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
Iconic dishes that define Maharashtra.
Vada Pav
A spiced potato fritter in a soft bread bun with chutneys — Maharashtra's iconic street food
Where to try: Any street corner stall in Mumbai or Pune
Price: $0.20-0.50
Misal Pav
Sprouted moth beans in spicy gravy topped with farsan, onion, and lemon, served with bread rolls
Where to try: Breakfast stalls across Maharashtra
Price: $0.80-1.50
Puran Poli
Sweet stuffed flatbread made with lentils, jaggery, and cardamom, a Maharashtrian festival staple
Where to try: Home-style restaurants and thali joints
Price: $1-2
Solkadhi
A refreshing pink drink made from kokum and coconut milk, served with Malvani seafood
Where to try: Any Konkan/Malvani seafood restaurant
Price: $0.50-1
Kolhapuri Mutton
Fiery mutton curry from Kolhapur made with a powerful blend of roasted spices
Where to try: Restaurants in Kolhapur or Kolhapuri-specialty restaurants
Price: $3-6
Modak
Sweet rice-flour dumplings stuffed with coconut and jaggery, sacred to Lord Ganesha
Where to try: Sweet shops across Maharashtra, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi
Price: $0.50-1.50
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks 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.
Known for: Konkan-style seafood and butter garlic crab
7, Sai Baba Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
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.
Known for: Traditional Bohri Muslim thaal dining experience
Dimtimkar Road, Bhuleshwar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400004
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.
Known for: Historic Mumbai ambiance and all-day multi-cuisine menu
Colaba Causeway, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
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.
Known for: Mughlai cuisine and iconic Mumbai dining atmosphere
145, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
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.
Known for: Authentic Parsi and Irani café cuisine since 1923
Wakefield House, 11, Sprott Road, Ballard Estate, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
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.
Known for: Traditional Maharashtrian thali with seasonal dishes
FC Road, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411005
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.
Known for: South Indian breakfast and best filter coffee in Pune
1206 FC Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411004
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.
Known for: Southeast Asian cuisine in a garden ambiance
Lane 5, North Main Road, Koregaon Park, Pune, Maharashtra 411001
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Indian
Khyber Restaurant
Vaishali
Peshwari, ITC Maratha Mumbai
Purnabrahma, Pune
Kailash Parbat
Kaka Halwa, Pune
Dakshinayan, Mumbai
Pancham Puriwala, Mumbai
Hotel Ruchi, Aurangabad
Hotel Woodland, Nagpur
The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai
European
The Table, Mumbai
Smoke House Deli, Mumbai
Café BA BA RE, Pune
Irani Café
Britannia & Co.
Café Goodluck
Vohuman Café, Pune
Seafood
Trishna
Mahesh Lunch Home
Gajalee, Mumbai
Vegetarian
Hotel Naivedyam, Pandharpur
Vatan, Nashik
Rajdhani Thali, Pune
Maharashtrian
Shabree
Suruchi, Mumbai
Mumbai Street Food
Bademiya
Hutatma Chowk Bhelpuriwala, Mumbai
Bohri Muslim
Bohri Kitchen
Continental
Café Mondegar
Italian
Dario's, Mumbai
Kolhapuri
Tambe Fastfood, Kolhapur
Maharashtrian Breakfast
Misal Club, Pune
Maharashtrian Street Food
Swami Samarth Snack Bar, Nashik
Mughlai
Amrapali, Aurangabad
Multi
Leopold Cafe
Mumbai Chaat
Pancham Puriwala Choupati Stalls, Mumbai
Pan
Malaka Spice
Vidarbha
Ankur, Nagpur
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Vada Pav
The undisputed king of Mumbai street food — a fried potato patty in a bun
Find it at: Every street corner in Mumbai
Pav Bhaji
Buttery mixed vegetable mash with toasted buns, best at Chowpatty Beach
Find it at: Chowpatty Beach, Juhu Beach, and stalls across Mumbai
Bhel Puri
Puffed rice mixed with tamarind chutney, vegetables, and crunchy sev
Find it at: Marine Drive, Juhu Beach, and chaat carts citywide
Zunka Bhakar
Chickpea flour preparation with spices served with millet or jowar flatbread
Find it at: Rural Maharashtra roadside dhabas
Sabudana Vada
Crispy sago and peanut fritters, especially popular during fasting days
Find it at: Tea stalls across Maharashtra
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Crawford Market, Mumbai
Mumbai's oldest and most vibrant wholesale market with fruits, vegetables, spices, and dry goods
Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM (Closed Sundays)
Mandai Market, Pune
Pune's central vegetable and flower market, an atmospheric early-morning experience
Hours: 5:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Mahatma Phule Market, Mumbai
Mumbai's colonial-era market building (Crawford Market) with meat, fish, and produce sections
Hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
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
- 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.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $1-3 per meal | Street food stalls, vada pav, misal pav, thali at local dhabas |
| Mid-range | $6-15 per meal | Restaurant thalis, seafood at mid-range Malvani restaurants, Irani café meals |
| Upscale | $30+ per meal | Fine dining at The Table, Peshwari, or modern Indian establishments |