The Third Place: Pune’s First Dedicated Wine Bar Opens in Koregaon Park

Pune’s dining and nightlife landscape has just raised its glass to a sophisticated new entrant - The Third Place, the city’s first dedicated wine bar. Located in Koregaon Park, this chic community spot is more than just a venue for food and drinks; it’s a cultural hub that blends gastronomy, design, and lifestyle. With hospitality veteran Kunal Mhaske at the helm, European-inspired food by Chef Toshan Salgaonkar, and a sommelier-led wine program, The Third Place sets the stage for a refreshing way to socialize and unwind.

The Third Place: A Concept Rooted In Community

The name draws inspiration from the global concept of a “third place” – a space that exists between work and home, designed for relaxation, conversation, and community. For Mhaske, the Managing Director of Grandeur Hotels Pvt. Ltd., the vision was to create a venue where people can connect intentionally, without the formality of fine dining or the casual rush of a café. The result is a welcoming destination that blends food, drink, and culture in equal measure.

What’s On The Menu?

At the heart of The Third Place is a thoughtfully curated food and beverage program emphasizing craftsmanship and soulful flavours.

• Chef Toshan Salgaonkar’s European-inspired menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and clean, bold flavours.
• Guests can enjoy light bites like Fresh Pear Salad, Chorizo (Chilli-Fried Pork), Roasted Root Vegetables, and Burrata with Beets and Grilled Mushrooms.
• For mains, standout dishes include Oven-Roasted Chicken and Lamb Meatballs, perfect for pairing with fine wines.

The Pizza Station

A major highlight is the wood-fired pizza station, where dough is slow-fermented for 72 hours to achieve an authentic Neapolitan-style crust. Topped with aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano, and Pecorino Romano, pizzas range from familiar classics such as Caprese, Quattro Formaggi, and Pepperoni to inventive creations like Farmacy and Meat Overload.

Adding to the charm is the Panuozzo – a pizza sandwich filled with options like Pesto Chicken, Tomato Bocconcini, and BLT/HLT, offering a playful twist on Italian street food.

The Wine Experience

• The Third Place features a sommelier-led wine program.
• It offers craft wines, served in their purer or more intentional form, meaning attention is given to quality, selection, and the wine’s character.
• The wine bar is meant to complement the food, designed so guests can pair their pour with pizzas or small plates, or enjoy wine as a primary focus during their visit.

The Coffee Experience

Balancing the wine-forward experience is SOIL Coffee, which specializes in slow-brewed, homestyle blends. This dual focus ensures that the venue works just as well for a morning coffee meet-up as it does for an evening of wine and conversation. 

Design and Ambience

Designed by Kunal Mhaske in collaboration with stylist Kajal Patel, the interiors strike a balance between earthy warmth and urban vibrancy.

• Refurbished and repurposed furniture, abundant indoor greenery, and ample natural light create a welcoming environment.
• Private corners offer intimacy, while communal countertops encourage casual interaction.
• The space extends into a multi-sensory lifestyle experience, with adjoining concept stores like Altrove by Shreya Mantri and Style Mati by Fatima, featuring slow-fashion collections, décor, and accessories in muted tones and natural forms.

This seamless blend of dining, design, and retail transforms The Third Place into more than a restaurant – it’s a cultural destination.

The Information | The Third Place

• Timings:
• • Breakfast: 8 AM – 12 NOON
  • All Day Dining: 12 NOON – 10:45 PM
  • Lunch: 12 NOON – 3:30 PM
  • Dinner: 7 PM – 10:45 PM
• Contact: 7397999999
• Address: 101, Jewel Tower, Lane 5, Koregaon Park, Pune 411001 (Opposite Godrej Nature’s Basket)

Summing Up

With its unique mix of wine, food, coffee, and design, The Third Place is redefining Pune’s social scene. As the city’s first dedicated wine bar, it offers not just a dining experience but also a sense of community – true to the essence of a “third place.” Whether you’re dropping by for a slow-brew coffee, sharing a bottle of wine with friends, or exploring the adjoining lifestyle boutiques, The Third Place promises to be a refreshing, versatile addition to Koregaon Park’s cultural fabric.