Pune has always been underrated when it comes to its food establishments. While there are classic old haunts that induce nostalgia, in the last decade, the city has seen ingredient forward, cuisine agnostic, experimental kitchens, eclectic bars, homegrown breweries and artisanal cafes. Pune's contemporary dining scene is vibrant and diverse, reflecting the city's cosmopolitan nature and evolving culinary tastes. Areas like Koregaon Park, Kalyani Nagar, and Baner are culinary hotspots, featuring trendy establishments that cater to a variety of palates.
Innovative chefs in Pune experiment with flavours and presentation, often incorporating organic and locally sourced ingredients. Farm-to-table concepts and health-conscious menus are increasingly popular, appealing to a growing number of health enthusiasts. Whether you are a foodie seeking new experiences or someone looking to indulge in comfort food, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a list of the latest entrants in this dynamic space.
Loam
A 34-seater bistro and artisanal cheese bar in Kalyani Nagar, Loam is helmed by husband-wife duo Masoom Shah and Manya Bhardwaj. Masoom is an Engineer, MBA turned Food Entrepreneur and Manya was a practising lawyer before she decided to start making cheese at home, which eventually found its way into the current setup. The duo teamed up with celebrated Chef Meha Kumar who has years of experience working at Michelin-starred restaurants by Paco Perez.
Positioned as an all-day-breakfast place, Loam has a menu which has been carefully curated by Kumar. You can pick from a range of eggs, sandwiches, bowls, house made pastas and salads, signature warm and cold beverages along with a curated selection of specialty teas and coffees. There is a separate section called ‘From the Formagerie’ where one can sample and pick a range of fresh and aged artisanal cheeses along with a curated range of retail products, including baked goods, which complement the cheese.
Location: https://g.co/kgs/e91WvbB
Address: Road Number 13, Kalyani Nagar, near Joggers Park. Pune 411006
Phone Number: +91 8766782908
USP Dishes: Eggs Benedict, Jammy Eggs, Traditional French Fold Omelettes; From the Wok seasonal Veggie Bowl; Signature Sandwiches; classic Italian hand rolled pastas and an entire section of From the fromagerie highlighting the cheeses.
Available Cuisine: Cuisine agnostic
Type: Veg and Non vegetarian
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Timings: 8.30 am - 9 pm
Cost For Two: Rs 1,500
Ground Up
The 2.0 version of Chef Gayatri Desai’s Ground Up is a fermentary and a 15- seater rooftop dining space, located in her family home in Shivajinagar. Desai found inspiration in the Izakaya culture in Japan. Ground Up will serve a 5-course tasting menu that is not disclosed prior and changes often. The experimental kitchen also boasts of Desai’s made from scratch - artisanal tofu, house made sodas such as toasted brown rice koji, smoked mango and turmeric, mint and bread. Smoked ham and infused pork experiments can also be looked forward to, in the menu.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wcs8gUCZX9ZBg5T38
Address: Sneh Riviera Apartments, Terrace floor, Rage Path, Model Colony, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411016.
Timings: 7 pm to 10 pm
Cost for two: 4,000
Available Cuisines: Cuisine Agnostic
Type: Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Dinner
USP Dishes: Dishes that combine seasonal produce, with smoked, cured and fermented vegetables and meats.
Joey’s Bistro & Bar
A friendly neighbourhood cafe, inspired by Joey Tribbiani from everyone’s favourite TV show Friends, is a perfect spot for professionals who work remotely, friends who want to catch up, and families to enjoy a meal together.
The menu is diverse with a mix of European favourites such as classic Italian pasta, hearty sandwiches and desi curries. With a concept called ‘Around the World with Joey’ the menu imagines what dishes the iconic character would enjoy if he travelled the globe, adding a playful twist to the offerings. There’s also a selection of themed cocktails, classic drinks, premium coffee and a curated playlist of World Music to go with it.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YuCwrDdbGqyzgmbV6?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
Address: Shop No 8/9, The Capital, Baner - Pashan Link Rd, near Regent Plaza Mall, Baner. Pune.
Phone Number: +91 8766782908
USP Dishes: Fettuccine, Joey’s Tandoori Butter Chicken, Frozen Burrata, Tiramisu, Chocolate Cake.
Available Cuisine: European and Indian
Type: Veg and Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner
Timings: 12 pm - 1 am
Cost For Two: Rs 1,600
IHOP
In 2022, the popular American brand debuted in West India, starting with Mumbai. IHOP recently opened its first outpost in Pune in collaboration with Bedrock Food Company Pvt Ltd (the guys who brought Subway and Krispy Kreme to India.) IHOP's signature style is their all-day breakfast options.
