Dining under the stars under the canopy of trees has become a sought after luxury when you happen to live in such a vibrant city as Pune. The city dwellers are taking time away more and more to slip away in the countryside or search for a slice of country right in the city. Which is why the restaurants with an al fresco dining is rolling in success. Gone are the times when you had the need for glamour or elegance. Today's diners demand open vistas and casual relaxing dining which brings us to a gem of a place ‘Amalfi’. You guessed it right, the theme here is Mediterranean. Expect pale white walls with bursts of turquoise blue at numerous places. The restaurant does full justice to the open ambience and very cleverly invites the outdoor in through large windows and gateways. Vibe here is casual and serene just ideal for a temporary escape. Ambrosia Resort & Spa, where the restaurant is located is a lovely property you can take a stroll around after the dinner.

Amalfi is an experience which deserves to be enjoyed at lesuire so don’t rush and lay back. Breathe in the open crisp air while enjoying a glass of watermelon & mint martini. If you desire for something stronger then ask for a beer or a malt whisky, Amalfi has everything. The wine section is special and is worthy to be savoured with a bowl of silky smooth pasta. As an entrée Amalfi takes you towards Italian green bean salad, Lebanese tahini fish, Moroccan couscous, carrots and chilly butter soup, pasta e fagioli, panzanella, fattoush, empanadas, sausage & potato soup, sawda dajaj, shish taouk, roasted eggplant bruschetta, char grilled lamb chops with pesto and spring vegetable stew with soft polenta.

As delightful as the entrees sound, Amalfi's main course is just as promising. It is loaded with tempting delicacies and exotic recipes worthy of your attention. Split a hot crisp pizza between your gang which comes with some mind-blowing toppings. One of our favourite is Nasturtium which features Nasturtium flower, mixed vegetables, pesto and goat cheese or take a more conventional route with chicken sausage, tomato and basil topping. Besides pizza the menu offers ricotta ravioli, shrimp fusilli, penne lemon parsley and vegetable paella. Amalfi stocks on delicious house teas which goes wonderfully with a hot bread pudding or an apple crumble. Amalfi may be a little pricey but it is worth every penny.