Dhole Patil Road

Very nice place to visit. Also has valet parking, you will generally need it on weekends when long queues are inevitable too.

All the veggies are nice. I was also recommended non-veg dishes by friends. The Dal Sigree is awesome. Combine that with one of the biryanees and you are setup for a sumptious dinner. There is a particular starter made of Bhindee (Lady's Fingers) that is so good that it makes you wonder whether you are really eating Bhindee ! Good desserts too.

On weekdays, there is the sit-down buffet available for lunch, for about Rs. 300.

Overall, its a bit pricey but worth it. Don't go there if you are looking for a 'light meal'. Enjoy !

Kapila is huge.

That's the first thing which comes to mind. It's as close to a festival of booze as you would get at a Bar in India.

It's open air with covers which protect against the rain in the Monsoon.

It serves reasonably good food and excellent Tandoori chicken.

The booze is cheap and served by the quarter. Which is what most people go for and leave fully satisfied.

Kapila's Kathi Kababs are legendary in Pune. It is a small kiosk operated from opposite the huge Kapila Bar.

Makes excellent Kathi Kababs and only Kathi Kababs. You can order a double or single which is about 35 or 60 bucks.

If I remember correctly you also have an option of either choosing mutton or 2 or 3 types of chicken. And a choice of cold drink. That's about it.

Nandu's is somewhat of an institution in Pune at Dhole Patil Road. It serves authentic Punjabi Parathas and is a favourite of most North Indian students in Pune.

You get about 15 types of Parathas. I like the plain Alu Paratha with a bit of Dahi on the side.

Order as per your Paratha preference.

If I am in Pune for more then a couple of days I make at least one trip to Nandu's.

There is another Paratha wallah down the road from Nandu's called Chaitanya who is also good. Some people now claim Chaitanya to be a better option.

Mainland China at Sakinaka junction is possibly the best Chinese food in Mumbai. They are a chain of restaurants in India and the Mainland China webpage has addresses and phone numbers of all restaurants. The ambience of all restaurants is similar and soothing. They are usually full on most nights, so 'please wait to be seated' or reserve in advance. The service is usally excellent and friendly except when they are overflowing with customers.

Having gone there about a dozen times I have sampled most of the variety on their menu. The bar menu is good, with a large variety of cocktails, beer, and wines (local and imported). This is definitely on the expensive side - they try and say on the menu that due to recent cut in import prices they are passing on the benefits to you. This is the only place I have seen where a small Glenfiddich is available for 175/-. But wait - read below for their tax information.

They have great starters with a large selection of dimsums. Most of their main course dishes are categorically very good. Most random choices work out well in this place. The waiters will help you choose but go ahead try anything. I like their chicken and pork preparations so much that I rarely take any rice and just eat the curries.

Now for the truth on taxes - I firmly believe that Mainland China fools you with the price list on the menu. This is the one place in all my years of eating out where the bill consistently exceeds your expectations and estimates. The taxes are high at 12-15% minimum and not declared beforehand. If you have had alcohol you are doomed. There is an additional 20% odd tax for alcohol (local or foriegn). In the VAT regime they even write VAT twice shamelessly. This is unacceptable - this is not a 5-star to take any luxury tax or something like that. The whole tax deal is shady! I am ranting and victimizing Mainland China though people will disagree and come up with their own examples and defenses. But this tax thing has been a thorn for many years. I must say, regardless of all this, the food and place are excellent and I will continue going there repeatedly given the money or on treats.

A rocking place for beer and sizzlers. Zamu's is one of the very few sizzler joints in Pune. A popular college hideout with decent music, affordable beer, and decent sizzlers. If you have the appetite, try their mixed grill.