My grandparents are coming to visit me in Pune and will be with my for three days. I would be taking them out for dinner during their stay here and as I am quite new to Pune I need some help in finding out about the good pure veg restaurants in Pune. They are pure and strict vegetarians, which is why I am trying to find out online about the pure vegetarian places to eat at.
Hi there, welcome to the forum! Vegetarians sometimes find it hard to find the best restaurants in a city. Mainly because there are only a few pure vegetarian restaurants in main cities and they are not as spread out unlike the non-vegetarian restaurants. Luckily, in the recent years, there has been a rise in the number of healthy and vegetarian restaurants even in the city of Pune. Here are the best vegetarian restaurants around Pune: 1. Sautéed Stories - This quaint cafe has European and Continental cuisines. From its mixture of different seatings, ranging from sofas, stools, benches, etc. and quirky statues, Sautéed Stories is definitely a cozy cafe in the vicinity. Their menu is vast, with salads, soups, pastas, pizzas and beverages. A must try here is the coffee concoctions, which come in cold or hot versions. Of course, the vegetarian dishes are delicious and very healthy. Veggie lovers had sung their praises for this cafe for a long time, just a proof that it's worth trying out. Best sellers - Honey chilli fries, speedy spaghetti, exotica pizza and full loaded nachos. Address - Plot 5, Between Lane 5/6, North Main Road, Opposite Wellness Forever, Koregaon Park, Pune. Contact number - 020 30431851 . 2. Aaoji Khhaoji - A pure vegetarian restaurant, Aaoji Khhaoji is one of the most popular restaurants around Pune for veggie lovers. The restaurant is small but has two floors. Its interiors are brightly coloured but very simple in design. Their most well-known dishes are their chaats, paranthas and tandooris. The menu is very extensive and you can certainly find a dish that you'd like to sample. Their rates are very affordable and for Rs. 500, you can enjoy a full meal for 2 persons. Small in size but yet the restaurant is full packed with yummy dishes that vegetarians would love. Make sure that you book a table in advance or go early as it can be very crowded especially during weekends. Best sellers - Malai paneer tikka, sunny deol parantha thali, paneer tikka cheese naan thali and paneer mushroom. Address - Shop 31, Raghukulnagari, Opposite Patil Complex, Ambedkar Chowk, Bopodi, Aundh Road, Aundh, Pune. Contact number - 020 30189624. 3. Greens & Olives - This restaurant has North Indian and Italian cuisines. Although relatively small and minimalistic in design, this restaurant would melt the heart of pure vegetarian lovers. With a vast menu, ranging from soups, salads, pastas, pizzas, lasagnas, sizzlers, tandooris, rotis and lentils, guests are spoiled for choices. Even the non-vegetarians would love the place as the foods served here are fresh, flavourful and delicious. If every you are in for something new, the Italian dishes here are a new experience to the palate. Rates are on the middle and you might spend at least Rs. 1,000 for 2 persons here. Best sellers - Spinach and asparagus soup, primavera pasta, quesadillas and four seasons pizza. Address - New DP Road, Opposite Tangent Furniture, Aundh, Pune. Contact number - 020 30162365. 4. Vaishali - When in Vaishali, expect crowds, that's the main feature of the restaurant. Whether you're here in the morning or the evening, crowds are inevitable. This is just testament to the great-tasting meals served in the restaurant. Vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike flock to the restaurant as their dishes are worth the wait. The restaurant mainly serves South Indian cuisine with a variety of street foods as well. Ambience is average though but the meals make up for it. They have a variety of dosas, uttappas and sandwiches. So if ever you'd like a mid-morning snack or a mid-afternoon snack, do check out Vaishali, if you're ready for the wait that is. Best sellers - Cheese onion uttappa, special masala dosa, idli wada and chatni sandwich. Address - 1218/1, FC Road, Pune. Contact number - 020 25531244. 5. Shahji's Parantha House - When it comes to North Indian cuisine, Shahji's Parantha House is a must visit. They specialise in authentic North Indian dishes coupled with the elegant design of the place. It's a great vegetarian-friendly restaurant around the city that is also quite easy on the pocket. They have a variety of paranthas, curries and lassis that are sure to soothe your taste buds. Each serving of thali here is quite huge and can easily be suitable for two to three persons. For that melt in your mouth paranthas, there's no better place than that except for Shahji's Parantha House. Best sellers - Paneer parantha, Shahji's special thali and shahi paneer. Address - The Coronet Hotel, 1205/4, Apte Road, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune. Contact number - 020 30495444. 6. Squisito - Something simple, something Italian... Then go for Squisito. The restaurant is very simple, with some couches and wooden chairs. There's a bar showcasing their collection of wines as well. Being an Italian restaurant, pastas and pizzas are their most known dishes. But do not disregard their other dishes like the enchiladas and salads, which are also soothing for the tummy. Although the restaurant can get crowded, service here is top notch and remarkable. Best sellers - Tomato soup, cheese fondue, pomodoro pasta and bellasai pizza. Address - No. 1, Jewel Tower, Lane 5, Koregaon Park, Pune. Contact number - 020 26154005. 7. The Real Green Cafe - If ever you're in the mood for a light meal, there's The Real Green Cafe in Koregaon Park. They have the huge privilege of being the first vegetarian cafe in the city. Their dishes are all dairy free, hence fit for those who are lactose intolerant. They have made sure as well that they utilise cruelty-free practices when it comes to their cooking. Prices are on the higher side as well because of this concept. The cafe has pizzas, sandwiches, smoothies, desserts and shakes. Best sellers - Tofu bhurji wrap, desi aloo garlic sandwich and chocolate pastry. Address - Shop 17, First Floor, The Hub, Lane 6, North Main Road, Koregaon Park, Pune. Contact number - 020 30162067. 8. Sante Spa Cuisine - Spa cuisine specialises on meals which have natural flavours and that is the main selling point of this restaurant. Only the freshest ingredients are used and no preservatives or add-ons were used to increase the flavours of meals. Thus, they are very healthy and nutritious, fit for vegetarians as well. If you're into healthy living or someone who had been wanting to try out health dishes, then the Sante Spa Cuisine would be a good start. Their own made breads, salads, soups, rice dishes, vegetables and desserts are sure to excite every vegetarian. And no, they aren't bland, they aren't too flavourful, they taste just enough to delight your taste buds. Best sellers - Stir fry of broccoli and mushroom, whole wheat gnocchi and country style bajra cookies. Address - Sundarban Hotel, Lane 1, Off North Main Road, Koregaon Park, Pune. Contact number - 020 65202050. There you go, I hope this helps you!
To add to that detailed list: 1. Rajasthani Thali Restaurant: You'll get pure veg Rajasthani and Gujarati food here. Finger licking good. 2. Sambar Pure Veg: This is a south Indian restaurant that serves food similar to what you get in the traditional Coffee House. 3. Marwari junction: I highly recommend this if you're going take your grandparents some place. They serve pure veg and the variety and quality of food is unforgettable. 4. Shiv Sagar: Well, its a major south indian chain. And again, it's the kind of place to take your grandparents to for dinner. These are all in the 300-500 per head range. And provide great service.