I have a love affair with Italian food. Right from the olive oil that goes into making it to the final dusting of seasoning, each bite of food is extremely flavourful. Be it a bowl of pasta, a pizza or even a sandwich, Italian cuisine just hits the spot. Now, we know that global cuisines tend to get an Indian twist as soon as they reach our shores. And sometimes, you just need them unadulterated and true to their taste. Well, we decided to go looking for the best Italian restaurants in Pune that serve Italian food the way it’s supposed to be.
1. Dario’s, Multiple Outlets
Every time I make my way to Pune, I ensure that I grab either lunch or dinner at Dario’s. With its minimalistic decor and al fresco dining area, it is perfect for date nights. Coming to the food, I am a big fan of their mushroom risotto. Known as the death dish on Masterchef Australia because of just how difficult it is to get it right, Dario’s absolutely nails it.
Address: Multiple outlets
Cost for 2: ₹1600 (exclusive of taxes)
2. The Blue Plate, Aundh
This cosy little spot in Aundh is a hit among couples and families alike. And the credit goes to the food served here. They are known for making the best garlic bread this side of town and we won’t lie, it’s quite darn yummy. Make sure that you order it as a side whenever you visit.
Address: The Blue Plate, Shop 3E, Chaitraban Society, Opposite Croma, Aundh, Pune
Cost for 2: ₹700 (exclusive of taxes)
3. Alto Vino, Senapati Bapat Road
Located inside Marriott, you just know that Alto Vino is going to give you a well-rounded Italian experience. If you are looking to treat your SO to a candlelit dinner then you can’t go wrong with this place. From the decor and food to the service, everything is top-notch.
Address: Alto Vino, JW Marriott, Senapati Bapat Road, Pune
Cost for 2: ₹3000 (exclusive of taxes)
Also Read: 21 Best Italian Restaurants In Mumbai In 2019
4. Arthur’s Theme, Multiple Outlets
Arthur’s Theme has been around for quite a while. And in the time that it has been around, it has garnered quite a reputation for itself. Ask the patrons here about the dishes they like and they will all rave about the seafood and the pastas. And we wholeheartedly agree with them.
Address: Multiple outlets
Cost for 2: ₹1300 (exclusive of taxes)
5. Le Plaisir, Deccan Gymkhana
This restaurant was recommended to me by my friends who study in Pune and they just wouldn’t stop talking about it. So, I just had to visit and needless to say, Le Plaisir didn’t disappoint. The service here is always quick and the desserts are to die for. Nothing better than ending your meal on a sweet note, right?
Address: Le Plaisir, Survey 759/125, Rajkamal, Opposite Kelkar Eye Hospital, Prabhat Road, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune
Cost for 2: ₹1000 (exclusive of taxes)
6. La Gustosa, Kothrud
If you are the kind of person who turns their noses at the idea of ordering a salad at a restaurant then you will have a change of heart when you visit La Gustosa. Besides their healthy and amazing salads, they also dole out really good mains out of which the Tuscan Chicken is one of our favourites.
Address: La Gustosa, Post Office, DP Rd, beside Kothrud, Chaitanya Nagar, Kothrud, Pune, Maharashtra 411038
Cost for 2: ₹1200 (exclusive of taxes)
7. Tales & Spirits, Multiple Outlets
Looking for a place with a good ambience? Then your search ought to end at Tales & Spirits. A gastropub, you’d be surprised at their food menu which includes dishes that go perfectly well with the cocktails here making it perfect for a sundowner.
Address: Multiple outlets
Cost for 2: ₹1500 (exclusive of taxes)
8. Onesta, Multiple Outlets
Enough about pastas, pizzas deliver their time under the spotlight too. If there’s one place that does justice to them then it’s Onesta. Their pizzas are made to perfection and you’ll love digging into (along with the crust). And they come with the freshest toppings and stringy cheese.
Address: Multiple outlets
Cost for 2: ₹700 (exclusive of taxes)
9. Little Italy, Multiple Outlets
Many will wonder how a pure vegetarian place can make Italian food look good. But Little Italy has been doing that for ages now. Even a self-confessed carnivore will love coming down here to sample some of their finest pizzas and their fried Arancini.
Address: Multiple outlets
Cost for 2: ₹2100 (exclusive of taxes)
10. Beetroot Bistro, Koregaon Park
Beetroot Bistro boasts of an extensive menu which comprises of different cuisines. But our eyes are on the prize, namely their Italian dishes. Besides their good food, they also have a great rooftop where you can spend time on pleasant evenings.
Address: Beetroot Bistro, B13-B14, Above Cologne Spa, Vidyut Nagar, Koregaon Park, Pune
Cost for 2: ₹950 (exclusive of taxes)
11. Greens & Olives, Aundh
The only place where Greens & Olives falls short is in the alcohol department. Since they don’t serve alcohol, it means that you can’t enjoy a glass of wine while eating your meal here. But the food here is so good that you won’t even miss that wine. Plus, they have a great buffet option so you can go here whenever you are confused about what to order.
Address: Greens & Olives, New DP Road, Opposite Tangent Furniture, Aundh, Pune
Cost for 2: ₹1300 (exclusive of taxes)