Verdict: The must-stop for steaks, and at ridiculously comfortable pricing.
Rating: 4/5

Table for Two: Rs 1000-1200
Address: 1, Rahul Residency, Next to Kareem’s, Salunkhe Vihar Road, Pune
Contact: +91 20 6050 9091

A few weeks ago someone asked us on Twitter which would be the definitive steak places in Pune. A bunch of names came up with mixed reactions (Mad House Grill, Arthur’s Theme, Terttulia and the likes) but nothing that would be a consensus. The answer to that question’s finally here.

Mumbai’s Café Mocambo Grille has opened in Pune and those who’ve been to the Mumbai outlet would recognize the chef – Rustom’s here taking care of the kitchen as well. Three cheers to more chef-restaurateurs in the city!

The spot had a couple of restaurants running earlier but had shut down eventually. But from the looks of what Rustom’s done with the place, there’s no chance his place will see the same fate. The area’s needed some more attention from the hospitality sector apart from the usual suspect of coffee shops.

Well-spaced out tables mark the converted building parking space. It’s well-lit but surely could do with some character. The empty white walls towards one side were a bit disappointing. Service is quick, the staff know the menu well and though they keep an open eye for a guest’s request, they won’t be found unnecessarily hovering around the tables.

We wanted to jump directly to the steaks but decided to start with some soup and appetizers – Minestrone, Sea Spicy soup and Fish Fingers. Both soups are evergreen classics – simple flavours, pair them with some garlic bread and you’re good to go. Basa’s been used for the fish fingers – delicate, well bread crumbed and the fish stands out even with the tartare sauce.

King Solomon’s Steak is what we were about to ask for but the chef insisted on us trying out the Carpet Bag Steak. The medium done steak is stuffed with a three cheese and herbs mix and served with mushroom sauce, sauteéd vegetables and mashed potatoes. Almost every time that we’ve asked for the medium steak, we’ve been served an almost well-done one. Here, the steak was easy to slice through, juicy on its own and the slight redness of the meat was clearly visible. We were sold.

We also tried the Herbed Spiced Tomato Chicken. They’ve used pimento – a cherry-sized chili pepper, and its flavour is prominent as it blankets the palate on the first bite itself. Still, very well balanced as we could taste every ingredient coming together.

As of now, the restaurant’s menu doesn’t include pork items and desserts unlike the Mumbai outlet. There’s an attached bakery/patisserie called Shockolaah however. If there’s something you’ve had at the Mumbai outlet and would like to eat it here, you just have to request Rustom for it.

View entire menu here.