Introduction
When it comes to food, Pune doesn’t disappoint. From street-side stalls to upscale cafes, this city knows how to serve up serious flavour. But beyond the well-known names and buzzing hotspots lies a world of underrated food joints that quietly serve some of the most unforgettable non-veg meals.
Whether you’re a die-hard carnivore, a weekend foodie, or just someone bored of the same old menus, these local meat eateries are the real game changers. These aren’t the ones you’d find on the top of a Zomato list—but once you eat there, they’ll top your personal favourites.
So let’s go exploring. Forks up!
Why Explore Pune’s Underrated Non-Veg Spots?
Sure, popular restaurants come with a reputation and crowd. But sometimes the best meals are served in places with plastic chairs, chalkboard menus, and zero advertising budget.
Here’s why Pune’s hidden non-veg joints are worth your time:
- Authentic Flavours: No shortcuts, just age-old recipes with real spice.
- Affordable Feasts: Full plates, rich gravies, and juicy meats—all at wallet-friendly prices.
- Local Favourites: You’ll find dishes even regular foodies may not have tried.
- Cultural Connection: These spots often reflect Pune’s Maharashtrian soul.
So if you’re on the hunt for the best non-veg restaurants in Pune that don’t scream for attention but deserve it, keep reading.
1. Nimantran Restaurant – Bibvewadi Best-Kept Secret for Homestyle Non-veg Delights
Nimantran isn’t flashy, but it knows how to win hearts with its rich, home-cooked-style non-veg meals. Tucked away in Bibvewadi, this place is a local favourite for Maharashtrian meat dishes that are full of flavour and feel like they came straight out of a grandmother’s kitchen. Their gravies are slow-cooked, the portions are generous, and the food feels both comforting and indulgent.
What to try:
If you’re in South Pune and craving a soul-satisfying, spice-packed meal, Nimantran deserves a spot on your radar.
2. Bedekar Family Restaurant – Old-School Marathi Non-Veg Goodness
📍 Location: Narayan Peth
While many know Bedekar for its misal, their lesser-known non-veg corner deserves a moment in the spotlight. With home-style gravies and earthy spices, this place feels like eating at your Maharashtrian friend’s home.
Hidden gems on the menu:
- Chicken Rassa
- Mutton Bhakri
- Spicy Egg Curry
Expect a steady stream of locals and very few tourists—which says a lot.
3. Tiranga Non-Veg – Loved by Locals, Ignored by Tourists
📍 Locations: Tilak Road, Paud Phata, and more
Ask a Punekar where to find comfort food, and Tiranga will likely come up. It’s got a strong local following for its spicy non-veg dishes and generously portioned thalis. Their gravies are bold, their meats well-cooked, and the satisfaction? Next level.
Must-haves:
- Chicken Kolhapuri Thali
- Mutton Alani Soup
- Bhakri or Chapati Combo
Perfect for those “I just want great food” kind of days.
4. Café GoodLuck – Iconic and Still Underestimated for Non-Veg
📍 Location: FC Road
Yes, Café GoodLuck is an icon. But it’s often praised for bun maska and chai, while its non-veg dishes are slept on. That’s a mistake. The kheema pav, chicken cutlets, and beef fry are worth every bite.
Pro tip:
Go early or late to avoid the rush. And don’t forget to end with their classic caramel custard.
5. Nisar’s Biryani – The Kind of Biryani You’ll Dream About
📍 Location: Camp Area
Hidden in the hustle of Camp is Nisar’s—a place that quietly serves up some of the best biryani in the city. This isn’t the dry or overly spiced kind. It’s aromatic, moist, and has that melt-in-your-mouth meat that makes you close your eyes in appreciation.
Top picks:
- Mutton Biryani
- Chicken Seekh Kebabs
- Special Friday Mutton Curry
Perfect for a weekend indulgence that doesn’t break the bank.
6. New Ajwa – Seafood Paradise for the Non-Veg Purist
📍 Location: Kondhwa
Looking for fish curry, prawns, or bombil fry that makes you feel like you’re dining on the Konkan coast? Ajwa brings in fresh seafood daily and serves it with Maharashtrian-style gravies that pack a serious punch.
Dishes to order:
- Surmai Fry
- Kolambi Rassa (Prawns Curry)
- Rice Bhakri + Solkadhi Combo
It’s a seafood joint that hits home with flavour, freshness, and fiery spice.
7. Hotel Aware Khanaval – Your Pocket-Friendly, Flavour-Full Stop
📍 Location: Sadashiv Peth
This one’s a true local meat eatery, known more through word-of-mouth than marketing. With dishes priced under ₹200, it serves authentic Maharashtrian fare loaded with masalas and tradition.
Go for:
- Chicken Sukka
- Bhakri Thali
- Chicken Curry with Rice
Fair warning: Once you go, you’ll keep going back.
Tips for Discovering More Hidden Non-Veg Gems in Pune
Sure, this list is a great start. But Pune’s food scene is always evolving. Here’s how to uncover more amazing places on your own:
- Talk to the locals. Your cab driver or chai-wala probably knows more hidden gems than Google does.
- Look for crowd patterns. If a place is packed at lunchtime, it’s likely good.
- Skip the polished. The best food often comes from modest kitchens.
- Explore food trails. Camp, Sadashiv Peth, and Tilak Road are rich in old-school eateries.
What Makes a Great Non-Veg Restaurant in Pune?
If you’re new to the scene, here’s what to watch for when judging a non-veg place:
- Freshness of meat – The biggest tell of quality.
- Gravy game – Rich, spicy, and slow-cooked? You’re in good hands.
- Side dishes – Solkadhi, bhakri, rice, pickles—all contribute to the meal.
- Local love – If regulars are returning every day, that’s your green flag.
Final Bites: Eat Where the Flavour Lives
Pune’s food culture is diverse, dynamic, and downright delicious—especially when it comes to non-veg. While swanky new places are popping up every month, these underrated food joints continue to serve soul-satisfying meals without the limelight.
Whether you’re in the mood for a fiery chicken thali, a biryani that brings tears of joy, or seafood that tastes like vacation, these spots won’t let you down.
Your Food Trail Starts Now
Forget the hype. Skip the filters—Discover Pune’s real food story—one hidden non-veg joint at a time.
Know another hidden gem we missed? Drop it in the comments or tag us on your next foodie trip in Pune. And if you’re still hungry for more, check out our Pune Street Food Guide or Top Maharashtrian Dishes You Must Try!
Need help picking Hidden Gems near your area?
📍 Visit Us: 692/A/3C, Bibwevadi, next to Pushpa Mangal Karyalaya, Pune 411037.
📞 Reserve Your Table: +91 830-800-9009
💻 Order Online: nimantranrestaurant.com
Don’t wait—order now or book your spot! 👇