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Min Read
Marking its entry into Lonavala, Little Italy has opened an 11,000 sq. ft. restaurant designed to bring together dining, leisure and social experiences. Founded in 1989, the vegetarian Italian restaurant brand now has more than 45 outlets across 20+ cities in India and Dubai.
Located between Mumbai and Pune, the new restaurant can accommodate 110 guests across indoor and outdoor spaces. It also features a banquet area for private events and celebrations, positioning the outlet as a destination for both everyday dining and special occasions.
Italian cuisine continues to anchor the menu, with pizzas, pastas, Neapolitan pizzas and signature offerings such as Barberesca, Roman Pizza and Tiramisu. To cater to larger groups and different tastes, the restaurant also includes Asian, Mexican and Indian dishes.
Adding to the experience is The Brundowner – Brunch to Sundown, a weekend format that combines brunch with activities including monsoon and photography walks, painting, pottery, pizza making, pasta experiences, board games, Books & Brews and Chai & Stories. The day winds down with a sundowner featuring music, sharing plates and beverages.
Little Italy is also working on Little Italy Escapes – Stay, which will combine its dining experience with curated stays through hospitality partnerships.
The Lonavala launch is part of the brand’s effort to connect with younger diners and explore newer formats. It is developing Little Italy Reserve, a contemporary extension that will build on the brand’s food, legacy and hospitality while introducing new elements to the overall experience.
Speaking about the launch, Raj Mehta, Chairman, Little Italy, said, “Little Italy has always grown with the people who have grown with us. What began in 1989 has today become a brand that has been experienced by generations of guests. Lonavala is an exciting new chapter for us. We want to create a place where food, time and experiences come together. While our roots remain the same, we are also looking at new ways to connect with the next generation.”
The launch was marked by The Founder’s Table, hosted by Chairman Raj Mehta and MD Amrut, taking guests through Little Italy’s history, Italian roots and vision for the future.
Amrut Mehta, MD, Little Italy, said, “With Little Italy Lonavala, we wanted to create more than just a restaurant. We wanted to create a place where people can come together, spend time and enjoy different experiences. Little Italy Escapes is an important part of this, with experiences around food, music, leisure and activities, and eventually stays as well. When people come to a destination like Lonavala, they often come with family, friends or for celebrations and events, so having a variety of cuisines and experiences in one place makes it more convenient and enjoyable.”
“Whether it is a weekend outing, a family gathering, a corporate event or a wedding, we want people to be able to make the most of their time here. The idea is simple; we want Little Italy Lonavala to be a place where the experience goes well beyond the dining table,” added Mehta.
The new outlet takes Little Italy beyond dining, offering weekend travellers a mix of food, leisure and experiences under one roof.
