Dario's is probably one of the most popular European joints in Pune. When it comes to Italian food, they have enough competition in Pune - The Little Italy, Squisto, Prego etal. Nevertheless, they seem to excel in doling out amazing vegetarian Italian fare out of their kitchen.
Chef Dario Dezio is the owner of Dario's and hails from Sicily, Italy. He certainly knows authentic Italian food quite well. The food served at this joint is as authentic as it can get in Pune!
Nestled in one of the by-lanes of lush green Koregaon Park area, adjacent to Osho ashram, it is definitely well-located. They have an indoor as well as an alfresco dining area. There are a lot of peacocks in the garden and their voices certainly add to the overall dining experience at Dario's. We were seated in the garden area.
A unique take on Italian set menu has been conceptualized at Dario's. They call it "Thalitalia" and it draws inspiration from the Indian thali. It consists of 5 starters, 2 salads served with assorted bread, 3 pastas, 2 pizzas, 1 risotto and 2 desserts. Well that's quite an elaborate meal at Rs.590 only! This menu is available only on weekdays i.e Mon-Fri, 12 noon to 6:30pm.
The starters were all served in a single plate, at a single go - Bruschetta, Polpette di lenticchie, Crostini, Arancinelle, Pate di ceci.
Crostini with the bell peppers topping was quite a let down. It tasted sour and appeared as if the peppers were not very fresh. Bruschetta with the tomato-onion topping was quite good. The use of herbs like basil was bare minimum and was thankfully not overpowering. The starters were served with a generous helping of yummy hummus(standard version) and a salsa based tangy dip. A basic tomato salad and a Mellucci salad also came alonger. The Mellucci salad consisted of some greens and sliced butter beans. Without any frills salad, yet so refreshing! The portion was large enough to more than fill you up.
The main course consisted of a variety of pastas, a risotto and pizza slices. Surprisingly all were served in a single plate, where the pizza slices, risotto and pastas blended together into an 'Italian Khichdi'. Not to my taste! The pizza slices of a Siciliano and a Margherita are my picks form this platter. Penne Arrabbiata, Gnocchi ai formaggi and Fusilli Fiminati were rather very average. The Risotto(Al limone and rucola) was the black sheep of this plate. It was milky and not creamy, lacked flavor, body and had no lime whatsoever, unlike what the name suggests.
Two desserts were served - Tiramisu and a classic chocolate mousse. The mousse was quite good - smooth and just like a choco mousse is supposed to be - delectable. The tiramisu was nowhere close to my favorite dessert - a Tiramisu! The cake was way too dry and they obviously hadn't used mascarpone and used a rather very grainy home made cheese. The dessert barely tasted of coffee and it's bitterness can't be attributed to the presence of coffee. It was probably because of the cake/cheese used.
I judge an Italian joint by it's Tiramisu and based on this factor, "Thalitalia" was an average experience for me. Nevertheless, a statutory warning to all you food enthusiasts out there - The portions of "Thalitalia" are quite large and it's tough to polish it off, all by yourself. ;)
Overall an average experience. Try it only if you're really adventurous/curious!
(Review conducted on invite)
Chef Dario Dezio is the owner of Dario's and hails from Sicily, Italy. He certainly knows authentic Italian food quite well. The food served at this joint is as authentic as it can get in Pune!
Nestled in one of the by-lanes of lush green Koregaon Park area, adjacent to Osho ashram, it is definitely well-located. They have an indoor as well as an alfresco dining area. There are a lot of peacocks in the garden and their voices certainly add to the overall dining experience at Dario's. We were seated in the garden area.
A unique take on Italian set menu has been conceptualized at Dario's. They call it "Thalitalia" and it draws inspiration from the Indian thali. It consists of 5 starters, 2 salads served with assorted bread, 3 pastas, 2 pizzas, 1 risotto and 2 desserts. Well that's quite an elaborate meal at Rs.590 only! This menu is available only on weekdays i.e Mon-Fri, 12 noon to 6:30pm.
The starters were all served in a single plate, at a single go - Bruschetta, Polpette di lenticchie, Crostini, Arancinelle, Pate di ceci.
The main course consisted of a variety of pastas, a risotto and pizza slices. Surprisingly all were served in a single plate, where the pizza slices, risotto and pastas blended together into an 'Italian Khichdi'. Not to my taste! The pizza slices of a Siciliano and a Margherita are my picks form this platter. Penne Arrabbiata, Gnocchi ai formaggi and Fusilli Fiminati were rather very average. The Risotto(Al limone and rucola) was the black sheep of this plate. It was milky and not creamy, lacked flavor, body and had no lime whatsoever, unlike what the name suggests.
Two desserts were served - Tiramisu and a classic chocolate mousse. The mousse was quite good - smooth and just like a choco mousse is supposed to be - delectable. The tiramisu was nowhere close to my favorite dessert - a Tiramisu! The cake was way too dry and they obviously hadn't used mascarpone and used a rather very grainy home made cheese. The dessert barely tasted of coffee and it's bitterness can't be attributed to the presence of coffee. It was probably because of the cake/cheese used.
I judge an Italian joint by it's Tiramisu and based on this factor, "Thalitalia" was an average experience for me. Nevertheless, a statutory warning to all you food enthusiasts out there - The portions of "Thalitalia" are quite large and it's tough to polish it off, all by yourself. ;)
Overall an average experience. Try it only if you're really adventurous/curious!
(Review conducted on invite)
Great !
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