Best Restaurants in Maharashtra 2025
Explore the culinary scene of Maharashtra - from local favorites to fine dining.
Maharashtra is India's second-most populous state and a powerhouse of culture, history, and natural beauty. Home to the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, ancient UNESCO World Heritage cave complexes at Ajanta and Ellora, majestic Sahyadri mountain forts, and pristine Konkan coastline beaches, Maharashtra offers an extraordinary diversity of experiences for every type of traveler.
Maharashtrian cuisine is defined by its bold spice blends, regional diversity, and the central role of rice, lentils, coconut, and fresh coastal seafood. Mumbai's cosmopolitan food scene ranges from Irani cafés and Bohri Muslim feasts to modern fine dining, while Pune's café culture, Nashik's wine country, Aurangabad's Mughlai heritage, Nagpur's fiery saoji, and Kolhapur's spicy mutton preparations each represent a distinct culinary identity within the state.
Must-Try Dishes
These iconic dishes define the culinary identity of Maharashtra.
Vada Pav
A spiced potato fritter in a soft bread bun with chutneys — Maharashtra's iconic street food
Misal Pav
Sprouted moth beans in spicy gravy topped with farsan, onion, and lemon, served with bread rolls
Puran Poli
Sweet stuffed flatbread made with lentils, jaggery, and cardamom, a Maharashtrian festival staple
Solkadhi
A refreshing pink drink made from kokum and coconut milk, served with Malvani seafood
Kolhapuri Mutton
Fiery mutton curry from Kolhapur made with a powerful blend of roasted spices
Modak
Sweet rice-flour dumplings stuffed with coconut and jaggery, sacred to Lord Ganesha
Complete Food Guide
100+ restaurants, local recipes, and dining recommendations for Maharashtra.
Top Restaurants
Our handpicked recommendations for the best dining experiences.
Trishna
Celebrated as one of Mumbai's finest seafood restaurants since 1981, Trishna is legendary for its butter-garlic crab and Malvani seafood preparations. The restaurant has drawn international acclaim and a devoted local following for its perfectly spiced coastal cuisine.
Bohri Kitchen
A community dining experience in a Mumbai apartment hosting traditional Bohri Muslim thali meals cooked by local women. This unique table-style feast with dozens of dishes served on a communal thaal (platter) is one of Mumbai's most authentic culinary experiences.
Leopold Cafe
A beloved Mumbai landmark since 1871, Leopold Café in Colaba is as much a social institution as it is a restaurant. The sprawling, noisy café serves everything from Indian thalis to continental dishes and cold beer, attracting travelers from around the world.
Khyber Restaurant
An opulent Mumbai institution since 1965, Khyber is renowned for its magnificent Rajasthani murals, elaborate decor, and expertly crafted North Indian-Mughlai cuisine. The buttery dals, kebabs, and biryanis have made it a Mumbai landmark.
Britannia & Co.
One of Mumbai's oldest and most beloved restaurants, open since 1923, Britannia serves traditional Parsi and Irani dishes in a wonderfully atmospheric time-warp setting. Their berry pulao with chicken or mutton is a legendary Mumbai dish.
Shabree
Pune's go-to destination for an authentic Maharashtrian thali experience, Shabree serves the full range of traditional dishes including puran poli, varan bhaat, and seasonal vegetables in a simple, welcoming setting beloved by Pune locals.
Vaishali
An iconic Pune institution since 1941, Vaishali on FC Road is famous for its masala dosa and Pune's best filter coffee. This vegetarian restaurant has been feeding generations of Punekars and is an essential breakfast stop for any visit to Pune.
Malaka Spice
A beloved Pune restaurant in Koregaon Park serving consistently excellent Southeast Asian cuisine in a relaxed garden setting. Known for its Thai, Malaysian, and Vietnamese dishes, Malaka Spice attracts a loyal mixed crowd of expats and Pune foodies.
Restaurants by Cuisine
Find restaurants that match your taste preferences.
Seafood / Maharashtrian Cuisine
Trishna
Bohri Muslim / Mumbai Cuisine
Bohri Kitchen
Multi-cuisine / Continental Cuisine
Leopold Cafe
North Indian / Mughlai Cuisine
Khyber Restaurant
Irani Café / Parsi Cuisine
Britannia & Co.
Maharashtrian Cuisine
Shabree
Street Food & Markets
The best local flavors at affordable prices.
Vada Pav
The undisputed king of Mumbai street food — a fried potato patty in a bun
Pav Bhaji
Buttery mixed vegetable mash with toasted buns, best at Chowpatty Beach
Bhel Puri
Puffed rice mixed with tamarind chutney, vegetables, and crunchy sev
Zunka Bhakar
Chickpea flour preparation with spices served with millet or jowar flatbread
Sabudana Vada
Crispy sago and peanut fritters, especially popular during fasting days
Food Markets
Crawford Market, Mumbai
Mumbai's oldest and most vibrant wholesale market with fruits, vegetables, spices, and dry goods
Mandai Market, Pune
Pune's central vegetable and flower market, an atmospheric early-morning experience
Mahatma Phule Market, Mumbai
Mumbai's colonial-era market building (Crawford Market) with meat, fish, and produce sections
Dining Etiquette & Tips
Navigate the local food scene like a pro.
Maharashtrian thali meals are typically served unlimited; don't be shy to ask for refills
Irani cafés (Bombay cafés) serve the best chai in Maharashtra; look for old-school establishments
Seafood is freshest on coastal areas; Monday is typically closed at Mumbai fish restaurants (no Sunday catch)
Kolhapuri food is extremely spicy; request less spice (kam tikhat) if not accustomed to heat
Many traditional Maharashtrian restaurants are vegetarian; non-veg options are marked separately
Dietary Information
{'vegetarian': 'Maharashtra has extensive vegetarian options, especially in religious towns like Shirdi, Pandharpur, and Nashik. Most Maharashtrian thali restaurants offer full vegetarian menus.', 'halal': "Halal food is widely available in Mumbai, Aurangabad, and Pune's Azam campus area. Muslim-owned restaurants clearly indicate halal certification.", 'gluten_free': 'Traditional Maharashtrian bhakri (jowar or bajra flatbread) is naturally gluten-free. Rice-based preparations are common across the state.'}
Food Budget Guide
What to expect at different price points.
Taste the Best of Maharashtra
Get our complete food guide with 100+ restaurant recommendations, local recipes, and foodie walking routes.
Download Food Guide