternoon, we found ourselves craving a little pause. That’s how we ended up at Ophelia, a fine dining restaurant tucked inside The Ashok Hotel in central Delhi. A place we’d heard of, yes—but one that still managed to surprise us.
From the moment we stepped in, Ophelia felt like a shift. The chaos of the city faded behind those tall glass doors. Inside, the mood was earthy, textured, and elegant in a way that didn’t feel forced. The newly revamped interiors—now inspired by African landscapes—carry warmth in every detail: monochrome marble floors, soft natural light, and brass accents that catch the eye without screaming for it. There’s a thoughtful calm to the space that’s rare in Delhi’s fine dining scene.
Ophelia is part of the Campbell India group, known for combining vibrant club culture with refined culinary spaces, but this one is more introspective. Designed around the spirit of Shakespeare’s Ophelia, the space has a slow-burn theatrical energy. You notice the bohemian prints, the animal-patterned chairs, the arched doors framing the patio—and suddenly you’re not in Delhi anymore. There’s something distinctly Mediterranean in the air.
And then comes the food.
We started with beverages- cold coffees, Red carpet mocktail etc
Ophelia’s global menu pulls from everywhere—Turkish mezze, Japanese sushi, wood-fired pizzas, Italian pastas, everything so fresh and sumptuous. It’s not fusion for the sake of it; it’s smart, seasonal, and surprisingly grounded. Each dish felt deliberate, with ingredients doing the talking instead of technique trying to impress. I loved the jasmine tea.
The kitchen deserves its applause. But just as much, the space holds you. Whether you’re there for a quiet afternoon or a late-night conversation over cocktails, Ophelia in Delhi adapts. The team knows when to engage and when to let you be, which makes the whole experience feel personal.
By the time we ended with the caramel cheesecake, we were speaking less and smiling more. No rush. No noise. Just a pocket of peace in a city that rarely pauses.
Ophelia is easily one of the city’s best-kept secrets. And that’s exactly why we’ll be back.
