In the bustling streets of Pune, certain restaurant names have become more than just signs—they represent cherished memories, family legacies, and the city's evolving culinary identity. For decades, establishments like Vaishali, Roopali, Naaz, George, and others have woven themselves into the daily lives of Punekars, influencing routines, friendships, and dining habits.
The Personal Stories Behind Beloved Names
Zamu's Place began its journey in 1988 when Daraius Jal Cursetji created the name by combining the initials of his two sons, Zal and Murad. What started as a simple family tribute has grown into one of Pune's most recognizable dining destinations, famous for its Parsi cuisine and sizzlers. Today, Murad and his wife Niharika continue operating the establishment at Dhole Patil Road, maintaining its warm, nostalgic atmosphere that keeps generations of customers returning.
Prem's in Koregaon Park earned its name organically during the early Osho era. When Prem Pal Sharma's wife began serving homemade parathas and Indian meals to address the area's lack of reliable food options, visitors naturally started saying "Let's go to Prem's." The name stuck long before formal branding considerations. Current partners Manpreet Uppal and Sandy Singh preserved the name when they took over, recognizing its established reputation and loyal following.
Family Legacies in Restaurant Names
The story of Priya restaurant demonstrates how business names can influence family decisions. When Narayan Shetty opened his South Indian eatery on MG Road in 1969, he named it Priya. Later, when his family welcomed twin daughters, a relative suggested naming them Priya and Supriya, inspired by the restaurant's popularity. This naming eventually led to the opening of Supriya restaurant in 1977, creating twin establishments that mirrored the family's twin daughters.
Similarly, Sujata restaurant carries a touching family story. Sharad Kondhalkar opened his dessert shop in Sadashiv Peth in 1965, the same year his daughter Sujata was born. He named the business after his firstborn as a personal tribute. Today, Sujata's brother Sachin Kondhalkar manages the now-expanded brand with multiple branches across Pune.
The Evolution of FC Road Icons
On Fergusson College Road, three names—Roopali, Vaishali, and Amrapali—have become cultural landmarks. Few remember that Roopali originally operated as Madras Café, while Vaishali was known as Nirmala Bhavan before their transformations. Amrapali joined them later in 1976. According to Nagesh Shetty, cousin of the founding Jagannath Shetty family, architects selected these elegant, timeless names reflecting Indian sensibilities.
The late Shri Jagannath B. Shetty's disciplined approach to hospitality transformed these spaces into institutions that outgrew their original menus, becoming integral parts of Pune's Deccan area identity. These establishments demonstrate how restaurant names can evolve beyond mere branding to become symbols of community and continuity in a rapidly changing city.
