Growing up, I always saw my family hunting for a neighbourhood pizza spot in Jaipur. With no choice, we would often satisfy our pizza cravings with dinner at Steams at Rambagh Palace, though it meant dressing up each weekend, which we hated.
Much later, we stumbled upon Praddy (formerly Tinder Box), which introduced the Jaipur masses to Neapolitan pizza. Praddy was where we were found every other Sunday. Soon enough, it shut shop, and we were again left with Steams and Giardino (at The Jai Mahal Palace).
Very recently, during a visit to the city, I complained to a friend about how much I missed our beloved Praddy’s and how hard it was to find a good pizza in Jaipur.
“Have you been to Opera?” he was quick to ask. Despite its proximity to my residence, I had not been there. I was assured that a meal at the pizzeria would mark the end of my hunt for a well-done pizza in the Pink City.
Well, with great expectations, I planned my visit for the weekend. Housed inside a 100-year-old Jaipur bungalow, Opera was buzzing with diners. A table was left empty for not more than a minute, and I was impressed to see Jaipur dine in that fashion. The space was airy, chic, and resembled the house I had grown up in. I felt as if I was dining on my own dining table and most Jaipur dwellers who have grown up in the walled city, would relate to it.
After securing my spot, I went berserk with my order. Read on to see everything that arrived and everything I liked.
Go Wisely Wild
For starters, try the salads. I ordered Insalata Mista, which featured all the regular greens and veggies, but the olive tapenade dressing was what tied the entire plate together. Next, from the small plates, I picked lotus stem with burrata. I never knew lotus stems could be enjoyed in a non-Chinese or non-soya way, but these peri-peri-tossed lotus stems, paired with burrata, were a surprisingly super combo. The quality of the burrata used at the restaurant was better than any other I had tried in Jaipur, including at the city’s five-star hotels. Whether you are a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian, the list of small plates is likely to leave you spoilt for choice.
The truffle cheese garlic bread was the second pick from the selection. I was not a fan of this one because the truffle was trying too hard to shine, but still missed the mark.
I am a very picky pasta eater, but I also know exactly what I like. I enjoy creaminess, but just enough to let all other ingredients shine through, and I like freshly-rolled pasta al dente. For a safe start, I went in with the Gorgonzola Fettuccine. Please note: it was the first time I had read “gorgonzola” on a menu in Jaipur. With the first bite, I knew it was one of the best pasta dishes I had had in the city. It was creamy at the right levels, and throughout the cheese I could taste hints of truffle oil (the only other ingredient in the pasta). If you are a pasta lover, go for this one if nothing else.
Left impressed, I couldn’t help but go for a riskier pick: Mushroom Goat Cheese. It featured simple mushroom-and-cheese-filled ravioli set in a pool of harissa-bell pepper sauce. The former was nothing great, but when paired with the sauce, it worked. It added the spice and kick that the mushroom and goat cheese needed. It was a balanced bite.
Now down to the slices (which came huge at Opera). I started with a classic Farmhouse pizza. Nothing out of the world with the topping, but the marinara and the base were what truly stood out for me. A bite into it, and I knew that Opera was spending some time thinking about their pizza dough. The marinara, which I don’t think is very tough to crack, was well done, too. It was topped with your classic corn, olive, zucchini, onion rings, and much more, but order it for the dough and the marinara.
Second up was their truffle and edamame. I didn’t learn my lesson with the truffle cheese garlic bread (owing to my love for truffle), but this one didn’t impress as much as the Farmhouse did. I knew this was by chance, so I signed up for my third pizza order: The Pesto Artichoke. Another risky choice, but this one was incredibly done.
Finally, I decided to close with a skillet cookie. While the trend has been around in Delhi for long enough, it was the first time I was trying the cookie in Jaipur. Served piping hot, I chose the Callebaut Choco variant, which came with pineapples. I am not a fan of pineapple with chocolate (or on pizza), so I asked for it on the sides. There was nothing that wasn’t working in the dessert. Decadent, chocolaty, and everything delicious in one small, hot pan.
Sip Away
The mocktails at Opera are as good as the cocktails. So even if you are a teetotaler, you will find your sip. I started with Peaches at Dusk. The peach puree paired well with the vanilla syrup and it was a mocktail I could choose over any other drink from the menu. Berry Lime and Prohibition Fizz are two other drinks you could order if going no alcohol.
If otherwise, wine is your best bet. But from the cocktails, go for the gin-based Velvet Blush or Tropical Buzz with tequila, orange juice, and coconut milk. They also serve a range of classic cocktails, juices, shakes, coffee, and smoothie bowls. The place is definitely more food forward and that’s what they are aiming for, but drinks pair equally well with the meal.
Read more: Jaipur Is Entering Its Coffee Smart Era And These Spots Prove It
Also read: These New Openings In Jaipur Are Worth Featuring On Your Must-Dine Lists
