Bene

If you ask a foodie for his favourite Italian restaurant in Pune city, he will guide you towards ‘Favola’ of Le Meridian Hotel on Sassoon road. The praises of this restaurant is sung throughout the food circuit and amongst the Italian expats residing in the city. It is the perfect example of how to blend rusticity with chic. Interiors of the restaurant is marvellously simple and yet elegant. You will notice some beautiful key focal points that uplifts the décor. Generously spacious white room is broken into different nooks and corners forming into private dining spaces with their own personality. Large French windows are used well by placing a table near it to encourage the diners to enjoy the landscape outside. Lone diners can sit at the bar close to the action to relish their meal. Favola is sophisticated and earthy delivering on its promise to be something special. Although expensive Favola is an ideal place for a date or a wine & dine power dinner.

To maintain the authenticity of the recipes Favola is headed by a brilliant Italian chef who under his guidance has taken the restaurant to another level. Chef Roberto may be the only Italian chef in the city so take advantage of his skills by visiting Favola soon. One thing which is mention-worthy is that the Chef Roberto personally stops at each table to discuss his diner’s preferences and recommends the dishes accordingly. You would find this routine impressive and the chef charming. No Italian menu can start without a delicious section dedicated to antipasti. Expect to find, prosciutto e melone, vitello tonnato (beef roasted carpaccio), insalata Cesare, zucchini alla parmigiana (zucchini with tomato sauce), insalata di pollo alla ligure (grilled chicken with basil pesto sauce) and highly recommended, tartara di asparagi (asparagus pudding).

Favola is not your average pasta-pizza place. It is so much more than that. Though there is a fabulous selection of pasta, pizza and risotto range, you can be adventurous and swift through the unconventional main course section. It features, scampi gratinati (gratinated tiger prawns), agnello scottadito (grilled New Zealand lamb rack), ossobuco di agnello (lamb shank ossobuco), polenta co peperonata (fried polenta) and filetto (beef fillet tenderloin with wine barbera sauce). The dessert selection is a decadent finish to what was a memorable meal. Do indulge in Macedonia di frutta con gelato, profitterolles, cassata alla piemontese and good old favourite, tiramisu.