Donna Cucina: A Love Letter to Italy in Every Bite

Kalyani Nagar, 6th January 2025: Pune’s cherished Italian restaurant — Donna Cucina is a love letter to Italy, hand-written in pasta and pizza with love. Recently moved to a quaint, pistachio-green bungalow in Kalyani Nagar, this cosy space invites you to step away from the everyday and into a warm, rustic retreat reminiscent of an Italian grandmother’s kitchen with handmade fresh pasta and pizza.

Donna Cucina’s story is one of heart, determination, and a dream that grew from a small home kitchen to a full-service restaurant that celebrates the soul of Italian cuisine. The journey began with Arshita Singhvi, a chartered accountant by profession but a devoted cook at heart, who found solace in the art of Italian cooking. Her deep appreciation for the simplicity and beauty of Italian food, a passion sparked in her teenage years, became the foundation of Donna Cucina. From her first pasta machine to the cloud kitchen days, small open space in Koregaon Park and now eventually to the charming restaurant nestled in an old Villa, Arshita has poured love in every way.

Step into Donna Cucina, and you’re instantly transported to a warm, inviting haven, where every corner radiates the essence of family, love, and the Italian way of life. The high-arched doorways and wooden interiors are enriched with intricate Italian tiles. These timeless details evoke the charm of an old-world villa, blending seamlessly with the warm glow of vintage lamps that cast a soft, welcoming light over the space. The restaurant is designed for togetherness, offering intimate nooks for quiet date nights, as well as larger tables for family gatherings, where loved ones can share in hearty meals and laughter. The walls are thoughtfully adorned honor Italy while also reflecting Arshita’s personal connection to Italy making it a heartfelt ode to a country that has mastered the art of living beautifully. From iconic movie moments, such as Letters to Juliet and The Godfather, to historic snapshots like Mr. Lamborghini’s first tractor and Mr. Ferrari’s pioneering car, the walls reflect Italy’s innovation in film, automobiles, and storytelling. A wall dedicated to music and dance pays tribute to legends like Dean Martin, Frankie Valli, and Frank Sinatra, whose melodies still resonate.

Another showcases the grandeur of Italian art and architecture, featuring the Vatican’s splendor and a close-up of Michelangelo’s statue of David. The food wall is a homage to Italy’s culinary heart, with images of Naples’ oldest pizzeria, Marco bikes, and a nod to Anthony Bourdain, whose love for global cuisine inspires the same passion behind Donna Cucina. At the heart of the space is the “Wine and Coffee Bar,” an oasis of indulgence where guests can savour their choice of fine wines or an Illy coffee, the iconic Italian brand making its debut in India. A standout feature is the show kitchen, where diners can watch the magic of the cuisine unfold before their eyes, as chefs handcraft fresh pasta. This interactive element brings a true sense of authenticity, reminding guests of home-cooked meals made with love. Outside, the ambiance continues with a pet-friendly patio that nods to the original Donna Cucina, adding tables and stools brought over from the beloved space. It’s an open, welcoming area where guests can dine under the sky, accompanied by their furry friends, while soaking in the same Italian charm and warmth. It’s la dolce vita in every detail, an escape into a space that feels like your nonna’s embrace, where every meal is a celebration of life, family, and togetherness.

At Donna Cucina, each ingredient is thoughtfully selected to preserve the integrity of Italian flavours. The restaurant’s pastas, made fresh daily, are crafted by hand using high-quality Italian ‘00’ flour, authentic semolina, and the finest extra virgin olive oil. Sourcing juicy, flavorful tomatoes directly from Italy, Arshita ensures that each plate of pasta is as close as possible to what one would find in the heart of Rome, Naples, or Bologna.

Every dish transports you straight to an Italian grandmother’s kitchen, where time slows down, and flavours unfold with warmth and simplicity. Begin your journey with the Whipped Ricotta, a signature appetizer that has won hearts since its debut. Made fresh daily, the ricotta is whipped into a creamy, airy cloud and topped with a vibrant sauce of roasted cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and capers, all simmered in extra virgin olive oil. Served with a slice of sourdough, it’s a taste of pure comfort. Another crowd-pleaser, the Zucchini Sourdough Toast, features marinated ribbons of zucchini atop ricotta, pistachio, and a drizzle of pesto—a delightful combination of freshness and crunch.

For pasta lovers, the menu offers an array of in-house creations that transport you straight to Italy. The Mushroom Cappelletti, lovingly shaped like tiny hats, is filled with a rich blend of caramelized onions, mushrooms, and rosemary, served in a luxurious mushroom-thyme butter sauce. The Pesto Potato Ravioli, inspired by the traditions of Liguria, combines the creaminess of whipped potato with the aromatic brightness of pesto, wrapped in a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth pasta sheet. For a bold treat, the Cappelletti di Mandorla combines almond, sage, and parmesan in a filling that’s decadently paired with brown butter and almond crumble.

The menu also includes the unique Mafaldine con Sugo Finto, a Tuscan specialty of long, curly pasta tossed in a deeply umami-rich ragù made from slow-cooked mushrooms and vegetables, reminiscent of traditional Bolognese flavors. Light and refreshing, the Linguine al Limone offers a tangy yet balanced medley of lemon, parsley, sundried tomatoes, and parmesan, delivering a bright and zesty finish to your pasta cravings.

Donna Cucina’s Pizza Napoletana brings a taste of Naples with options like the simple-yet-sublime Margherita, and the Roma—a savoury delight topped with four cheeses and brown garlic butter. The rich, creamy Funghi Porcini Risotto combines tender porcini mushrooms with a hint of rosemary, evoking the aroma of Italian forests after the rain.

For a sweet finish, indulge in the Cannoli Siciliano, a delicate pastry filled with ricotta and coated with pistachios and chocolate, or the classic Tiramisu layered with espresso and mascarpone.

Donna Cucina offers a dining experience that honours the Italian way of life. Here, meals are unrushed, encouraging to savour not only their plates but also the company they’re in. The restaurant embraces the Italian philosophy of “la dolce vita”—the sweet life—with a curated menu of fine wines and a rotating monthly selection that introduces diners to seasonal, regional Italian recipes, always infused with Arshita’s personal touch and creativity.

Step into Donna Cucina, and you’ll find more than just a restaurant; you’ll discover a lovingly crafted experience, where food, warmth, and tradition are served in every dish. Buon appetito!