New Delhi, Nov 26: L’Opéra, Delhi’s premier French pâtisserie and salon de thé, in collaboration with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), has inaugurated Café du Jardin at Asita Park, unveiling a nature-immersed outdoor dining destination along the restored Yamuna floodplain. The launch welcomed over 300 guests, including 11 ambassadors, 30 diplomats, senior government officials, cultural patrons, business leaders, nature enthusiasts, and families—celebrating Delhi’s renewed connection with its river.
Nestled within 197 hectares of revitalised green landscapes, wetlands, riverine grasslands, and thriving bird habitats, Café du Jardin offers a serene open-air café experience designed to bring people closer to nature while fostering community, culture, and meaningful engagement with the outdoors.
Leadership Remarks
Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, said:
“This café is another step forward in bringing people closer to their river. Made of fully biodegradable structures, it provides Delhi with an accessible, modern riverfront it has long been deprived of.”
Dr. Kazem Samandari, Executive Chairman of L’Opéra, remarked:
“For more than a decade, L’Opéra has curated experiences rooted in elegance and authenticity. With Café du Jardin at Asita, we have created a unique outdoor concept that blends French culinary heritage with Delhi’s reawakening natural corridors. It is a place for calm, community, and meaningful connection with nature.”
Dr. Christine Samandari, Co-Founder of L’Opéra, added:
“Café du Jardin is an invitation to pause to enjoy food, nature, and each other. Asita Park has revived a serenity that Delhi has missed, and we are honoured to contribute to a space that brings joy, reflection, and community together beside the Yamuna.”
A New Kind of Riverside Experience
Café du Jardin offers a curated menu of freshly prepared light meals, artisanal French bakery and patisserie items, refreshing beverages, and picnic-friendly options for walkers, cyclists, families, and visitors exploring Asita Park. The café overlooks panoramic views of the restored floodplain and is supported by eco-sensitive features such as golf-cart accessibility and structures integrated seamlessly into the natural surroundings.
To enhance visitor experience, the INR 50 park entry ticket is fully redeemable at the café, encouraging guests to spend more time engaging with the riverside environment.
Asita Park A Landmark in Ecological Revival
Once a neglected stretch contributing to river pollution, Asita has undergone a remarkable transformation into a vibrant green public space, home to millions of grasses and trees and nearly 200 species of migratory birds. This revival has been made possible through extensive ecological restoration and sustainable urban planning.
In the coming months, Asita will introduce Delhi’s first hot air balloon experience, offering visitors a unique aerial perspective of the riverfront and its flourishing natural habitats.
Launch Day Highlights
Guests began the event with a guided walk through the wetlands and nature trails before gathering at Café du Jardin for a relaxed French-style outdoor brunch. Many described the café as “Delhi’s new riverside haven”, applauding its harmonious blend of natural tranquility, cultural space, and European café charm.
Leave a Reply