In Pune? Don't Miss These 10 Iconic Eateries
Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra, has become the melting pot of all cultures and their culinary traditions. From being the educational hub of the country to the I-T destination for computer geeks, the city has come a long way. The influx of migrants from all the nooks and corners of India, and foreign professionals, has escalated the demand for various regional and world cuisines. Its favourable climate throughout the year, proximity to the Hindi film industry and the rise of the urban middle class have turned the city into one of the most sought-after gastronomic destinations. The erstwhile centre of power for the Marathas offers ample places for palate delight to suit all budgets. After residing in Pune for nine years, I have become very much a part of this glorious transformation. Here's my pick of Pune's top 10 eateries:
Dario's
Located right opposite the Osho Ashram in Koregaon Park, this little, quaint Italian place is a crowd-puller. Visit this place for a relaxed Sunday brunch. Its serene and comforting yet stylish ambience is beautifully done with paintings, fancy lights and cozy Euro-styled furniture. Known best for ceaser salad, crepes al cioccolato, nachos piccanti, pane aglio burro formaggio, chocolate crepes, torta pipolino, don't forget to try its woodfire baked classic Italian and carduni pizza made in a traditional way.
Malaka Spice
Another gem in Pune's food scene is the south east Asian eatery Malaka spice. Though the place is a little heavy on the pocket, you would not regret splurging there. A perfect place to dine with family and friends in the backdrop of a beautiful décor, this place has an esteemed art gallery and hosts a caricature artist where you can get your sketch made. The joint has a unique Pan Asian menu which they keep on changing and experimenting every season. Asian-fusion dishes from Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Burma are reinvented and modernized by expert chefs and cooked to the perfection. Try their dark beer and signature dishes lamb chops, three aunties and grandmother, lotus stem tango, duck dishes, Burmese curry noodles and lobster in cream sauce. Prior reservation comes handy as the place is always jam-packed.
German Bakery
A perfect place to hang out with friends, German Bakery is a popular eating and hang-out joints for youngsters and foreigners alike. Located in the upscale Koregaon Park, it is easy to spot. After the infamous blast, the owners have revived the bakery with good interiors and more specialties added to the menu. You must try out their famous Shrewsbury biscuits, red velvet cake, kheema pav, and the mango cheesecake.
Kayani Bakery
A bakery teeming with hundreds every day, Kayani Bakery serves some of the most delectable cakes and breads in Pune. Standing in long queues will be no deterrent as the aroma of freshly baked bread would make you come over and over again. The bakery is famous for their choco-walnut cake, ginger biscuits, Shrewsbury biscuits, mawa cakes and coffee crunch.
1000 Oaks
A perfect place to start your weekend, 1000 Oaks in Camp will never disappoint you with its classy décor and mouthwatering drinks and delicacies. Hang out with your friends and colleagues and enjoy cocktails, including the 'Barman's Pitcher'. Order some of their signature fries along with pizza & mushroom croquette.
Yana Sizzlers & Wok
Located in the Gold Adlabs Mall in Kalyani Nagar as well on the F C Road, this place is definitely a fine place for all sizzler lovers. Their menu, which is largely pocket friendly, offers a large variety of sizzlers along with some coolest drinks and desserts. My all-time favorites are chicken chilly sizzler, Malaysian grilled chicken salami sizzler along with ice tea.
Marz-O-Rin
An amazing place to grab some quick bites while shopping in M.G Road. One of the oldest places in Pune that serve quick mini dishes, Marz-O- Rin is always crowded and loved by the people. Their brilliant food, especially those chutney and chicken sandwiches, Spicy pasta, fruit punch and a hot coffee can give an instant boost for some extra shopping.
Vohuman Café
This is another extraordinary place located near Ruby Hall Clinic, where you can have the most delectable breakfast. Start your day with the best bun and cheese omlette, which is very cheap and fulfilling at the same time.
Vaishali
One of the oldest restaurants in Pune, Vaishali remained the heritage of Pune over the decades. This place is famous for Mysore masala dosa, Sev-puri, pao bhaji, Vaishali special dosa, dahi-vada etc. I would strongly recommend the dosas which would make you a fan of this magnificent yet simple, pocket friendly place.
Irish House
The restaurant is absolutely brilliant with its appetizing starters, drinks and ambience. Located in the Phoenix market city, its classy décor and quintessential Irish Pub setting would make you feel sitting in a pub in Ireland. Grab a chilled beer with chicken wings and nachos. My favorite is the Irish Lion Chicken Tenders. This place would definitely impress you with the quality of food and liquor as well as their vibrant music.