Some evenings call for ease rather than excess — good food, balanced drinks and unhurried conversation. Izakaya at MEGU, the newly launched alfresco extension of MEGU at The Leela Palace New Delhi, answers that need with quiet confidence. It introduces a more relaxed, social way to experience Japanese dining, perfectly timed for Delhi’s winter evenings.
Bringing Japanese Izakaya Culture to Delhi
In Japan, izakayas are informal neighbourhood spaces where food and drink are meant to be shared, not staged. MEGU’s new izakaya format draws from this tradition while adapting it seamlessly to Delhi’s dining culture. It feels authentic without being rigid, and familiar without losing its Japanese soul — something that I can confidently say, going by my earlier Izakaya experiences in Japan.
Alfresco Dining with Thoughtful Comfort
The outdoor setting is central to the Megu Izakaya experience. A brightly lit, colourful bar counter injects energy into the space, while The Leela Palace’s understated elegance keeps it polished. Practical touches — air purifiers to counter pollution and flame heaters for cooler nights — ensure comfort remains uncompromised. Japanese-inspired Asian beats and live weekend DJ add to the momentum as the evening progresses. Light-hearted additions like mini golf greens for chipping and putting, keep the mood social rather than formal.
Japanese Small Plates Made for Sharing
The menu is anchored in small plates, designed to encourage sharing and easy ordering. Comfort-forward dishes like silken tofu with ginger pepper soy sit alongside crisp vegetables with mustard miso, while seafood options such as steamed seabass and baked spicy crab bring refinement without fuss. Heartier plates — including slow-cooked lamb with pepper garlic soy — ensure the menu remains satisfying for longer meals, whether you’re dining solo or with friends.
I also tried a few dishes coming out of MEGU’s main kitchen, each one quietly reinforcing the consistency the restaurant is known for. Much of that confidence on the plate reflects the hand of Chef Shubham Thakur, the young and dynamic Group Master Chef of Japanese cuisine at The Leela Hotels, whose growing recognition on platforms like The World’s 50 Best Discovery and Asia’s 50 Best feels well earned.
Cocktails, Sake and Japanese Whisky in the Spotlight
Drinks are where the izakaya identity truly shines. The cocktail list leans into Japanese influences with clarity and restraint, featuring well-constructed serves like Shinrin Highball, Nihon Noir and Kansei. Japanese whisky enthusiasts will find a thoughtfully curated selection, while the sake list — compact yet credible — spans classic Junmai and Ginjo styles, with a sparkling Awa sake adding a celebratory edge.
A Relaxed Social Space That Fits Delhi Perfectly
What sets Izakaya at MEGU apart is its ease. It works equally well for a quick after-work drink, a weekend gathering or an evening that unfolds slowly under the open sky. This is Japanese dining without ceremony — social, engaging and designed to be revisited.
