Aviraj (Solapur)

Garden State

Aviraj is among the larger Garden Restaurants (open air eateries) that you encounter on the Solapur-Pune highway. Like a number of other small-town restaurants, Aviraj clearly prides itself on its proximity to the agricultural heartland of Maharashtra, and accordingly has miniatures of farmers and other agricultural motifs around the main eating area, and three rather large baskets displaying bhakris (bread resembling rotis, albeit a little harder) of jowar, bajra and ragi respectively. The jowar bhakri, while a little coarser than the regular chapati, is a welcome change perhaps simply because of its different, slightly more natural, taste. That is, however, not to undermine the regular chapatis here in any way – Aviraj has some of the best bread you will find anywhere in Maharashtra. A good option to go with the delicious bread is the chicken handi – a curry that looks dreadfully oily when served but turns out to be fairly light on the system and quite tasty once you dig in. The portions are quite enormous, and the steward never fails to mention that half a portion is enough for three people. Talking of stewards, they are exceptionally chatty and usually quite helpful, not to mention apologetic if the food is delayed by even five minutes. A fitting accompaniment to the Arcadian getaway Aviraj represents.


Ambience                ★★★★
Service                    ★★★★★
Presentation            ★★★
Taste                      ★★★★