Dial 9.9.9 for food

Does 9.9.9 ring a bell? No more just the British emergency number, the triple nine gains a new meaning in City Beautiful.

Chandigarh’s a new address for style, stories and social buzz — 9.9.9, a gastro bar that’s already becoming the city’s favourite Instagram backdrop. The name, a playful shift in meaning — the “rescue” isn’t from crisis but from the ordinary. The space promises an escape from the mundane into a stunning world.

Step inside, the interiors borrow their poise from British architectural cues — the red telephone booth welcomes right at the start, green London townhouse vibe with open seating and different booths to accommodate big and small company. The lighting, textures, seating nooks and high-spirited vibe come together to create a setting that’s super photogenic. The well-stocked bar with its in-house alchemist Kumar Manglam, top is painted in Phulkari pattern.

The food and drinks strive high on fusion. The menu bridges contemporary Indian and European influences — comforting in flavour yet modern in presentation. Cocktails are styled and balanced to match the mood of the space. Crafted brews, expressive cocktails and plates with fusion flavours make it to the menu. From light bites to sharing plates and signature drinks — it offers variety. Scotch eggs are the star of small plates. Sourdough pizzas and herb-crusted lamb chops are the crowd favourites, followed by desserts a good mix of classics like chocolate cake with vanilla ice-cream and fresh takes ala key lime pie. Executive Chef Amrick Singh and Chef de Cuisine Prem, pleased with the menu, offer, “We have ensured that vegetarians get as much variety as the meat eaters.” Some of the dishes are pretty daring ala puffed pie – rich tomato gravy served with kulcha – desi flavours packed in videshi style; or kale chane hummus with garlic khamiri roti or Banarasi tamatar ki chaat with burrata (fresh sheese). Full points for innovation, for flavours depends on how adaptable you are.

JW hospitality remains at its best. While the design nods to Britain, the flavours wander across continents, the heart of the place remains grounded in the Punjabi generosity.