A long drive and a memorable meal? What better way to spend time with your special someone on Valentines Day! Right? There’s something undeniably magical about a long drive with your beloved someone. A cherry on top would be the drive ending up with a hearty meal. If you’re looking to impress your date with a scenic road trip and a wonderful dining experience, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of romantic dining destinations worth the drive. Let’s begin.
Imagine this: You, your date, a table overlooking a scenic pond with ducks waddling around amidst lush greenery. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, Saltt Restaurant and Bar in Karjat is your dream date spot. Their menu is a jackpot of comfort food with European, Asian and Indian delicacies on the menu which could be best enjoyed with their farm fresh cocktails. With wooden accents, glass panes, cabanas and lush gardens, this place is made for romance. P.S: Make the Valentine’s Day special with cozy cabanas at the salt lawns with live music and sweet surprises.
Address: Oleander Farms Pvt Ltd, Karjat Chowk Road, Vavarle Village, Karjat, Khalapur, Maharashtra
Contact: 096998 83834
Distance from Pune: 100 km
Drive Duration: 2 hours
MakaBawa Café Bar is like stumbling upon a hidden gem. This quaint bungalow turned café feels like a romantic escape straight out of a novel. With countryside feels, wooden seatings and Parsi- Goan meals, this spot is perfect for couples who love unhurried and intimate meals. Run by a lovely couple—one Goan and the other Parsi—the café offers a unique charm, with an open kitchen where you can see the magic happen. You can also enjoy a selection of beer and wine to complement your meal. Try their grilled fish, dhansak and cutlets to make your date worth it. Of course you’d compliment it with the scenic drive from Pune to Lonavala. A dreamy drive, a cozy setting and food that feels like love. What more could you ask for, right?
Address: Lonavala Aamby Valley Rd, Lonavala, Atvan, Maharashtra
Contact: 098508 79097
Distance from Pune: 81 km
Drive Duration: 2 hours
For couples who bond over wellness and gourmet delights, Sattva Restaurant, Toyam by Orchid Hotels is your dream date spot. Tucked inside a wellness retreat resort, this farm to fork paradise serves up fresh and downright delicious dishes. A serene lakeside and lush greenery around adds up to the serenity. The restaurant is housed in a stunning Bali-style bamboo structure, and with separate kitchens for veg and non-veg dishes, it offers something for every palate. It’s a kind of place where you could sip on a smoothie, gaze in to each other’s eyes and say, “Wow, this is the most wholesome date ever”.
Address: 8VCQ+63 Taluka BHOR, near Khed Shivapur, Varve Bk, Maharashtra
Contact: 8329805957
Distance from Pune: 34 km
Drive Duration: 1 Hour 10 minutes
Why settle for an ordinary dinner when you can have a glasshouse romance surrounded by fairy lights and lush greenery? Fiori, Lonavala is straight out of a movie set. This European-Mediterranean cuisine-based restaurant is all about decadent food and indulgent delights. Whether you’re toasting to love with a cocktail, or sharing a pizza under the stars, every bite here is as picturesque as the setting. A Scenic drive, an insta worthy setting and delicious food. Need we say more?
Address: Regenta SGs Greenotel, Gwalwadi, Old Mumbai – Pune Hwy, Lonavala, Maharashtra
Contact: 074100 01660
Distance from Pune: 68 km
Drive Duration: 1 Hour 30 minutes
Love a touch of luxury with your romance? Della Villa Bistro is your go to! It’s a perfect blend of coziness and sophistication. Nestled in the heart of the famous Della Resorts, this bistro is where candlelit romance meets indulgence. This European style bistro offers a quintessential setting with a menu straight resembling a Michelin starred dream. With range of authentic pasta, and melt in mouth tiramisu, you’d feel like you have been transported to Italy. Guess what? The winding drive to Khandala sets the mood, but the glow of this bistro seals the deal.
Address: Della Enclave Rd, Kune Village, Khandala, Lonavala, Kune N.m., Maharashtra
Contact: 073852 22600
Distance from Pune: 73 km
Drive Duration: 1 Hour 30 minutes
Cafe Cocano is a cozy café nestled in the lush hills of Mahabaleshwar, with panoramic views and the the perfect vibe for a date. If you thought romance was all about candlelight dinners and wines, this place will change your mind. This place will prove you that love is also about sharing a cheesy pizza and binging over Mac and Cheetos (We know it sounds yummy, right?). Also don’t miss out to binge on their desserts and chocolates as much as love in your heart. So, come for the view, stay for the food and let yourself fall in love all over again.
Address: Panchgani – Mahabaleshwar Rd, Bhose, Maharashtra
Contact: 02168 299 676
Distance from Pune: 103 km
Drive Duration: 3 hours
So, here’s your Valentine’s go to list. Where are you heading first?
