Where to Eat in Pune
Pune's best-known kitchens are small, old and vegetarian, and most of them sit in the old peths. Go early, carry cash as a backup, and check the weekly day off before you set out.
1 place
Camp
1 place
Deccan Gymkhana
1 place
Fergusson College Road
1 place
Narayan Peth
1 place
Sadashiv Peth
Not sure what to order? The Pune food guide starts from the dishes — what each one is, when to eat it, and which of these kitchens is known for it.
A misal morning in Narayan Peth
The misal house listed here as Bedekar Misal, in Narayan Peth, has been serving the same recipe for decades. The room is small and simple, there is often a queue at weekends, and people come for the misal above all. It is a short walk from Shaniwar Wada, so it fits well into a morning in the old town. It is usually closed on Mondays, so check before you go.
Chitale Bandhu, Bajirao Road
Chitale Bandhu is a sweet and namkeen shop rather than a restaurant. Buy bhakarwadi, barfi and seasonal sweets here to eat later or take home. The Bajirao Road shop is the original and is always busy, especially before festivals. The brand now has several branches around Pune.
Sujata Mastani, Sadashiv Peth
This is the name most Punekars give when you ask where to try a mastani. The mango mastani is the favourite in season, and the dry-fruit versions are available all year. It is a quick stop, so most people drink it standing up or at a small table.
Vaishali, FC Road
Vaishali has been a student hangout on Fergusson College Road for decades. People come for dosas, SPDP (a chaat of puris with sev, potato and curd) and filter coffee. There is often a wait at weekends and in the evenings, when college groups fill the tables. It is on the west side of the river, so pair it with Pataleshwar rather than the Aga Khan Palace.
Timing and practical tips
- Many old-town food shops take a weekly day off, often Monday, and some keep short hours on Sunday.
- Misal sells best in the morning, so go before noon for the full menu.
- Cards and UPI are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small counters.
- During Ganeshotsav, the old town is crowded and some roads close, so plan to walk.
Questions
Pune — FAQ
Where should I eat in Pune?
5 places are listed here, across 5 areas. Each entry says what that kitchen is known for rather than reprinting its menu, so pick by the dish you want and the area you'll be in.
Are there good vegetarian restaurants in Pune?
Yes — 3 of the places listed are pure vegetarian, and the food-type badge on every card tells you before you set out.
What should I order in Pune?
Start from the dishes rather than the restaurants — the Pune food guide covers what each dish is and when to eat it, then links to the places that do it well.
Are the old misal shops in Pune open on Mondays?
Several of them, including the Narayan Peth misal houses, are usually closed on Mondays. Timings change, so check before you go.
Can I buy Chitale bhakarwadi outside the Bajirao Road shop?
Yes. Chitale Bandhu has several branches in Pune, and its packed bhakarwadi is sold in many shops, so you do not need to visit the original store.
What is SPDP at Vaishali?
SPDP stands for sev, potato, dahi, puri. It is a chaat of crisp puris topped with potato, curd, chutneys and sev, and it is one of Vaishali's best-known orders.