The year 2018 saw a culinary revolution in the city and Team LBB was a witness to all the new gorgeous openings. Not only they that satiated us foodies, but also shaped city F&B scenario. From concept restaurants to casual bars, fusion fancy dines to Instagrammable bistros, the city saw it all. While the number of eateries that opened up were aplenty, we shortlisted ten places we thought were the best in terms of decor, food, vibe and atmosphere. Here are our picks:
Bistros To Bars: Here Are Our Top 10 2018 Picks
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Social In Viman Nagar
After ruling every nook-and-corner of Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai, cafe-cum-bar-cum-workspace, Social finally graced Pune this year and there was no bound to every Punekar's happiness. With quirky interiors and vibrant music, it is also makes for an unconventional workspace. The food menu features a plethora of mouthwatering street food delights presented in the most unconventional style ever. Depending on what you order, your food can arrive either on gramophone records, enamel plates or even wooden spiked boards. Not to forget, the uncountable events that take place here!
Cirkus In Kalyani Nagar
Wacky, quirky and colourful- these three words perfectly define this new circus-themed, Insta-worthy resto-bar in Kalyani Nagar that opened up this year. Enjoy super-delicious grub and yummy drinks at Cirkus, and make your outings a bit more cheerful. The eclectic menu comprises of many flavourful dishes and interesting boozes. Do not miss the chef's speciality which is a Khari with interesting cottage cheese with peas or chicken as well as keema filling. There is a lot of varieties of circus munchies such as chips, popcorn varieties and nachos. There is a cotton-candy counter at the entrance to give it a circus-feel!
Grandmama's Cafe In KP
This year, Pune said hi to Mumbai's highly-Instagrammable eatery, Grandmama's Cafe that has opened its doors in Koregaon Park, and looks classic and vintage as ever. Pune's Grandmama's Cafe looks nothing short of a dreamy restaurant from the streets of Paris. Food-wise, the cafe has retained all the bestsellers from its Mumbai outlets - marshmallow lovers hot chocolate, akuri on toast, Grandmama's special pizza and salted caramel cheesecake to name a few.
Mamagoto On SB Road
Mamagoto at The Pavilion has two uniquely designed areas for dining. One being a colonial-style al-fresco patio featuring an ‘antique Asian elements’, and the other an indoor space with their typical ‘Mamagoto’ themed decor. Both the food and drinks at Mamagoto are a blend of traditional and modern Asian cuisine, inspired by their team’s travels. Don’t expect “authentic” food – but what you can look forward to, is trying new and inventive dishes, with familiar flavours.Go for their ebi tempura roll, Katsu chicken roll, and hot basil chicken cups, to start with.
Chafa Studio & Cafe In KP
Tucked inside the leafy lane 5 of Koregaon Park is Chafa Cafe & Studio, a wellness eatery that combines the two good things of life- food and health. There is a fitness studio inside that is used for high intensity interval training, yoga and dance classes, organised thrice a week. Brainchild of Megha Bagla, Chafa advocates the idea of healthy body and mind. Similar to its ambience, the food too, is fresh, light and plated gorgeously. Certainly, this meticulously-planned eatery made our year a bit more healthier.
Nine Square In Yerawada
Believing in the concept of farm to fork, Celebrity Chef Ajay Chopra has conceptualised this plush new vegetarian bistro with a special-curated menu and we think this is a vegetarian heaven. Head to Nine Square situated in Pubcity, Yerawada to gorge on freshly prepared food with organic and healthy ingredients. Since the chef is known to bring the flavours of Delhi on your platters, try out the signature Dilli ki chaat tokri, black-jack pani-puri, and his personal creation- rustica salad. For mains, you can opt for the rich curries and other dishes like slow-roasted tomato, tandoor ki bhuna kadai, bharwan baigan bharta and many more street-desserts.
Little Hungary On FC Road
This year saw many places come up with Hungarian delicacies to satiate the hunger of Punekars. On the bustling Fergusson College Road, Little Hungary is serving authentic chimney cones for foodies with a savoury as well as sweet taste-buds. Starting at just INR 140 (inclusive of taxes), you can enjoy a chimney cone that is wholesome and extremely delicious. Try the mac & cheese cone as well as honey chilli chicken cone. Butter chicken lovers, you can now have your favourite delicacy in the Hungarian cone as well. Top up your meal with cool refreshments and Hungarian sweet cones.
Brasserie Cinq
When at Brasserie Cinq, dine as the Frenchmen do. With tastefully done-up interiors and elegantly plated French classics, this new bistro on Dhole Patil Road is creating ripples amongst the food connoisseurs of the city. Be it bisque, French onion soup, bouillabaisse, ratatouille, linguinis or any other French dish, they serve it all with love and flavours. Try out their French pork belly steak and sides like tartines, salmon roulades and Dauphinoise potatoes for a complete meal.
Wicked China In Yerawada
If you have been to Hong Kong, Wicked China will remind you of a quaint eatery straight out of the vibrant streets of Mong Kok. With its Stranger-Things-inspired neon signage, outrageously quirky Chinese kitsch, ceiling lights that look like conical hats and peppy red-and-orange decor, Wicked China is whimsical and wonderful at the same time. Try the XO seafood noodles with a side of green Thai curry and Singapore chilli prawns. Their special in-house desserts include lemongrass creme-brulee and jasmine tea and dragon fruit mousse.
The Rooftop Project On MG Road
Date spot alert! Love-birds, dine under the stars at this gorgeous rooftop restaurant that made it to our list of 10 best openings of this year. This place in MG road will blow your minds with its exceptional outdoor seating and lighting. Sip and dine under the skies at The Rooftop Project and enjoy food and drinks at reasonable prices. The restaurant spoils you for choice with a variety of cuisines. You can opt for a continental fare or Chinese food or even order Indian. Also, they have a separate party section which you can book in advance.
