Orion, Baner, Pune Modern Indian Restaurant

Phone: 020 30162331
Address: 1st Floor, Aspirations, Behind Satej Hotel, Next to Serenade Building, Baner Road, Baner, Pune
Time: 12 Midnight to 1 AM, 12 Noon to 12 Midnight
Meals for two: Rs. 1,200
Cuisines: Modern Indian, Italian, Fusion
Facilities: Full Bar Available, Nightlife, Serves Cocktails, Valet Parking Available, Gastro Pub, Smoking Area

Named after the constellation, the restaurant in Baner that started off as a molecular bar and kitchen is slowly weaning off foams and airs, and sticking to traditional cooking techniques.

Orion, Baner, Pune: DECOR

A dark passageway, an illuminated ceiling in hues of blue that pays homage to the constellation, comfortable and modern furnishings – Orion looks good. With two bars, one on the ground level and the other at mezzanine, there is no shortage of spirits here. The music is a good mix of retro, mostly English chart-busters from the 90s.

Orion, Baner, Pune: FOOD

There are traces of molecular gastronomy in forms of espuma (foam), fruit caviars and mint tuille; but the server shyly informs that they are more fixated on traditional methods of cooking now. However, the melon caviar-fruit pearls that pop in your mouth-served with Banarasi Lassi, a blend of whisky and cream liqueur and mango crush is a good way to start a meal here. It isn’t novel to see fondue blended with Indian flavors anymore, but the Smoked Eggplant Fondue, their take on baigan bhartha with cheese sauce is a delight. You won’t get any strong flavors of the bhartha, but it is hearty. Another interesting appetizer is the vegetarian Shikampuri Tikki served with a passion fruit mayo. Unlike the Shikampuri kebabs, usually made with mutton, this one isn’t stuffed with hung curd, but passes the muster for a decent starter. The deep fried Lamb Cigars with Onion Ash – pulled lamb wrapped in phyllo pastry and strewn with powdered charred onion is an instant hit. But the Lal Mirch Chicken Tikka Momos with mint espuma isn’t. Fiery blobs of dry momos with flavorless chutney foam – this was a clear miss. Another miss – the Chef’s Special Fish Mousse Curry. It’s a good example of why, at times, you shouldn’t tamper with a classic. What you get here are chunks of flavorless fish globs aka mousse served with a delicious coconut gravy. Swap the mousse with pieces of untampered fish, and this would have been a stunner. Luckily, salvaging the night was the Pumpkin Ravioli with sage butter. Plump pasta filled with sweet pumpkin and heavily doused in butter, this was a comforting bowl of food.

Orion, Baner, Pune: PLUS AND MINUS

The service is quick and friendly. The vegetarian dishes were much better than the non-vegetarian ones.