Some restaurant’s just become a part of the city’s fabric. They are landmarks in themselves. The place, the service, the hospitality and most importantly the memories one makes there, makes these places special. Prem’s in Pune has become one such place. Over the years, Prem's has witnessed a whole lot of first dates and first outings with friends.
Photo Credit: Prem's/ website
When Prem’s first opened, Koregaon Park which is one of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in Pune today, was just coming into its own. Most of Koregaon Park was a wilderness back then. Very few restaurants had opened. Chinese Room in Camp, ABC Farms, German Bakery were the other restaurants that came up around that time. Apart from being a student city, with a large number of colleges, universities and educational institutions, Pune was also home to the controversial and much talked about Osho Ashram. Especially Koregaon Park where the ashram was located was largely inhabited by a migrant population, expats and some early residents of the area.
While Prem’s officially opened in 1986, it was open before that too. It is said that a certain Sharma family had moved to Pune from South Africa and they began to sell basic home food such as parathas and sandwiches along with tea and coffee to all the ‘Sanyasis’ who came to the Osho Ashram, which used to get a lot of attention back then as it was the time that Osho had just come back from America.
Photo Credit: Prem's/website
What Makes Prem’s Special
The place didn’t have a name back then. Since the owner was called Prempal Sharma, the Ashramites would often refer to the eatery as ‘Prem’s place’ and that’s how the place was named. Originally, the eatery was simple. However, it quickly gained popularity, thanks to the delicious food and the charming ambience of the al fresco dining area. Over time it became a gathering place for Pune’s diverse community, including students, artists, expatriates, and spiritual seekers who visited the nearby Osho International Meditation Resort.
Over the years, Prem’s has evolved while still retaining its charm, becoming a beloved institution in Pune’s dining scene. It continues to be a go-to destination for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal in a serene, garden-like setting. If you feel like a fun binge with friends over pints of beer, the happy vibe at one of the city’s most popular restaurants may be just what you need.
What To Order At Prem’s
Photo Credit: Prem's/ website
The restaurant is currently run by Iceberg Hospitality, which also runs eateries such as Soy Como Soy, Swig. Kinki and Euriska, is a popular spot among locals and expats alike, offering a menu that includes a variety of Indian, Continental, and Asian dishes, catering to a wide range of tastes.
While new dishes have been added to the menu much has also remained the same. The owners tried changing a few recipes and the regular customers reached out and told them that they wanted those old dishes back. So instead of replacing dishes, they added sushi, dim sums, and a whole new Pan Asian menu.
Photo Credit: Prem's/ website
Popular dishes at Prem’s include Butter Chicken, Dal Makhani, Chicken Stroganoff, Chilly Chicken, Hakka Noodles and Sushi. The menu is a delightful mix of classic and contemporary flavours, and the Chicken Shashlik Sizzler and the Prawn Tempura Sushi come highly recommended.
Price For Two At Prem’s
The approximate cost for two people at Prem's Restaurant in Koregaon Park, Pune is around ₹1,500 to ₹2,000. This can vary depending on the choice of dishes, beverages, and whether you opt for starters and desserts.
Photo Credit: Prem's/facebook
Staying Relevant
Over more than three decade Prem’s has maintained a reputation for its consistent food quality, service, and a warm, laid-back vibe.From its early days as a cosy, family-run establishment to its current status as one of Pune’s most well-loved restaurants, Prem’s has continually evolved to meet the needs of its diverse patrons. It has kept many elements of the al fresco dining area intact and yet the vibe is contemporary. It still manages to induce Punekars with just the right amount of nostalgia. The restaurant is ideal for casual dining, family outings, and gatherings with friends. Its extensive menu features everything from comfort food to gourmet dishes, making it a versatile spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.