Top 10 Restaurants In Pune

With an expected population of 7.4 million as of 2020, Pune is the seventh most populated city in India and the second-largest metropolis in the state of Maharashtra.

It has been named “India’s most desirable place to live” numerous times. The metropolis was the home of the Peshwas, the Maratha Empire’s prime ministers, and among the most significant political centers on the Subcontinent in the 18th century. Pune is commonly recognized as India’s second-largest “IT powerhouse” and top “automotive sector and industrial hub.”

Pune has a diverse spectrum of educational institutions and thus is renowned as the Oxford of the East. The city was known as Punnaka and Punyapur under the Rashtrakuta kingdom, but the Yadava monarchy renamed it Punakavishaya and Punya Vishaya.

When the city was under the authority of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s father, Shahaji Raje Bhosale, it was known as Kasbe Pune. The only time the city’s name changed was when Mughal emperor Aurangzeb renamed it Muhiyabad. However, immediately after Aurangzeb’s death, the name was changed to Poona in English during British control in 1857, and then to Pune in 1978.

Here’s a list of the top 10 restaurants that one should visit in Pune:

BAAN TAO

Featuring pan-Asian cuisine, Baan Tao at the Hyatt Hotel is especially popular for its Chinese and Thai cuisine, which is prepared to precision by one of the top Thai cooks in town. At Hyatt Pune’s Baan Tao, take your senses on a gourmet voyage of Asian flavors. The 18-foot fountain, dazzling lighting, and stylish seats will take your breath away the moment you step in. The crisp papaya salad and the delicious tamarind-cooked fish are both highly recommended.

The eating rooms are likewise designed as follows: a serene tea room with a soothing waterfall, Thai pavilions centered on a serene oasis and a tiny Chinese pavilion for romantic hideaways. Some of the fantastic delicacies that you must taste here are the crab meat and the Xi-Hu soup. Every Thursday, the restaurant changes into an Asian street food festival, where diners may try dim sum packets and shabu shabu Japanese hot pots.

Cost for two: 3000 INR    

Address: Hyatt Pune, 88, Nagar Rd, Adjacent to Aga Khan Palace, Palace View Society, Kalyani Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411006

SHIZUSAN

After a day of shopping, stop into Shizusan, an Asian ‘pop’ cafe in Phoenix Market City. The post-modern restaurant is inspired by the imperial notion of a shophouse, an 18th-century Asiatic institution in which people built two-story residences that housed tea and opium beneath and brothels upstairs. Following the departure of the colonizers, the locals transformed them into working-class cafes.

The restaurant is a gourmet feast, serving real Japanese culinary gems such as Lattice Chicken Gyoza, the unique Lamb, and Leek Dim Sum, 12-hour Confit Pork Belly, and Pad Thai. Vegetarians should try the water chestnut and chives dim sum and the Penang laksa spicy lotus stem. Pulled chicken bao, Singapore chili crab, hibachi-style Japanese chili fried rice, Korean-style gochujang buri bop, otak otak, Chinese mantou buns, curry may be too much to try in one visit, but they are well worth returning for. For the ultimate finishing touch, get the Peanut Butter Pie or the Green Tea-Infused Tiramisu.

Cost for two: 2800 INR    

Address: Nagar Rd UG-65, Phoenix Market City, next to Apple Store, Viman Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411014

PAASHA

Pune is surrounded by cool air and a cityscape devoid of soaring high-rises jostling for space. Paasha is worth mentioning just for the rooftop views, which would be nothing short of breathtaking. While the balcony dining area offers city views, the inside décor has stunning chandeliers and a profusion of glass and mirrors, creating a glittering reflected environment. Guests have been found to spend long hours here sipping drinks and listening to live music.

Warm your taste buds with flavorful Mushroom Ki Galouti, Lasooni Jhinga, and Bhara Kebab before moving on to major courses like Paneer Lababdar, Lahori Sabzi, Peshwari Murg, and their distinctive Dal Paasha. Make room for a spoonful of their creamy Phirni or the all-time favorite, Gajar Ka Halwa. This one is for all of you who enjoy their meal to be gloriously sloppy.

Cost for two: 2500 INR    

Address: Senapati Bapat Rd, Laxmi Society, Model Colony, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411016

SAVYA RASA

The terracotta floored café, complete with braided seats and a vintage exhibit, is reminiscent of a visit to your grandparents’ house. The home-style meal, similar to that of your grandmother, is cooked with skill and affection. A comprehensive South Indian buffet with Nasrani, Malabari, Mangaluru, Mysuru, and Nellore dishes served on traditional banana leaves; each cuisine conveys a story about the state it came from via its various flavors.

We’d order their Pallipalayam Chicken Curry and fluffy Appam in a jiffy, and keep returning for delicious Kottu Curry – mixed veggies in a stew of shredded coconut, crushed pepper, onions, and green chilies. Their drinks are themed and easy to drink. Take a sip of the Betel Sour or the Kapitinni, both of which make excellent post-meal drinks.

