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
Peshwari, ITC Maratha Mumbai
One of Mumbai's finest restaurants for dal bukhara and tandoor specialties, Peshwari at ITC Maratha brings the legendary Northwest Frontier cuisine to Mumbai. The opulent setting and slow-cooked black dal have earned it a devoted following.
Known for: Dal bukhara slow-cooked 18 hours and tandoor specialties
ITC Maratha, Sahar, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400099
Purnabrahma, Pune
A sophisticated Pune restaurant offering modern interpretations of classic Indian regional cuisines in an elegant setting. The multi-course tasting menus explore the breadth of Indian culinary traditions with artistic presentation.
Known for: Modern Indian fine dining with regional tasting menus
10, Ambedkar Nagar, Koregaon Park, Pune, Maharashtra 411001
Kailash Parbat
A Mumbai and Pune institution serving Sindhi cuisine and famous chaat since 1952. The papdi chaat, bhel puri, and pav bhaji are among the city's most celebrated street food preparations elevated to restaurant quality.
Known for: Award-winning chaat and vegetarian Sindhi specialties
1, Pasta Lane, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Kaka Halwa, Pune
A legendary sweet shop in Pune's Narayan Peth area serving traditional Maharashtrian sweets and desserts. The shrikhand, modak (especially during Ganesh Chaturthi), and puran poli are outstanding and draw long queues.
Known for: Traditional Maharashtrian sweets especially modak and shrikhand
Narayan Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411030
Dakshinayan, Mumbai
A reliable South Indian restaurant in Matunga, Mumbai — known as Little Madras — serving exceptional dosas, idlis, and the best filter coffee in the city. An authentic South Indian culinary experience in the heart of Mumbai.
Known for: Authentic South Indian breakfast in Mumbai's Matunga
Dadar TT Circle, Matunga, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400019
Pancham Puriwala, Mumbai
A legendary Mumbai establishment since 1946 in Tardeo, serving simple but outstanding puri-bhaji and dal-roti. The antique setting and decades-old recipes make this a beloved time-warp eating experience.
Known for: Classic puri-bhaji and dal-roti, Mumbai institution since 1946
Tardeo, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400034
Hotel Ruchi, Aurangabad
Aurangabad's favorite local restaurant for budget Maharashtrian meals, the unlimited lunch thali at Ruchi is famous throughout the city. An authentic, value-for-money option for travelers exploring the cave complexes.
Known for: Budget unlimited thali popular with local workers and travelers
Station Road, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431001
Hotel Woodland, Nagpur
A legendary Nagpur restaurant and hotel known for its Vidarbha-style cooking and excellent saoji dishes. The saoji chicken and mutton are prepared with a distinctive mix of over 20 local spices unique to Nagpur's culinary tradition.
Known for: Vidarbha-style saoji dishes with traditional Nagpur spices
Central Avenue Road, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440008
The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai
A celebrated Mumbai restaurant by noted chef Thomas Zacharias, The Bombay Canteen reimagines Indian regional cuisines through a modern lens. The seasonal menu highlights forgotten Indian ingredients and regional techniques in a festive, industrial-chic setting.
Known for: Modern Indian cuisine celebrating forgotten regional flavors
Process House, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013
European
The Table, Mumbai
One of Mumbai's top-ranked restaurants by Asia's 50 Best, The Table serves beautifully crafted modern international cuisine with bold flavors in a sleek Colaba setting. The impressive wine list and innovative tasting menus have earned consistent acclaim.
Known for: Asia's 50 Best-ranked modern international fine dining
Kaala Ghoda, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Smoke House Deli, Mumbai
A stylish all-day deli and café in Bandra serving fresh European-style salads, artisan sandwiches, and pastries with quality coffee. Popular with Mumbai's creative class for a relaxed brunch or lunch with an extensive bakery menu.
Known for: Artisan European-style deli food and quality brunch
Hill Road, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
Café BA BA RE, Pune
A charming European-style café in Koregaon Park, Pune, known for its quality breakfasts, freshly baked pastries, wood-fired pizzas, and excellent coffee. The relaxed garden seating and consistent quality make it a reliable Pune favorite.
Known for: Quality European-style café food in Koregaon Park
North Main Road, Koregaon Park, Pune, Maharashtra 411001
Vegetarian
Hotel Naivedyam, Pandharpur
A pure vegetarian restaurant near the Vitthal Temple in Pandharpur serving simple, wholesome Maharashtrian meals to pilgrims and travelers. The thali meals offer great value and authentic flavors.
Known for: Pure vegetarian thali for pilgrims and temple visitors
Temple Road, Pandharpur, Solapur District, Maharashtra 413304
Vatan, Nashik
A celebrated Nashik restaurant presenting authentic Nashik and Khandeshi Maharashtrian cuisine, including the local specialty of zunka-bhakar and tandalachi bhakri. A go-to for experiencing the distinctive flavors of this part of Maharashtra.
Known for: Nashik and Khandeshi regional Maharashtrian cuisine
Gangapur Road, Nashik, Maharashtra 422013
Rajdhani Thali, Pune
A popular chain restaurant in Pune serving unlimited vegetarian thalis with rotating seasonal dishes in a festive Rajasthani atmosphere. The brass service, themed decor, and abundance of food make it a fun experience for groups.
Known for: Unlimited Rajasthani-Gujarati vegetarian thali
Clover Center, Moledina Road, Camp, Pune, Maharashtra 411001
Irani Café
Café Goodluck
Pune's most famous Irani café, operating since 1935 near Deccan Gymkhana, serving bun maska (bread with butter), Irani chai, and keema pav in a classic no-frills setting. A must-visit to experience Pune's café culture.
