Pune’s culinary scene in 2024: A mixed bag of comfort and experiments

Fine-dining restaurants in top hotels like Koji and Ukiyo remain flagbearers in Asian cuisine.

One of the most notable highlights of 2024 was Pune’s elevated beverage scene. Cocktail bars like Gather, Soy Como Soy, Narrative, and Cobbler & Crew led the way with innovative, handcrafted creations that redefined drinking culture. On the beer front, Effingut strengthened its reputation with the launch of canned craft beers, while beer garden-style venues like Oi Brewhouse gained popularity. Even Pune’s coffee culture saw significant growth, with both roadside stalls and artisanal cafes catering to diverse tastes and preferences.

If there is one area where Pune truly excelled this year, it is baked goods and pizzas. Brands like CrustWorthy Gourmet Breads, The Artisanal Baking Co., and Mon Choux made waves with their top-notch breads and desserts, often delivered to homes. Handcrafted pizzas also gained a loyal following, with places like Toss Pizzeria, Allora, Murphies, Donna Cucina, and Toscano setting a high bar for quality and taste.

It is also important to note how the once-booming business of cloud kitchens saw their decline. Punekars seem to prefer ordering from restaurants they know and trust—ones they can see and visit.

The arrival of prominent brands from across India brought fresh energy to Pune’s food landscape. Establishments like Foo, Kyma, Bastian, and Toy Room quickly earned their place in the city’s vibrant dining and bar scene, adding variety and excitement for food enthusiasts.

The tragic accident (Porsche crash) earlier this year left a mark on the city, but Pune’s food businesses showed resilience. The emphasis on regulated alcohol service, adherence to timelines, and safe driving is a welcome and necessary change for Pune’s nightlife.

While many new things happened, Pune’s love for Indian and local food also stayed strong. Legacy establishments serving misal, mutton bhakri, or vegetarian thalis still define a vital and significant part of the city’s food landscape. While this legacy is something every Punekar is proud of, the culinary evangelist and foodie in me would like to see the local food envelope pushed further. There is immense room for improvement in the experience of serving our own local food, which could benefit from innovation and holds the power to appeal to a wider customer base.

Looking ahead

As we step into 2025, Pune’s food scene shows immense potential. While the city proudly preserves its culinary legacy, there is space to push boundaries and experiment, even with our beloved local dishes.

I hope restaurateurs embrace this opportunity and Pune residents support these endeavours with open minds and adventurous palates.

Here’s to a delicious 2025!

Aniruddha Patil is the founder of Pune Eat Outs, which, with over 2 lakh members, is one of the largest social food ecosystems in the city.