Food23 Jan 20253 MIN

Café Fleur is the place to park yourself between bridal appointments

This cosy 30-seater café by Varun Bahl in Delhi is where wedding shopping meets a designer coffee cart

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Let’s face it: wedding shopping in Delhi's Mehrauli can be an all-out marathon. Between lehenga fittings, jewellery trials, and dodging bridal party debates, you need a caffeine-with-carbs-on-the-side recharge. Enter Café Fleur by Varun Bahl, an intimate café tucked into the Ambawatta Complex that’s basically a designer coffee break in disguise.

When I walked into Fleur, I instantly felt like I’d stepped into one of Bahl’s dreamy bridal lehengas—only this time, it was a café. Think soft florals, tons of natural light, and an outdoor canopy that looks straight out of a European garden party. The 30-seater café, is chic but cozy, like someone blended the glamour of couture with the ease of your next-door café. It’s the perfect spot to park yourself between bridal appointments.

Fleur’s menu taps into café culture from across the globe, with everything from falafel-filled Habibi sandwiches to the classic Tiramisu. I wasn’t sure where to begin until a lovely server nudged me toward the Please Me Prawn from the small plates section. These prawns were a revelation—juicy, perfectly cooked, and served with a tangy passion fruit sauce that hit all the right notes of sweet and tart. But wait, it gets better. They came with a side of warm focaccia bread, the perfect vehicle to mop up every last bit of that sauce. It’s light, flavourful, and exactly what you need to reward yourself for surviving yet another outfit fitting.

While waiting for the next dish, I noticed a little dog sniffing around our table. Unlike many spots in Delhi, Café Fleur is pet-friendly, and honestly, nothing elevates a meal like an unexpected furry visitor. The pup trotted off eventually, lured by its owner’s apologetic cries, but the sweet touch made the café feel even more welcoming.

Next up was the Flaky Margherita, and let me just say, this is not your average pizza. Chef Jaspreet Singh came by to explain the inspiration behind the base—filo pastry. The crust was buttery, crisp, and so light that it practically shattered when you bit into it. Topped with gooey mozzarella and fresh tomato, it was comfort food gone gourmet. The best part? It was filling without being heavy, so you can easily dive back into your bridal shopping marathon without feeling like you need a nap.

Of course, no brunch is complete without dessert. I’m not usually a fan of heavily milk-based desserts, but the Tres Leches at Fleur might just win over those who are. This cake is soaked in three kinds of milk, giving it a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels indulgent without being too rich. Pair it with the Himalayan Salt Mocha, which is basically a rich chocolatey drink with a salty kick, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate sweet escape.

As I lingered over my Mocha, I couldn’t help but admire how the café feels almost like an extension of Bahl’s store. Globally, luxury houses like Louis Vuitton, Armani, and Fendi have long cultivated an aesthetic that extends beyond couture and into cafés and restaurants. Bahl seems to be taking this trend forward in India with Fleur.

As a self-confessed foodie, Bahl was deeply involved in curating the menu, working closely with food consultant and co-founder of the Delhi-based dessert haven, Paris My Love, Sahil Mehta. From Bahl’s favourite linguine bowl to other thoughtfully-crafted items, every bite mirrors his meticulous approach to design. “We plan to open more because the response has been great. The next will be in Hyderabad, followed by Mumbai. People love the place, love the vibe, love the music, love the food,” says the designer-turned-restaurateur, who is often spotted at Fleur, going table to table ensuring his guests are having a good time. 

Café Fleur’s got all the finesse you’d expect from someone like Bahl, but it’s also super approachable. So, go for the food, stay for the vibe, and leave feeling like you’ve treated yourself to a little slice of designer heaven.

Meal for two: ₹3,000 approx

Timings: 11am to 7:30pm

Address: Ambawatta Complex, Mehrauli, New Delhi

For reservations, call: +91 9309353053 | +91 9999556602

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