Little Italy Enters Lonavala With Experience-Led Restaurant

Little Italy, India’s vegetarian Italian restaurant brand, has expanded to Lonavala with a new 11,000-sq.-ft. restaurant. Founded in 1989, the brand now operates more than 45 outlets across 20+ cities in India and Dubai. Located between Mumbai and Pune, the new outlet is designed as a destination for dining, leisure and social experiences. It accommodates 110 guests across indoor and outdoor spaces, along with a banquet area for private events and celebrations.

Italian cuisine remains central to the menu, featuring pizzas, pastas, Neapolitan pizzas and signature dishes such as Barberesca, Roman Pizza and Tiramisu. The restaurant also offers Asian, Mexican and Indian options for larger groups and varied preferences.

A key attraction is The Brundowner – Brunch to Sundown, a weekend experience combining brunch with activities such as monsoon and photography walks, painting, pottery, pizza-making, pasta experiences, board games, Books & Brews and Chai & Stories. The day culminates in a sundowner with music, sharing plates and beverages. The brand is also developing Little Italy Escapes – Stay, which will combine dining with curated stays through hospitality partnerships.

The Lonavala launch also signals Little Italy’s plans to appeal to younger diners. The brand is developing Little Italy Reserve, a contemporary extension that will build on its food, legacy and hospitality while introducing new elements.

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 new property was unveiled through The Founder’s Table, hosted by Chairman Raj Mehta and MD Amrut, offering guests a dining-led journey through the brand’s history, Italian roots and future plans.

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.
With the Lonavala opening, Little Italy is positioning its latest outlet as more than a restaurant—a destination where food, leisure and experiences come together for weekend travellers.