Known for: Classic Irani café experience and legendary Pune chai
Fergusson College Road, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune, Maharashtra 411004
Vohuman Café, Pune
A treasured Pune Irani café near Sassoon General Hospital, Vohuman is renowned for the best brun maska (hard bun with butter) and Irani chai in Pune. The no-frills setup and loyal regulars give it an irreplaceable old-world charm.
Known for: Legendary Irani chai and brun maska
Near Sassoon Hospital, Bund Garden Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411001
Mumbai Street Food
Bademiya
A legendary Mumbai street-food institution since the 1940s near the Taj hotel in Colaba, Bademiya is famous for its late-night seekh kebabs, chicken tikka rolls, and sizzling bun kebabs served from open grills on the pavement.
Known for: Late-night Mumbai street kebabs, open until 4 AM
Tulloch Road, Behind Taj Mahal Palace, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Hutatma Chowk Bhelpuriwala, Mumbai
A famous street food cart near Hutatma Chowk in Fort, Mumbai, serving some of the city's best bhel puri, sev puri, and dahi puri. Standing in line with office workers is part of the authentic Mumbai street food experience.
Known for: Classic Mumbai bhel puri and chaat
Hutatma Chowk, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Seafood
Mahesh Lunch Home
A Mumbai institution for Konkan seafood, Mahesh Lunch Home has been serving coastal Maharashtra cuisine for over 50 years. The prawn ghee roast, surmai (kingfish) fry, and crab masala are legendary among seafood lovers.
Known for: Konkan-style seafood and Mangalorean preparations
Cowasji Patel Street, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Gajalee, Mumbai
A beloved Mumbai seafood chain serving authentic Malvani cuisine from the Konkan coast. The pomfret rawa fry, crab masala, and fresh-catch fish curry with solkadhi have made Gajalee a go-to for Mumbai seafood lovers.
Known for: Malvani Konkan seafood with authentic coastal flavors
Hanuman Road, Vile Parle East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400057
Continental
Café Mondegar
A Mumbai institution in Colaba since 1932, Mondegar is famous for its colorful murals by cartoonist Mario Miranda and its lively atmosphere. The chilled beer, sizzlers, and finger food draw a mixed crowd of locals and travelers.
Known for: Mario Miranda murals and Colaba social hub since 1932
Metro House, Colaba Causeway, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Italian
Dario's, Mumbai
An upscale Italian restaurant in Bandra serving handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and an impressive wine list in a sophisticated setting. A long-standing favorite among Mumbai's discerning dining crowd.
Known for: Handmade Italian pasta and wood-fired pizzas
Turner Road, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
Kolhapuri
Tambe Fastfood, Kolhapur
An iconic Kolhapur eatery serving the city's famous spicy mutton and chicken preparations alongside the renowned Kolhapuri misal. The fiery pandhra rassa (white mutton broth) and tambda rassa (red meat curry) are Kolhapuri specialties.
Known for: Fiery authentic Kolhapuri mutton preparations
Mahadwar Road, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416001
Maharashtrian
Suruchi, Mumbai
A popular restaurant in the Thane area of Mumbai serving authentic Malvani seafood cuisine, including fish thali, crab curry, and prawn solkadhi. The earthy Malvani flavors with coconut and kokum make this a standout for coastal cuisine.
Known for: Malvani seafood thali with kokum-coconut gravies
Pokhran Road, Thane West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400601
Maharashtrian Breakfast
Misal Club, Pune
A Pune specialty restaurant dedicated entirely to misal pav in its many regional variations — from Kolhapuri (fiery) to Nashik (tangy) to Pune-style. The extensive misal menu and quality of preparation make it unique.
Known for: Multiple regional styles of Maharashtra's misal pav
Erandwane, Pune, Maharashtra 411004
Maharashtrian Street Food
Swami Samarth Snack Bar, Nashik
A legendary Nashik eatery known for its authentic misal pav and vada pav, Swami Samarth represents the heart of Nashik's street food culture. Generations of locals swear by its spicy misal and freshly fried vadas.
Known for: Best misal pav in Nashik
CBS Corner, Nashik, Maharashtra 422001
Mughlai
Amrapali, Aurangabad
One of Aurangabad's most respected restaurants for Mughlai cuisine, Amrapali offers excellent biryani, nalli nihari, and seekh kebabs reflecting the city's historical Mughal connections. A reliable stop for non-vegetarian dining.
Known for: Mughlai biryani with Aurangabad's historical flavors
CIDCO, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431003
Mumbai Chaat
Pancham Puriwala Choupati Stalls, Mumbai
The chaat stalls at Chowpatty Beach on Marine Drive are an essential Mumbai experience, serving pav bhaji, bhel puri, and fresh coconut water as the sun sets. An iconic outdoor street-food experience that defines Mumbai's food culture.
Known for: Sunset chaat at Chowpatty Beach, a Mumbai ritual
Chowpatty Beach, Marine Drive, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400007
Vidarbha
Ankur, Nagpur
Nagpur's most respected restaurant for Vidarbha cuisine, serving the fiery saoji mutton curry, a signature preparation of eastern Maharashtra known for its rich spice blend. An essential culinary stop for anyone visiting Nagpur or Tadoba.
Known for: Fiery Saoji mutton curry, a Nagpur specialty
Dharampeth, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440010
Food tours & tastings in Maharashtra
Eat your way through Maharashtra with a guide.
Browse food experiences in MaharashtraWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
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 |