My friend Adrienne is always up on the hot, new restaurants so when she asked me to meet her at Delicia in SoBro (south Broad Ripple area), I was super excited. I had never heard of the restaurant so I was curious to know what it was all about. Also, I know her taste in food, therefore I knew it was going to be out of the box dining in a super cool setting. I was right.
I pulled into the small parking lot of the restaurant to find no parking spots. I knew it was prime dinner time, but still had mixed feelings about parking a block away. I was upset I had to walk a block in heels, but realized “it’s probably packed for a reason.”
I entered the former video store and was amazed at its transformation. The Latin chic décor was inviting and cozy.
I found my friend and sat down to begin my evening of food and good conversation. As we caught up on each other’s lives, waiters attended to our every need. Any time my water glass was half empty, someone would come by to fill it. Our main waiter was also well versed in Delicia’s menu.
He enticed us to begin our meal with an appetizer. We chose the guacamole. I must admit, it wasn’t the best, but it came in at a close second.
For my entrée, I chose the Tamal Corn Cakes made with tamal cakes (which reminded me of cornbread), barbacoa beef (or shredded beef), pico de gallo, cilantro-lime crema and queso fresco.
This was one of the best meals I have eaten in a long time. The tamal was on the bottom and the meat covered the cakes. Normally I don’t care for my food to…mesh…but in this instance, it was perfect together. Each bite of tamal, beef and toppings was even more delicious than the last.
My friend had the Pork Carnitas Tacos made with carnitas (or meat), salsa fresca, lime, stewed black beans and served with herbed green rice. Her three tacos were artful, but not overly fancy. She said her dinner was delicious as well.
Being that it was a girl’s night, we decided to get dessert. Adrienne ordered the classic Latin custard, flan, and I ordered another classic, tres leches, a sponge cake soaked in milk with lime meringue, rum and tomato marmalade.
It was heavenly and rich. I paired it with a cup of coffee while my friend and I finished up our conversation.
Honestly, if my friend didn’t have to leave, I believe we could have sat in that restaurant for hours primarily for our good conversation, but also for the service, food and atmosphere that made it so comfortable. The NBA Playoffs were even on the flat screens at the bar near our table, and that didn’t deter our relaxing evening.
I must say that Delicia is not cheap, however you get what you pay for. My meal portion was huge and, in my opinion, worth the $16. My friend and I spent about $35 each on our meals. It’s also not for those without a sophisticated palate. They serve some well-known items and flavors, but they also serve items like octopus salad and stewed duck.
I am certainly going back to Delicia for dinner. They do upscale Latin food right and in addition to being the perfect spot for meeting friends, and it is certainly romantic enough for a date.
Next time you want upscale authentic Latin food, try Delicia.
For more information, call (317) 925-0677 or visit DeliciaIndy.com.
