A Mediterranean Escape in the Heart of Gurgaon

Located on Golf Course Road in Gurgaon, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Sorbo has a large space that seats around 160 people, 60 of whom are indoors and around 100 outside on an airy terrace. The first thing I noticed about the restaurant was the mood. The design leans towards warm Moroccan accents without feeling theatrical, creating an atmosphere that feels relaxed rather than loud. The interiors designed by Manav Dangg of Studiio Dangg seem to focus on exactly this idea; an emotional space where people can sit back, talk and let the evening drag on a little longer.

Sorbo was founded by Bhagyesh Tekriwal and Utkarsh Khandelia, two entrepreneurs who approach hospitality from slightly different angles. One brings a business perspective, while the other is deeply involved in kitchen management. Khandelia, who is also a chef, prepared the menu with a sense of moderation. Rather than constantly changing special menus, the kitchen stays focused on offerings, occasionally introducing seasonal additions when they feel meaningful rather than just trendy.

This philosophy emerges at the table. The food here is broadly Mediterranean-based but not strictly tied to geography. Some dishes are inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine, while others reflect European cafe-style comfort. Rather than strict originality, the approach places more emphasis on balancing flavors to appeal to diners accustomed to exploring world cuisine.

One of the first recommendations was for appetizer-style plates, especially the mushroom preparation, which was appreciated even by those who claimed to dislike mushrooms. Another signature dish for vegetarians will be the charcuterie with cheese. What stood out more than any single dish was the attention to presentation. The plates are colorful and inviting. When you dine out, especially in a city like Gurgaon where the restaurant scene is constantly evolving, how a food looks before the first bite is almost as important as how it tastes. Plus, don’t we all like to let our cameras eat first?

Another point of interest, I was told, is the Mandi-inspired rice dish, a slow-cooked Middle Eastern preparation that shares some conceptual ground with biryani but carries a lighter profile. It’s fragrant rather than heavy, with spices present but not overwhelming. It reflects the cuisine’s attempt to reinterpret familiar comfort dishes within a Mediterranean framework.

Sorbo also attaches great importance to its beverage program. While the food sets the tone for a casual meal, the cocktail menu seems designed for evenings when the terrace is packed and the music gets a little louder. Most of the cocktails are developed in-house, with Tekriwal closely involved in experimenting with flavor combinations. Tequila-based drinks seem to be a particular favorite here. Highly recommended are Casablanca breeze, Marrakech sunset, and there are also classics like Manhattan, Cosmopolitan. These are the kind of drinks that feel refreshing without trying too hard to be complex.

The terrace itself is an important part of the experience. During the day it has a quieter cafe feel, but in the evening it becomes the heart of the restaurant. Sunday breakfasts and late dinners seem to attract a casual crowd, and although reservations are accepted, the restaurant keeps its doors open to guests. This sense of accessibility adds to the relaxed character of the space.

What makes Sorbo particularly appealing is that the restaurant doesn’t try to overwhelm its customers with over-the-top theatrics. Instead, he focuses on creating a comfortable environment where food, drink and conversation can take center stage and such simplicity can be refreshing for guests.

Sorbo may not scream for attention, but it does offer a space where people can relax, share a good meal, and let the night progress at its own pace.