PUNE: Bastian Hospitality Private Limited announced the launch of Bastian Empire, its first restaurant in the city.
After the successful launch of Bastian Garden City in Bengaluru in 2023, this marks the brand’s foray into its third city in India, with Mumbai remaining the brand’s flagship.
Bastian Empire promises to bring Poonaites the inimitable blend of everything that the brand is known for: bold, striking interiors; glorious F&B offerings; and the distinctive Bastian vibe that feels exciting yet comfortable at the same time.
Says Ranjit Bindra, CEO of Bastian Hospitality Private Limited, “The success of the Bastian brand in Mumbai gave us the confidence to open doors in Bengaluru, a market which has welcomed us with open arms. We are therefore delighted to be foraying into our third city in India, with the launch of Bastian Empire in Pune. Pan-India and international expansion has always been part of our plan, and we are excited to be steadily growing our footprint in key markets across the country.”
Designed by Minal Chopra of Ineedspace, the long-time designer for the group’s restaurants, and Ranjit Bindra (CEO of Bastian Hospitality Private Limited), Bastian Empire has been created to resemble a cave on top of a high-rise. The 220-seater space is loosely divided into sections; guests will arrive in a Cappadocia-esque entrance area with soaring ceilings that are both rugged and smooth at once. Flooring in deliberately unfinished cobblestones and travertine marble further contributes to the rustic-chic feel. Every element of the restaurant has been designed with a wabi-sabi approach: one fine design element juxtaposed against one rustic one. The Main Bar area of the restaurant features relaxed, lounge seating, as well as high tables and chairs, all nestled in what feels like a suspended niche. The fine dining area offers back-to-back seating which is both intimate and private at the same time. At the opposite end of the space, a second DJ spins tunes that are more amenable to the dining audience, thus allowing for a comfortable mix of a party crowd and diners within the same space. The entire restaurant stands out in its use of tone-on-tone, singular colors – beige, taupe, earthy shades, and neutrals punctuated by strikingly oversized wicker ceiling lamps, camouflage netting on the roof, and a chicly-distressed vibe that is signature Bastian.
The food brings to Pune the entire range of Bastian classics that keep diners in Mumbai (and now) Bengaluru visiting the restaurants time and time again. At dinner, Salads like Burrata Salad and Avocado Poke; and Signature Cold Dishes like Crab Roll; Bastian Ceviche; and Seafood Salad set the tone for the meal. Classics offer options such as Mongolian Lamb; The Mac; Baked Brie; and Pulled Chicken Taco. From the Sea options such as Steamed Garlic Prawns; Hot Stone Soup; and Lobstaa Bomb are a perfect complement to Robata dishes like King Mushroom; Baby Potatoes; Lamb Chop; and Pork Ribs. The Market menu, offering a pick of various proteins of choice or vegetables, cooked in sauces of the guest’s choosing, retains pride of place on the dinner menu, once again.
Instagrammable desserts that not only look good but taste great have also been a USP since Bastian first launched. Pune Empire will offer exciting and unique options like Banana Box, honey tuile, caramel banana, vanilla mousse, and caramel rocks; and Pedro Pudding, robata pineapple, fruit brioche, Pedro Ximenez sherry crème anglaise; a Best of Bastian section featuring favorites like Lotus Kunafa Cheesecake; and Baked Alaska; and the ever-popular Pull-Me-Up desserts, Hazelnut Crunch; and Mille-Feuille.
Bastian Empire’s distinctive bar menu is divided into distinct sections, the bar menu offers Crystal Clear, clarified cocktails which are a masterful fusion of mixology and science – using innovative technology, the bar team transforms traditional ingredients into liquid jewels; and Fizzy Fusions, drinks that deliver a delightful burst of sparkling refreshment onto the palate. The Farm to Glass section of the cocktail menu offers libations crafted using locally sourced, vibrant ingredients such as herbs, fruit, zesty citrus, and savory elements that promise a unique drinking experience. Of course, the menu would not be complete without the Best of Bastian, drinks that have stood the test of time since the restaurant first opened; and an intriguing Bastian Negroni section, a series of cocktails that are a modern interpretation of the classic Negroni, artfully reimagined by the talented mixologists at Bastian.