Cost for two: 2500 INR    

Address: Gera Serenity Building, CTS No. 15, near Starbucks Cafe, Koregaon Park, Pune, Maharashtra 411001

MALAKA SPICE

Malaka Spice takes your palate senses on a gastronomic journey across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, and Cambodia, bringing native flavors from kitchens across South East Asia. Malaka Spice, one of the city’s finest recognized culinary places, is brimming with originality and ingenuity. The menu is similarly intriguing, with a ‘street food’ section featuring staples like vegetable and beef satay.

With lantern-lit patio eating, you may munch into Saigon Noodles that will remind you of your journey to Vietnam, or experience the flavors of Malaysia with the Penang Curry.

With bottles of wine expertly picked and imported from all over the world to complement the confluence of rich flavors, it’s no surprise that this one is at the top of our list of the finest restaurants in Pune. The facility also has an art gallery that has represented over 200 artists, as well as a caricature artist who creates caricatures of customers while they eat.

Cost for two: 2000 INR    

Address: Siddharth Chambers, Lane, Off, N Main Rd, Koregaon Park, Pune, Maharashtra 411001

1000 OAKS

1000 Oaks is a lovely restaurant on the city’s East Street. 1000 Oaks, one of Pune’s most upscale restaurants, offers a pleasant setting, fantastic ambiance, and a bucolic appearance. 1000 Oaks has become one of Pune’s top venues for romantic getaways. This establishment is best defined by its great music, fantastic atmosphere, and delicious cuisine. 1000 Oaks is ideal for couples in the city, as it has both indoor and outdoor dining.

1000 Oaks is a popular weekend resort for city-dwelling young people. It is a dine and wine establishment where you may order wonderful meals and your favorite drinks. Head to this location for an unforgettable dating experience and to unwind with your sweetie.

Cost for two: 1800 INR    

Address: 2417, East St, Camp, Pune, Maharashtra 411001

GERMAN BAKERY

German Bakery, which has been in business since 1988, is nothing short of a culinary institution in Pune. This famed bakery tucked away in the bylanes of Koregaon Park, attracts academics, expatriates, and visitors who visit the neighboring Osho Ashram.

This millennial favorite has created a name for itself with its speedy, cooked-to-order eggs, Barbequed Chicken Burger, and Fish ‘n’ Chips, as well as its laid-back cafe-style sitting outside and flaky pastries on display. Their shakes and sweets have won them a stellar reputation, so a cup of their renowned Frozen Hot Chocolate is a must.

Cost for two: 1500 INR    

Address: 292, N Main Rd, Ragvilas Society, Koregaon Park, Pune, Maharashtra 411001

LE PLAISIR

The legendary Prabhat Road cafe, bathed in soothing natural light, exhibits Chef Siddharth Mahadik’s sleight of hand, a Cordon Bleu alumnus. This small corner has established itself as one of Pune’s most sought-after restaurants, serving European food that includes exquisitely served French specialties and substantial Italian fare. Their repertoire has a variety of soulful soups, tartines, and salads made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, as well as a few healthier options.

Try their Honey Butter & Almond Flakes Crêpes or their French Toast with Maple Syrup and Mascarpone if you’re catching up over a hearty breakfast. While we’re on the topic of calories, you can’t leave without a mouthful of their decadent Espresso Panna Cotta and a selection of macarons.

Cost for two: 1200 INR    

Address: Rajkamal Survey No. 759/125, Prabhat Road, Opposite Cox and Kings, Near, Kelkar Nursing Home, Pune, Maharashtra 411004

VAISHALI

Vaishali is a simple restaurant that stands in juxtaposition to the pocket-heavy hotel, restaurants, despite being confusingly labeled as a hotel by the locals, as many Indian eateries are prone to do. The basic traditional South Indian dining establishment is just as popular as the more refined ones and is a particular favorite among the flourishing student community.

Vaishali is satisfied with the tastiest dosas, idlis, and uttapams prepared by the skilled team. The restaurant does not take reservations, but it is always packed with those who are lucky enough to arrive in time to get a seat, including local celebrities who have made this their favorite afternoon destination.

Cost for two: 700 INR      

Address: Fergusson College Rd, Ganeshwadi, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411005

BEDEKAR MISAL

Misal is the Pune equivalent of vada pav in Mumbai. In Delhi, it’s butter chicken. And what about showing bias? That is blasphemy. The city is littered with hole-in-the-wall restaurants serving some of the most daring misal – a devilish mixture of pulses, farsan, and fiery curry that will put your endurance to the test.

Over several years and several visits, we have concluded that Bedekar Tea Stall, undoubtedly, is one of Pune’s most renowned misal establishments. Their misal, which has been in business for over 40 years, hits the ideal blend of acidic, sweet, and spicy. A shoebox-sized café where a plate of misal for Rs. 70, they frequently have customers line up as early as 7 a.m. for a quick breakfast.

Cost for two: 250 INR      

Address: Rajkamal Survey No. 759/125, Prabhat Road, Opposite Cox and Kings, Near, Kelkar Nursing Home, Pune, Maharashtra 411004

Edited by Anupama Roy