Mazdana — Restaurant in Pune

Ever heard of Mazdana? Well, you may not have, but if you are Pune Old school, ie your parents/grand parents certainly would have.

Shut down in 1998 after a run of over 6 decades, Mazdana has re-opened its doors again for the city of Pune. Once, a household name and often for the wrong reasons, Mazdana was a place all of the (older) Pune came to settle there bets. They have one of the oldest liquor licence in Pune and have the same one till date. Naturally, the whole of Pune knew Mazdana and Mazdana knew the whole of Pune, including the who's who of the city.

But now, Mazdana is back with a bang. Previously just a bar, Mazdana has transformed into a more calm, chilled out venue, with a menu of our most loved dishes, a selection of fantastic cocktails and a relaxed ambiance, all while maintaining its old rustic charm and simplicity.

While the menu has an array of dishes you cannot miss, You absolutely need to try their Veg Keema khari (an innovation in itself), Prawns butter garlic and Dynamite prawns.

Wait those were just the appetizers, in entrees, it would be a crime to not try the butter chicken (ask for the authentic non sweet version) and the Maharashtrian Mutton Kala Rassa. Absolutely beautiful!

Over the drinks, ask the barman for a mead and gin based cocktail, if gin is your drink i.e.

Here are my two cents, if you are in a rush, need your orders on time, are only interested in eating, with no intention to chill relax, etc, this may not be the best place for you. On the contrary, if you have no place you rather be, are in a relaxed frame of mind, want good food and to spend quality time with friends and family or yourself, this is THE place to be.

Mazdana is a legacy in its own. Its time now for this generation to carry it forward!

Maybe I will see you there...

Heard a lot about the place so made a reservation for 12.30 noon. Heard there is ample parking so drove down. There is no parking inside the premises. You have to search for a roadside parking. Also there is construction going inside the premises but this does not disturb you. The owner does not come during lunch time so did not get a chance to talk to him. Heard that previously it was a parsi cuisine. Now the restaurant is managed by a Punjabi couple. The dishes are innovative like Mazdana chicken fry ...which is chicken bhajia !!! Served with a mayo dip. Good to have with a drink. Served with fries on the side. We ordered the Kheema khari. Disappointed with the dish as its actually a kheema masala (lot of oil) put on khari biscuits !!! The main downside take on both the dishes is that they came cold. Something like a chicken bhajia must be hot !! Same for the Kheema khari ...understand the khari would get soggy, but then why have such a dish !!. Have Kheema toast ... Service was good as we were the only diners. Yet we got cold starters ..

Frankly were very put off by the starters to even go for the main course ..let alone dessert.

Dineout deal was for a 20 % off on food. Had to remind them about it when they presented the bill. The new bill came as just 10% off. Again showed the Dineout confirmation and then got 20%. That's disappointing. Then saw that the cost of Mazdana chicken fry on the menu was 279 and I was charged 349. When I asked about it was told that we have to charge what is uploaded on the system. The cost shown on the menu is revised ...

Very...

I can't believe my luck stumbling into Mazdana on a Tuesday night! Looking to escape my hotel restaurant, I found what turned out to be one of the most memorable dining experiences I've had while traveling.

I Found My New Favorite Place in Pune - You Will Too!

This place is magic. Housed in a gorgeous historic property, you step through the entrance into a garden oasis that makes you completely forget you're in the heart of busy Pune. The outdoor dining area, with its twinkling lights and perfect ambiance, sets the stage for what's to come.

But what really makes Mazdana special is the family that runs it. From the moment I walked in, they treated me - a solo traveler far from home - like I was a long-lost friend returning for dinner. Their genuine warmth and hospitality turned what could have been a lonely business dinner into an evening I'll never forget. It happened to be karaoke night, and with their encouragement (and maybe a cocktail or two), I even found myself taking the mic!

The food is fantastic - I finally got the seafood I'd been craving - but it's the heart and soul the family puts into this place that makes it extraordinary. You can feel how much they care about creating not just a restaurant, but a welcoming space where people can feel at home.

If you're in Pune - whether you're a local or just passing through - do yourself a favor and spend an evening at Mazdana. Trust me, you'll be planning your return visit before you've finished your meal....