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Nanna’s Negroni: A Warm and Mischievous Postcard from Europe, Now in Pune

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Imagine strolling through the cobblestone streets of Europe, discovering hidden gems that leave you enchanted. Pune’s newest culinary destination, Nanna’s Negroni, offers just that—a cosy embrace that welcomes you in and keeps you coming back. This charming space blends the heart of European culinary traditions with the playful spirit of an Italian grandmother, serving up authenticity, warmth, and personality in every bite and sip.

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Conceptualized by Chef Ambar Rode, Nanna’s Negroni brings together mischief, warmth, and the kind of comfort that feels like home. The name itself reflects its soul: “Nanna” captures the cosy embrace of an Italian grandmother, while “Negroni” pays homage to finely crafted cocktails that are both playful and refined. This new venture marks another milestone in Chef Ambar Rode’s inspiring culinary journey. From learning the art of cooking in his mother’s kitchen to mastering French cuisine at Le Cordon Bleu and heading ventures like Le Petit Amour, Flamingo Globally Inspired Food, and Brasserie Cinq, Nanna’s Negroni is a culmination of his passion for honest ingredients and European comfort food.

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Commenting about this, Chef Ambar Rode, says “Cooking is storytelling—every dish carries a memory, a place, a feeling. At Nanna’s Negroni, we bring those stories to life with simplicity, patience, and heart, just like Nanna would have wanted. Every plate is crafted with the same love and care you’d find in an Italian grandmother’s kitchen—honest, comforting, and full of little surprises. Because food should feel like a warm embrace, turning shared meals into unforgettable moments.

The Space: Where Nostalgia Meets Elegance

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Step inside this 2,600 sq. ft. haven, where every detail is designed to transport you to Europe. Dark green leather booths with vertical tufting invite you to sink in and linger, while polished wooden tables with marble tops add an understated elegance. Cane-backed chairs nod to classic European design, and warm, ambient lighting casts a golden glow reminiscent of a late afternoon in a quaint Italian café. A draped white fabric wall softens the room’s deeper tones, balancing the space with its delicate texture. Floral-patterned curtains frame the windows, and black-and-white sketches line the walls, each whispering timeless tales of European charm. Even the entrance passage feels like a love letter to travel, lined with a collage of postcards that evoke images of cobblestone streets and tucked-away piazzas. The smoking room, discreetly tucked between two columns, is a stylish and compact retreat—a thoughtful nod to European niches. The entire space exudes a balance of nostalgia and contemporary flair, making every corner as inviting as a warm hug from the coolest “Nanna” you’ve ever known.

The Menu: A Celebration of Simple, Honest Ingredients

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At Nanna’s, the menu is a heartfelt tribute to slow cooking and the joy of honest, simple ingredients. Inspired by its Neapolitan roots and European comfort kitchens, every dish is crafted with patience, care, and respect for tradition.

From cold-fermented pizza dough, expertly risen to achieve the perfect lightness, to hand-rolled pasta made fresh daily with semolina, “00” flour, and eggs, every bite reflects meticulous attention to detail. Ingredients are the star of the show: kingfish cured with Negroni, pork belly cured in rock salt for 18 hours, and duck breast dry-aged for seven days. Every sauce, bread, and garnish—even those for the cocktails—is made in-house.

The Cocktails: Love, Mischief, and a Dash of Nanna’s Wisdom

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The cocktail menu is a vibrant ode to European traditions, brimming with charm, culture, and a touch of whimsy. Divided into two sections—“Love, Nanna” and “Nanna & Negroni”—it celebrates timeless memories and ingredients.

Fresh, local produce and handpicked selections from the chef’s pantry inspire the garnishes, while each cocktail tells a story of Italy, infused with warmth, love, and Nanna’s playful spirit. The Negroni is more than just a drink here—it’s a celebration of life’s sweetest moments. Whether you prefer bright, sweet-and-sour notes or deep, barrel-aged blends, there’s a Negroni to suit every taste, each sip evoking love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Rooted in Sustainability, Crafted with Love

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The culinary philosophy at Nanna’s Negroni is deeply rooted in sustainability and a connection to the land. Ingredients are sourced from local farmers: Himachali peaches, Kashmiri trout, Kerala spices, and Mason & Co. chocolate from Pondicherry. Techniques like fermenting, curing, and brining allow flavors to develop naturally, honoring each ingredient’s essence. Here, you’ll find the warmth of French kitchens, the romance of Italian trattorias, and the lively spirit of Parisian lanes—all on one plate, no passport required.

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