Café du Jardin Opens at Asita Park: L’Opéra and DDA Unveil Delhi’s First French-Style Riverside Outdoor Café
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurates Café du Jardin at Asita Biodiversity Park, blending French culinary heritage with Yamuna riverfront restoration efforts.
New Delhi [India], November 28: Marking a significant milestone in Delhi’s ecological and cultural revival, a French-inspired open-air café experience has made its debut along the rejuvenated Yamuna floodplain—blending nature, community, and timeless European charm.
On 26 November 2025, L’Opéra, the Capital’s renowned French pâtisserie and salon de thé, in partnership with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), formally unveiled Café du Jardin at Asita Park. The launch introduces a riverside, nature-immersed café concept designed to reconnect Delhiites with the Yamuna through an experience that is both tranquil and distinctly Parisian.
The inauguration drew an impressive gathering of over 300 guests, including 11 ambassadors, 30 diplomats, senior government officials, cultural connoisseurs, business leaders, nature lovers, and families—reflecting the city’s growing appetite for meaningful riverfront engagement.
Set within 197 hectares of restored wetlands, vibrant greenery, and flourishing bird habitats, Café du Jardin serves as an elegant outdoor retreat. The space has been thoughtfully crafted to encourage relaxation, community interaction, and cultural exploration—while bringing visitors closer to the natural beauty of the Yamuna floodplain.
Leadership Remarks
Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, remarked:
“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, L’Opéra, said:
“With Café du Jardin at Asita, we have created a unique outdoor concept that blends French culinary heritage with Delhi’s reawakening natural corridors.”
Dr. Christine Samandari, Co-Founder, L’Opéra, added:
“Café du Jardin is an invitation to pause — to enjoy food, nature, and each other. We are honoured to contribute to a space that brings joy, reflection, and community beside the Yamuna.”
A Fresh Riverside Experience for Delhi
Café du Jardin offers a thoughtfully curated selection of freshly prepared light meals, artisanal French bakery and patisserie, refreshing beverages, and picnic-friendly options for walkers, cyclists, families, and park visitors.
The café’s biodegradable structure blends seamlessly into the landscape and offers panoramic views of restored wetlands and riverine grasslands. Golf-cart access and eco-sensitive design make the experience both comfortable and environmentally responsible.
As an added convenience, the ₹50 park entry ticket is redeemable at the café, encouraging visitors to enjoy the full riverside experience.
Asita Park: Delhi’s Model for Urban Ecological Restoration
Once a neglected, polluted stretch, Asita has undergone one of Delhi’s most significant ecological transformations. Today, it features millions of native grasses and trees, restored wetlands, and nearly 200 species of migratory birds, becoming an urban biodiversity hotspot.
In the coming months, Asita Park will launch Delhi’s first hot air balloon experience, offering aerial views of the rejuvenated Yamuna floodplain.
Launch Day Highlights
Guests enjoyed a guided ecological walk through the wetlands, followed by a French-style outdoor brunch at Café du Jardin. Many described it as “Delhi’s new riverside haven”, praising its harmony of natural serenity, community life, and French café elegance.
About L’Opéra
Founded in 2008, L’Opéra is India’s leading French Pastry & Bakery House, Salon de Thé, and Café Restaurant, known for its commitment to excellence and traditional French savoir-faire. Conceived by Laurent Samandari, and led by Dr. Kazem Samandari and Dr. Christine Samandari, L’Opéra upholds the highest standards of French culinary craftsmanship.
The brand operates through three formats: its classic Pâtisserie & Boulangerie boutiques, its upscale Le Café concept, and Café du Jardin, its new nature-driven outdoor dining experience.