The American diner has a cosy indoor setting for about 32 people plus and outdoor space that can seat about 40. The menu features traditional breakfast classics like pancakes, waffles, omelettes, and French toast to hearty lunch and dinner options such as burgers, sandwiches, salads, and main courses.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/24eTEgiMZ2F7UB4E9?g_st=ic
Phone Number: +91 9999184486
USP Dishes: Buttermilk Pancake, Chocochip Pancake, Mushroom Pasta, Classic Chicken Burger, Mega Monster Burger, Strawberry Banana Nutella Waffle
Address: 2nd floor, The Pavillion Mall, Senapati Bapat Rd, next to JW Marriott Hotel, Laxmi Society, Model Colony, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharashtra 41101
Timings: 9 am – 11 pm
Cost for two: Rs 1,500
Available Cuisines: Fast food, American, Italian, Continental, Desserts & Bakes
Type: Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Merchant & Me
While the brand’s first restaurant Mister Merchant’s opened a year ago in Kalyani Nagar, the new outpost called Merchant & Me is located in Wakad is all set to open in the first week of July. This version is a bar forward space, complemented by a menu that serves fun casual dining fare. The food is inspired by the forgotten spice route and the bar aims to be a hub for those looking for a blend of tradition and innovation.
The place will serve ‘Contemporary Indian Mezze’, think Saffron Chicken Cigars, Mushroom & Truffle Baklava, Indian and Iranian kebabs,dhaba-inspired Thecha & Curry Leaf Hummus and juicy Chicken Joojeh Masti.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qLPqyWSxM5ZtQKiM7?g_st=ic
Phone Number: 9765562202
USP Dishes: Kala Mutton Hummus, Yoghurt & Mango Gallets, Egyptian Koshari, Knafeh Ice Cream Stick
Address: Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, 2nd floor, Wakad Pune.
Timings: 12 pm - 11:30 pm
Cost for two: Rs 1200
Available Cuisines: Modern Indian Mezze
Type: Vegetarian And Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Lunch and Dinner
Jubilee
The newly launched cafe sits in a pretty corner in Koregaon Park. Jubilee is the brainchild of the team that also helms Sante Spa Cuisine. On the menu are artisanal breads, unique coffee blends, delicious desserts and heady, tropical cocktails. Look out for freshly baked Sourdough, Asian-inspired pinwheels, European-style open sandwiches, Shroomburg Sliders, Roasted and Garlic Butter Taters.
Located within a 1970s structure, the décor at Jubilee draws inspiration from ‘the creativity of Willy Wonka and Alice In Wonderland. The vibe is funky and the pops of glossy colours hopes to transport diners to Vegas in the 70s.
Location: https://maps.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x3bc2c1fb8d4474a3:0x623d82ae592b7002?entry=s&sa=X&ved=1t:8290&hl=en-GB&ictx=111
Phone Number: +91 9272102369
USP Dishes: Gelatos, Exotic Coffees
Address. Jubilee, Plot No 19, Lane No.1, Near Osho International
Sunderban Resort &Spa, Koregaon Park-411001
Timings: 11 am to 11pm
Cost for two: Rs 600
Available Cuisines: European and Asian
Type: Vegetarian
Meals Served: Brunch, lunch, high tea, dinner and supper
Eclectic Village
A new dining space called Eclectic Village, with multiple restaurants all sitting next to each other, on the third floor of Phoenix Mall of the Millennium at Wakad, is the new age luxury food court. The space houses outposts of the award winning, modern Indian restaurant Ishaara, where staff members are hearing-impaired and communicate with diners using sign language, a pan-Asian diner called Eight and Poult that serves all things chicken. There are also other popular eateries such as Punjab Grill, Asia Kitchen-By mainland China, The Irish house and Pizza Express and You Mee.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DtQeXtvMQsuMcBJv9
Phone Number: +91 7720010611
USP Dishes: Sashimi and Sushi from Eight, Butter chicken from Ishaara, Happy Hours at The Irish House, 15" pizzas from Caffe Allora, Salads from Aromas Cafe, Ramen from You Mee, Dimsums from Asia Kitchen by Mainland China, Lamb kebab from Punjab Grill, Burgers from Poult.
Address: Eclectic Village, 3rd Floor, Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, Wakad, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra 411057
Timings: 10 am to 1 am
Cost for two: Rs 1,600
Available Cuisines: Indian, Pan-Asian, Continental, Tex-Mex, Bar, All day dining, Fast Food
Type: Vegetarian, Non Vegetarian and Vegan
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner