Roots Art Cafe — Restaurant in Maharashtra

If you are looking for a quiet, slow weekend away from the city hustle yet do not want to travel too far, then this place has you covered. Roots Art Café and Stays is a property located in Karjat that is rustic and surrounded by nature. The property exudes sustainability and truly lives up to its standard. Imagine the vibe of this café, which has a mango tree right in the middle, surrounded by beautiful wooden and mud sculptures, plants, big and small, aesthetically placed, and a swing that hangs from one of the mango tree branches. That's where you enjoy weekend sessions like pottery, tie-and-dye, and many more activities, as well as savor the home-cooked Maharashtrian meals (both veg and non-veg), that are filled with love and not too heavy on the pocket. My personal favourites are Pithale Bhakri Thecha, Puri with Batatyachi Bhaaji, Thalipeeth, Misal Pav, Kanda Bhaji, and Solkadi.

Rupali Patole is an independent woman who owns this property and empowers her female staff from the nearby villages. Together, their warmth and hospitality will keep you coming back to this place. Every corner of this property is tastefully curated with antiques and art pieces created by Rupali. The art gallery is your place to treat your eyes and also purchase a piece from Roots Art Café and make it a permanent part of your home.

Now let's talk about the stay. The rooms are decorated to take you back to times where life was simple. The rooms are spacious with a clay-tiled roof and minimal furniture that will remind you of your grandparents' house. Hints of modern amenities like AC, a shower with geyser, and TV and Wi-Fi ensure you are not completely detached from modern comforts.

So, this monsoon, book yourself a cozy stay or drop by for meals at Roots Art Café and make memories that you will cherish for many...

Extremely Disappointed – Not Worth the Hype!

We visited this place after seeing a trending reel on social media, hoping for a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, what we got instead was a series of disappointments from the moment we arrived.

We reached around 10 AM, well within the operating hours (the place opens at 9 AM), only to be told by the waitress that most of the food items were already finished. Oddly enough, the place wasn’t even crowded, so that explanation didn’t make much sense.

Trying to stay positive, we proceeded to order from the limited options left. Despite clear communication and discussion, our waitress still got our order wrong—not once, but twice. Strike two.

There was also a pottery experience being offered, which one of our friends decided to try. Sadly, the expert turned out to be far from professional. The pot was poorly finished, and when our friend politely shared her feedback, the pottery expert responded rudely and arrogantly. Completely unacceptable behavior.

After nearly an hour of waiting, our food finally arrived—but again, the order was incomplete (we let it go, understanding human errors happen). We had ordered Misal Pav, priced at ₹120. What we received was a shock—tiny portions, and each plate was drowning in oil. We’re talking about removing an entire vati of oil from each serving. A bit of tarri is fine in Misal, but this was over the top and honestly felt like a health hazard. The taste? Below average, bland, and greasy.

When we raised our concerns, the waitress simply responded with a dismissive “Okay. Now what do you want me to do?.” No apology, no concern.

Overall, a very poor experience—from service to food to attitude. This place is all hype and no substance. Would not...

Tucked away in the heart of Karjat, Roots Art Cafe is a hidden gem that serves some of the most authentic Maharashtrian food I’ve ever had. From the very first bite, you can tell that the dishes are made with love, using fresh ingredients and traditional recipes that truly bring out the flavors of home-cooked meals. Whether you choose the vegetarian or non-vegetarian options, both are equally delightful and packed with the richness of authentic Maharashtrian cuisine.

But what makes this place even more special is its ambience. The cafe is not just about food—it’s an experience. The space is adorned with stunning sculptures, all crafted by the founder herself, adding a unique artistic charm that makes the place feel warm and inviting. It’s a blend of rustic beauty and creativity, making it the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the peaceful surroundings.

And then, there’s the staff—a wonderful group of women who make you feel at home from the moment you step in. Their warmth, kindness, and impeccable service make the experience even more memorable. Honestly, even if you weren’t here for the food (which, by the way, is fantastic), their hospitality alone would make you want to return.

Yes, the food does take a little time to arrive, but that’s only because everything is prepared fresh, just like it would be at home. And trust me, the wait is absolutely worth it. Each dish is a burst of flavors that reminds you of a home-cooked meal, bringing comfort and satisfaction with every bite.

Roots Art Cafe is not just a restaurant; it’s a place that feeds both your stomach and soul. If you’re ever in Karjat, do yourself a favour and visit—you...