Pune’s Dining Revolution: 5 New Immersive Spaces With Global Tastes

Pune has always been the hub for culinary enthusiasts who love experimentation with their cuisine. The city’s newest restaurants are not just places to eat, they are immersive spaces where architecture, ambience and global cuisine blend effortlessly. What sets these new-age dining spots apart is their ability to create a unique blend of international cuisine and striking designs, ranging from bold contemporary interiors to subtle vernacular architecture. These spaces do more than serve a meal, they offer memorable experiences. DP curates a list of must-visit new restaurants that promise an immersive dining experience.

1. Mocha – Warm textures, And Natural Light

Mocha’s latest outlet at Salunke Vihar invites comfortable and laid-back conversations with the expansive and airy set-up. The restaurant’s interiors, designed by Suvrita Bhardwaj, balance the earthy colour palette with modern aesthetics. The space is covered by structured columns, asymmetrical and textured walls, and a rugged colour palette. The massive lighting fixtures suspended from the ceiling are designed by the designer herself and add a sense of drama to the space. The floor-to-ceiling windows and central skylight add to the modern aesthetics of Mocha. To complete the chic look of the space, there is the use of wooden accents and furniture and an earthy palette.

Also Read: From Tropical Modernism To Japanese Zen: 5 New Goa Restaurants On Our Radar

Mocha serves Italian, North Indian, and Chinese cuisines. From Purani Dilli Ki Chaat to Boss Burgers and Dimsums, and Baos, Mocha has an expansive menu which is a treat for food enthusiasts. While the guests can savour the global dishes, the signature menu at Mocha is Italian. The desserts to try out at Mocha include Oven Baked Cream Cheese Kunafa and the cheesecakes.

DP Loves: The inverted lights and fixtures in a neutral colour palette that add a sense of drama to the dining set-up.

2. Farro- Earthy Textures And Hand-Painted Charm

Designed by Amrita Ravi of Studio Sra, Farro, located in Pune’s Koregaon Park, is a blend of Mediterranean and Californian aesthetics. Derived from an ancient white grain used in traditional Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, the name focuses on provenance. The space is designed in an earthy colour palette paired with stone and terracotta details complemented by wooden accents to create warmth and charm. The curved beige and lime-plastered walls add rawness and depth to the restaurant. The highlight of Farro is undoubtedly the hand-painted murals that bring in a sense of quirkiness. The tall and lush houseplants add freshness to the space. The outdoor and indoor seating is seamlessly blended with natural textures, earthy tones, wooden accents and indoor plants.

Farro is a collaboration between Chef Vardaan Marwah and entrepreneur Aman Talreja. The menu at Farro is arranged into three categories, einkon, emmert, depending upon the portions. Coming from diverse geographies, the culinary delights at Farro are curated by the Chef from his personal experiences. The signature dishes at Farro include The Chef’s favourite dishes, ‘Nani’s Mutton Kheema Pao,’ ‘Sone Ki Chidiya,’ and ‘Charred Maghrebi Prawns.’

DP Loves: The earthy colour palette paired with stone and terracotta details complemented by wooden accents. 

Also Read: 5 New Restaurants In Hyderabad Featuring Vernacular Architecture, Art Deco Murals And Mesmerizing Ceiling Techniques

3. Nakhra- Old-World Elegance, Modern Rooftop Setting

Inspired by Maharashtra’s Wadas and vernacular architecture, Nakhra is a cosy restaurant on the terrace of a five-story building. Designed by Arko Saha from Otherworlds, the restaurant’s architecture and design are derived from the rich Wada architecture of Maharashtra. Traditional elements such as sturdy wooden columns and balustrades, louvred windows, and chowks have been introduced in the interiors of Nakhra. Other highlights include a black slate floor bordered by green planters and a double-height semi-open space beneath a glass skylight that unites the dining area and the bar. An outdoor terrace that acts as a main courtyard with bamboo canopies oriented towards the central space is another interesting design element at the restaurant. 

The food at Nakhra is new yet known. Chefs Vikram Arora and Vaneet Wadhera are an ode to traditional Indian cuisine with a modern twist. A meal at Nakhra is like tasting a blend of the different states of India. May it be ‘Kebabs,’ ‘Chaat,’ or ‘Kulcha’ from Punjab, the ‘Mini Podi Idlis’ from Chennai, or ‘Meen ollichathu’ from Kerala, the restaurant will satiate the tastes of every kind of food enthusiast with contemporary twists.

DP Loves: The Wada architecture in the wooden columns and balustrades, louvred windows, and chowks.

4. Lucia- A Retro Dining Experience

An evening at Lucia is inspired by retro aesthetics. Expansive couches, pendant ambient lighting, lamps, hand-painted walls, enchanting draperies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and elegant passageways best describe this fine-dining restaurant in the heart of Kalyani Nagar, Pune. Designed by the founders themselves, every nook and corner of the space is done with precision, including hand-painted walls and ceiling done by local artisans. Evoking a sense of grandeur and novelty, silk lamps, vintage mirrors, intricate upholstery, and texture add up to make it a luxurious set-up.

The menu at Lucia is a blend of Asian, continental, and Indian. With consultants from Le Cordon Bleu Australia alongside executive chefs from five-star properties across the country, Lucia serves contemporary dishes and refreshing in-house cocktails. The must-try dishes on the menu include Canadian Scallops, 24K Soft Shell Crab Sushi, and Sour Cherry Souffle.

DP Loves: The hand-painted walls and ceilings done by the local artisans in vibrant colours and intricate patterns.

Also Read: Malaika Arora And Arhaan Khan’s Scarlett House Meets Nostalgic Portuguese Design

5. Pluvian Cafe-  Nature And Minimalism In Quiet Harmony

A modernist cocoon designed by Dhwani Mehta and Harshal Mutha of Studio Think, the 950-sq-ft space is a monsoon-inspired spot tucked on the ground floor of a residential building and surrounded by lush greenery. Kota flooring and neatly planted ceiling plants adorn the outdoor space, while terracotta tiles add an earthy touch to the interiors. The rattan-infused dining chairs, wooden tables, and wall accents add a sense of serenity to the cafe.

The guests can see their meals being prepared because of the open kitchen layout. A wooden partition doubling as a serving counter gives an entire view of the kitchen. The elaborate menu includes a continental breakfast with an Indian twist. The chef-recommended signature dishes at the cafe include ‘Chocolate Babka French Toast,’ ‘Spicy Chicken Omelette,’ and ‘The Last Avocado Toast.’ The cheesecakes, fresh bakes, and brewed coffee are the other highlights at Pluvian Cafe.

DP Loves: The Kota flooring and ceiling plants at Pluvian Cafe’s outdoor seating create a nature-inspired setting.