Maharashtra

Maharashtra's shining culinary moment is a fury of Southeast Asian fantasticness; trying to choose one dish among the delectable stir-fries, noodles and curries – all strong on seafood, vegetarian options,...

A bit of a dhaba Disneyland, but therein lies the fun. About 5km east of Lonavla, near Karla and Bhaja caves, is this fun-for-all restaurant/entertainment venue. Dine under traditional shamiana huts amid festival...

Way too hip for Mahabaleshwar, this classy restaurant/wine bar is unmissable. Chef/owner Raio's culinary pedigree includes Taj Hotels and his creative takes on Parsi and fresh seafood are divine. The monstrous...

This modern, fiercely regional South Indian restaurant champions the best of India's bottom half and isn't afraid to tell you if you are ordering the wrong bread with the wrong curry. Listen to the staff and...

If you're looking for a spicy kick in the gut, this local hotspot is the place to come for authentic Maharashtrian food that'll make your nose run. Under an atmospheric, lantern-lit bamboo canopy, locals devour...

This rustic institution on the edge of town serves Nashik's best breakfast of champions, misal pav – an unusual Maharashtrian dish prepared with bean sprouts and pulses, topped with flattened puffed rice, crunchy...

This stylish all-day breakfast-only hotspot in a residential building 7km southwest of the centre is worth a diversion. English, American and Belgian breakfast combos, sandwiches, pancakes and waffles, along with...

This excellent branch of Pune's best restaurant is hands-down the most scenic spot to dine in Nashik wine country, with postcard-perfect views across Vallonné Vineyard, Lake Mukane and the dramatic Sahyadris...

Foodies in the know often tout this modern bistro on Pune's upscale west side as the city's best place to eat. Sydney-trained chef Siddarth Mahadik keeps it real – nothing flashy, nothing fake is his mantra – and...

Aurangabad's favourite modern vegetarian is loved for delectable pure-veg dishes that really pop with flavour (try the veg handi or off-menu paneer Hyderabadi) and come with spice level indicators (one chilli...

The city's Kolhapuri thali specialist. Meals come in a number of mutton variations as well as chicken and veg. The vibrant curries, the spiced-up dhal, the rich aakkha masoor (Kolhapuri-style whole lentil curry),...

On Malvan’s main drag, this great, family-run place specialises in Konkan cuisine including bangda tikhale (fish in thick coconut sauce), prawns malvani and very flavoursome crab masala; portions won't thrill...

No English inside or out, but this simple but super Maharashtrian stalwart is absolutely excellent for the state's fiery regional cuisine. Try jhunka (chickpea flour porridge with chillies and spices) and kacha...

At the rear of Hotel Sunderban, this Italian-run veg paradise is one of Pune's most elegant dining experiences, providing you plant yourself in the gorgeous and intimate courtyard for an alfresco meal. Homemade...

Inside one of Nagpur's most regal hotels, this equally austere, incredibly atmospheric restaurant serves the delectable recipes of India's noble class, including rich Amritsari paneer dishes and tempting meat...

Rightly famous for its delicious, unlimited Rajasthani and Gujarati thalis, Bhoj is a wonderful place to refuel and relax after a hard day on the road (or rails). It’s on the 1st floor of a somewhat scruffy...

It's not the easiest place to eat (no English sign, nearly no English spoken and no napkins – so bring some baby wipes), but the delicious Maharashtrian food in this clean, orderly restaurant inland from the...

The best of Fardapur's streetside dhabas (casual eatery serving basic meals), this excellent spot is fresh, cheap and satisfying. The famous cook, Babu, and his team get a big kick out of foreigners dropping in,...

This rustic organic cafe, behind the Sevagram Ashram museum, serves organic thalis made with produce from 2500 farmers in nearby Samudrapur, all of whom have vowed a chemical-free farming lifestyle. The stylish...

This wildly popular restaurant known as Panchavati around town (but actually called Dhaba) will take your tastebuds on a roller coaster of flavour via its Gujarati thalis spruced up with local touches like mini...