Little Italy Reserve Opens in Pune, Bringing Italian Heritage and Mediterranean Hospitality Under One Roof

Little Italy, the homegrown Italian dining institution that opened its first restaurant in Pune in 1989, has launched Little Italy Reserve, a reimagined flagship in Shivajinagar. Opening in October 2026, Reserve brings together Little Italy, its Italian-Mediterranean dining experience; Tutto Bene, a speciality café and gelateria; and Lily, a cocktail-led after-dark bar, creating an all-day destination that moves from morning coffee and long lunches to aperitivo, dinner, cocktails and music.

Founded by Raj Mehta, Little Italy has grown into a brand with more than 50 outlets across 18 cities and four countries. Amrut Mehta, Managing Director of the Little Italy Group and Concept Lead for Little Italy Reserve and Lily, is now carrying his father's vision forward with a contemporary expression of the brand, built around what it calls The Mediterranean Way of Life.

From Italian familiarity to Mediterranean discovery

The culinary direction is led by Alessandro Comis, Executive Chef for Little Italy Reserve, who hails from Sicily. Italian technique stays at the centre, with pizza, handmade pasta, risotto, breads, cheese, tomatoes and olive oil remaining foundational, while the menu travels across the Mediterranean, with influences from Greece, Spain, France, Turkey and the Levant. The philosophy centres on "an elevated experience with the flavours you remember".

Long-standing favourites such as Nachos, Pasta del Barone, Pasta Barbaresca, Lasagne, Sicilia and Chocolate Bomb remain on the menu. New additions include the Mezze Tower, Hummus Deconstructed, Crispy Fried Gnocchi, Moderna Caprese, Truffle Tagliatelle, 100-Layer Batata Harra and Mushroom Shawarma, reinforcing the brand's vegetarian identity.

A dedicated Steamed Pasta section serves cappelletti, tortellini, ravioli and manti as starters in smaller portions, almost like dim sum, with creations such as Black Truffle Raviolo and Ricotta & Lemon Tortellini. Desserts include Olive Oil Citrus Cake, Tiramisu Italiano, Baklava and freshly made gelato.

Lily: a new cocktail chapter

Lily marks Little Italy's move into cocktail culture and after-dark hospitality. Its drinks programme follows the mood of the evening: bright, aperitivo-led pours at Golden Hour, produce-led cocktails in At the Table, and richer, deeper flavours in After Dark. Signatures include The Sinatra, Cedar and Smoke, Signora Limone, Caprese Martini and Garden of Byblos. Bar bites reimagine familiar classics, from French onion soup as a tart to Pan con Tomate on crisp puff pastry and a Croque Monsieur Toastie. By around 10:30 pm, Lily After Dark takes over the space, retaining food, seating and conversation rather than adopting a conventional nightclub format.

One destination, different chapters of the day

Tutto Bene offers brewed coffee, fresh bakes, breakfast favourites, cakes, pastries, house-made gelato and café classics. The Piazza, an alfresco space centred around a striking fountain, hosts leisurely lunches, sundowners and intimate dinners, with live music ranging from jazz to saxophone and violin on select days of the week.

Raj Mehta, Founder, Little Italy Group, said: "Little Italy has always been a family restaurant at heart, becoming part of birthdays, celebrations, first dates and everyday memories for generations. Reserve is about carrying that connection forward while creating an experience that reflects how people eat, meet and spend time together today. The Italian roots remain, but the table now travels further along the Mediterranean coast."

Amrut Mehta said: "Reserve represents our evolution from a traditional restaurant proposition into a more integrated hospitality experience. By bringing dining, cocktails and café culture together, we are creating a format that responds to changing consumer lifestyles while building on Little Italy's established strengths. Pune is the starting point for this next phase of growth."

A blueprint for expansion

The Shivajinagar flagship is intended to serve as the blueprint for future Reserve locations, with the group aiming to take the concept to five to eight more cities by 2030. Hyderabad and Jaipur are among the next planned markets.

Images: courtesy of Little Italy Reserve