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Pune is known to be one of the most dynamic cities when it comes to having a multicultural food scene. People who hail from the city as well as tourists have always raved about the city’s distinguished collection of restaurants that offer every major cuisine. From the most traditional meals from across India to every global cuisine, you will find Pune to have some of the best restaurants. This is especially true for Asian cuisine. Cuisines such as Japanese cuisine offer some of the most wholesome food experiences. From the most traditional recipes that might date back hundreds of years to the most innovative twists with age-old flavours, Japanese cuisine is one of the most beloved cuisines in the world for a reason. Pune being one of the best food cities in India, without doubt, has a vast selection of Japanese restaurants bringing people authentic Japanese flavours, making people’s dining experiences memorable one sushi at a time.
Some of the most amazing Japanese restaurants in Pune you must try
1. Miyuki
A Japanese restaurant that strives to bring the famous intricate flavours from the lanes of Japan to your plate, Miyuki is one of the most well-known restaurants to visit whenever you get a craving for authentic Japanese food. Bringing in the spirited spectacle that comes with a live teppanyaki dining scene, the restaurant aims to make your experience as close to Japan as possible.
What to try: Teppanyaki, udon noodles, matcha cheesecake, etc.
Location: DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel, C 32, MIDC, Tata Motors Road, Chinchwad, Pune
Timings: 12 pm – 3 pm and 7 pm – 11 pm
Cost for two: Rs 2500 (approx.)
2. Gong
Gong is a restaurant that promises you the flavours of Japanese cuisine made famous over several decades, with a touch of modernity. Embodying a modern vibe not just with its food and drinks, but its interiors too, Gong is a must-visit restaurant. The restaurant has created a menu that celebrates the unique taste of Japanese cuisine in all its integrity with an added element of vibrance.
What to try: Ebi tempura roll, prawn dim sum, cream cheese sushi, vegetable crystal roll, etc.
Location: Shop 22/23, Balewadi High Street, Cummins India Office Campus, Baner- Balewadi Link Road, Baner, Pune
Timings: 12 pm – 3:30 pm and 7 pm – 11:30 pm
Cost for two: Rs 1500 (approx.)
3. Koji
The restaurant takes its name from ‘Koji,’ a frequently used type of mould in many Japanese dishes that are quite famous as well. The restaurant, playing on Japanese elements, boasts of a live kitchen that lets its visitors have a rare experience of getting a sneak peek of what goes into making such intricate dishes. Koji, with a range of signature Japanese dishes such as sushi, sashimi, dumplings, and more is serving up a delectable fusion of traditional taste with a modern twist.
What to try: Prawn tempura sushi, crème brulee, signature mushroom dumpling, crispy duck, etc.
Location: Hotel Conrad, 7, Mangaldas Road, Bund Garden Road, Sangamwadi, Pune
Timings: 12:30 pm – 11:30 pm and 7 pm – 11 pm (Monday – Sunday) and 12 pm – 12 am (Saturday)
Cost for two: Rs 4500 (approx.)
4. Shizusan
With an ambience that is reminiscent of typical Asian touches, the aesthetic of the restaurant will instantly make you feel warmly welcome. An award-winning restaurant, Shizusan will amaze you with its excellent food as well. The restaurant has been consistently serving amazing Japanese delicacies and has been instrumental in introducing refreshing fusion and twists to authentic Japanese flavours while keeping their essence intact.
What to try: Dynamic shrimp, cucumber sushi, rainbow maki, soup dumplings, etc.
Location: Upper Ground Floor, Phoenix Market City, Viman Nagar, Pune
Timings: 11 am – 11 pm
Cost for two: Rs 1900 (approx.)
5. Hapaa
A culinary paradise, Hapaa is a hot favourite to enjoy some of the best Japanese cuisine. Aiming to introduce a cheery vibrancy to the traditional recipes, the restaurant does an amazing job of staying true to genuine Japanese flavours. The refreshing drinks and the beautiful interiors will further make your experience even more pleasant.
What to try: Chicken spicy, dumplings, dim sums, pork chilli, etc.
Location: Nandanvan, Road Number 11, Jogger’s Park, Kalyani Nagar, Pune
Timings: 12 pm – 11:30 pm (Monday – Sunday) and 12 pm – 11:45 pm (Saturday – Sunday)
Cost for two: Rs 2000 (approx.)
6. Tien
Tien has become famous for being one of the best restaurants to visit while craving some authentic ramen or sushi. With an emphasis on bringing people the well-loved Japanese flavours, Tien has been able to carve out a sweet spot for itself in the culina. The restaurant also mixes the traditional ingredients with a few fresh, innovative ingredients, bringing you a delectable fusion that will leave you wanting to go back for more.
What to try: Salmon sushi, spicy miso ramen, teriyaki prawns, etc.
Location: 1, Rajas Garden, Opposite Hanuman Temple, Model Colony, Pune
Timings: 12 pm – 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm – 10 pm
Cost for two: Rs 1300 (approx.)
7. Ginkgo
An initiative of ambitious young people with a desire to bring the joy of Japanese cuisine to more and more people, Ginkgo has already made a name for itself among authentic Japanese restaurants. Proudly making all their ingredients like ramen noodles, broth, kamaboko, etc. completely from scratch to ensure the highest quality for their patrons, the restaurant has beautifully emulated the famous cuisine of Japan for Pune’s food scene. The ambience, as well as the food in its food and visuals, will make you feel like you have travelled to a Japanese restaurant.
What to try: Ramen, chicken karaage, salmon sushi, etc.
Location: Damodar Villa Apartment, 12, Warje Malwadi Rd, Rahul Nagar, Kothrud, Pune
Timings: 12:30 pm – 4 pm and 6:30 – 10 pm (Mondays closed)
Cost for two: Rs. 1000 (approx.)
While not a full-fledged restaurant, it'd be unfair to not mention Tokyo Bakery in Baner, Pune. The small Japanese-themed artisanal eatery does some amazing savoury and sweet bakes. Do try their Matcha No Kaori cake and Japanese fluffy cheesecake while you're there.
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