Inside Zetu, Delhi’s new contemporary Sri Lankan restaurant

They say it is always cooler under a banyan tree. Sitting in the open, indoor-outdoor expanse of Zetu, the new 175-seater at 1AQ in Mehrauli, we find ourselves agreeing with this ancient wisdom. Though, we are not sure if the comfort is due to the majestic, 500-year-old banyan tree anchoring the courtyard or strategically placed outdoor AC vents, we are grateful for it, along with the fresh coconut water with greets us at the gate before a short buggy ride drops us at Zetu, built around contemporary Sri-Lankan cuisine . Settle into one of the cabanas on the rooftop, pull up a chair at the long tables in the outdoor section or grab yourself a cozy corner inside, and any expectation of a stuffy, high-concept design environment evaporates. Surrounded by lush greenery and tropical architecture inspired by legendary Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa , the space feels sophisticated yet unpretentious.